IDEA: You cannot afford every customer. Kick out bums who cost you money. Be courteous as you raise prices.

You cannot afford every customer; identify and kick out costly bums (dollars and time). The non-payers cost too much, take up valuable time and sadly keep you distracted from selling to those who have money. Identify the customers which carry the most potential for your firm in the long run and work on them dilligently.  Do not get bogged down in the details of small account s that will never go anywhere and cost money and especially valuable time in the long run.  Be courteous and raise their prices. Be courteous because they may fully well accept them knowing there is no where else to go.