Mr. Smith, while I appreciate  your quandary, those of us on this board and in business for ourselves pay our vendors in a timely fashion.  Many times, this entails our not paying ourselves or reimbursing ourselves for expenses paid personally for our business.  You state you have been in business for 18 years, so it would appear in that period of time, you have many instances wherein you have had problems collecting what is due you.  Please remember, your owe your vendors whether you are paid or not.  Therefore, you should have a "pad" for just such circumstances.

Donna