Zip $($Pty$)$ Ltd$,$ a company involved in the haberdashery trade, have been experiencing cash flow problems and are looking at ways at managing its cash more efficiently. The payments of creditors have come under scrutiny and they are faced with the following scenario: One of its suppliers Buttons Ltd have offered them a cash saving incentive by allowing then a $2\%$ discount on all invoices paid within $20$ days. The usual payment terms are $30$ days for the full invoice value. Buttons Ltd has just issued an invoice of R$50000$ to Zip $($Pty$)$ Ltd$.$ The current short$-$term deposit interest rate is $15\%.$

Round your workings to the nearest rand.

Required:

$4\mathrm{.}1$ As the financial accountant of Zip $($Pty$)$ Ltd you have been asked to advise the company whether to pay the invoice within $20$ days or settle the normal credit agreement and pay within $30$ days.

$4\mathrm{.}2$ What other factors would you consider in advising your company to assist with creditor management considering its cash flow problems?

$4\mathrm{.}3$ What are the risks to your company if credit periods are not kept?