Final answer:
When processing orders for new customers or customers exceeding their credit limit, a specific authorization from the credit manager is required. This is because a credit card is considered a short-term loan, and without careful risk assessment, the company could face financial losses. The credit manager's role is to balance maintaining sales while ensuring the financial stability of the company.
Step-by-step explanation:
The typical procedure for processing sales orders from new customers or customers making a purchase that causes their credit limit to be exceeded usually involves a specific authorization process. When a sales order is placed by a new customer or by an existing customer who is exceeding their credit limit, the transaction poses a credit risk to the company. To mitigate this risk, specific authorization must be granted by the credit manager before the order can be approved. This is because a credit card operates as a short-term loan, with money initially being transferred from the credit card company's account to the seller, which at the end of the month becomes debt the cardholder owes to the credit card company.
Granting general authorization to sales clerks typically would not be advisable as they may not be equipped to assess credit risk appropriately. Similarly, rejecting the sale outright may not be ideal as each customer's financial circumstances could vary, and a potential opportunity might be missed. However, it is important to handle these situations with caution to avoid extending credit that could result in nonpayment. Therefore, entrusting the decision to a credit manager who can evaluate the specific risks and make an informed decision is generally seen as the best approach to balancing sales and financial stability.
Obtaining a report from a credit bureau before approving the order could be part of the credit manager's due diligence process, although this might not be practical or necessary for every transaction. Each business will have its own policies and procedures based on their risk tolerance, customer relationship management, and operational efficiency.