When To Use A Collection Agency
What is a collection agency?
It is a company or an organization, which acts on interests of a creditor to collect bad debts or overdue amounts. You should note that this type of agency does not take the ownership of the debt but acts on your behalf to carry out the collection process. Moreover, it does not guarantee you the collection of the debt.
Why do customers fail to pay?
There are
various reasons people fail to pay on time. In fact, most people do not want to pay. Usually, genuine financial difficulties, some of the temporary nature are some of the causes. In such situation, the person may pay after his financial issues are over.
Disadvantages of hiring a collection agency
Your customers will view the idea of using a collection company with a lot of apprehensions. This means that they view this approach with a negative notion. Thus, they are likely to resist such attempts to collect the monies from the customer. Some customers are likely to pay you even though they have delayed temporarily.
From the above argument, it is apparent that use of a collection agency is the last resort. Fortunately, some collection agencies do specialize in early intervention but on a diplomatic basis.
Using a collection agency
It is advisable to hire a collection company when the case is clear. This means that you should use their services when you are certain that the customer can pay, is required to pay the dues, but is unwilling or refusing to pay. You can wait for a short duration and make attempts through follow ups and reminders with the customer before using a collection company.
When not to use them
It is neces
sary to consider when it is not right to hire a collection agency. Various situations in which your debtor can have her defense and initiating legal or formal proceedings can become counterproductive. This can cause unnecessary complications and delays. First, think whether the debtor has valid reasons not to pay the debt. In such situation, you should try to solve the problem diplomatically.
Other issues and difficulties
Even when debtors do not have valid reasons, some circumstances may make it difficult to recover dues legally. For instance, the debtor should be solvent to pay the amount. Moreover, bankruptcy can also prevent collection activities.
Cost
You need to know the true cost of using a collection agency. Fees vary from one agency to another. Also, legal proceedings that may be initiated by your collection agency can make your operations difficult and slow down the process.…
