The amount due from customers but not yet collected When goods due are shipped prior to collection, a receivable is recorded In a cable company, the amount of the total subscription bills went out, but not paid by the customers, is one of Account Receivables
a claim against a debtor, generally on open account, its application usually limited to uncollected amounts of completed sale of goods and services; distinguished from deposits, accruals, and other items not arising out of everyday transactions
Any amount owed to a business as the result of a purchase of goods or services from it on a credit basis. Although the firm making the sale receives no written promise of payment, it enters the amount due as a current asset in its books. Accounts receivable constitute a major portion of the assets of many companies, and they may even be sold or pledged as collateral to obtain loans. See also account payable; factoring