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Tech in the Collections Industry
Is Your Internal Collection Process Not Working For You?
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When a Customer Files for Bankruptcy
It’s happened: you’ve received a letter saying that a customer of yours has filed for bankruptcy to resolve their debt problems. While this can be a frustrating situation, don’t waste your time worrying about what may or may not happen. Depending on your customer’s bankruptcy details, acting quickly could result in repayment for a portion or even all the unpaid debt you are owed. The debt collection process in cases of bankruptcy are not as strenuous as many companies seem to think, especially if you know what your options are. This article will explain what happens when someone you’re trying to collect from files for bankruptcy and how to move through the debt collection process.
3 Ways to Create Urgency in Collections
So, how do you create a sense of urgency for your debtors to take prompt action as opposed to remaining passive? Rather than expend unnecessary time, energy, and resources pursuing overdue invoices, allow us at Alexander, Miller & Associates to help capture the attention of your debtors by using the following powerful techniques:
Debt Collections: Alexander, Miller & Associates will not be affected by new CFPB regulations
Using a Private Investigator to Assist Debt Recovery
When utilizing a Private Investigator (P.I.) to supplement your debt recovery efforts, timing is the key. It should not be only used as a last minute effort, Private Investigators are to be used to gather info to strengthen your case. It pays to use a P.I. that has experience in debt recovery and asset liability investigations.
On-site Investigations
When a P.I. goes out to visit a business, their main objective is to gather information to strengthen your debt recovery, not to harass the debtor company or staff. They can interview employees, take pictures of applicable assets and gather as much info as they can prior to being asked to leave. The gathered information can help reinforce your case and also usually results in a call back to the debt recovery agency from the debtor to revisit the case.
A private investigator can also be helpful for different investigative services. These include assisting with skip tracing, asset searches, asset liability investigations, business investigations and collections services. In general, a P.I. is a great tool to keep in your toolbox when you require extra strength and need to dedicate the due diligence to be successful with those difficult debt recovery cases.
Why choose a 3rd party collection agency over an attorney
Most 3rd party collection agencies work on a contingency basis. You do not pay them until they collect. Their commision is based on a percentage of the dollar amount collected. This is beneficial since it avoids you having to spend good money in efforts of collecting bad money. A debt collection agency, when successful, will typically achieve results quicker, since there are no court dates involved. This also helps because the collection agency will make you a priority when the debt is still fresh in the debtors mind and there will often be less resistance given by the debtor.
A collection agency is structured and equipped to collect debt, not to file lawsuits as an attorney would be. They will have a set of tested and proven legal demand letters to send on your behalf. A collection agency will utilize tools and online services to skip trace, investigate and contact the debtor company.
An attorney can be a valuable asset in your collections process, but a lawyer should always be retained after your 3rd party collection agency exhausted their efforts. In the long run, your accounts would be in far superior shape and prepped for litigation once they are forwarded from your collection agency to your attorney. Remember, it’s a long walk up those courtroom steps, though sometimes a lawsuit is needed. Make sure your collection agency is your first line of defense when dealing with delinquent accounts.
Alexander Miller & Associates have over 60 years of combined industry experience. If you are dealing with delinquent invoices and need representation, contact us for a free consultation. If a lawsuit is necessary we can recommend a CLLA Attorney that will take the case. We look forward to earning your business!
Internal Policies and Procedures for Accounts Receivables Departments
Companies that deal with commercial accounts, generally deal with fewer customers with higher balances, while the consumer based companies deal with more clients with smaller balances in their accounts receivables department. However, the basic function in the AR process generally stay the same.
The Accounts Receivables Process
- Remittance – Utilize multiple payment methods;
- Credit Management – Make sure customers are familiar with your terms, use multiple sources for initial credit checks, call business references;
- Collections – Be sure that any account past terms has been forwarded to a 3rd party collection agency or an attorney.
Early Pay Discounts
Sales discounts to encourage early payment can improve the cash flow of a business. This discount should be enough to encourage the customer to pay with the desired time, but small enough to avoid profit erosion. As with all promotions, early pay discounts should have a definitive end date as to when the promotion ends.
3rd Party Collection Agency
It is a good practice to have a definitive age when past due accounts are placed with a 3rd party collection agency. Generally it is recommended to turn over delinquent accounts after 90 days. At this point the debt is still fresh on your customer’s mind and will facilitate making you a priority. Along with have a psychological advantage, your collection agency will have tools, technology and contacts that can be used in order to have the account current quickly. Debt collection firms usually have programs in place to assist you in your internal receivables department. Other services include, demand letters, private investigators, commercial credit reports and access to legal records and information.
Event Sensitive Vs. Time Sensitive Accounts Receivables
Maintaining an effective accounts receivables department can be a challenge. Implementing proper policies and procedures is the most important factor, but is often overlooked by many small to medium size businesses. Everything from your credit application to the length of terms will affect the numbers on your aging report. Working with a collections agency that will provide you commercial credit reports really help you know your client plus help you make an informed decision when extending terms to new customers which limits your risk. Continue reading “Event Sensitive Vs. Time Sensitive Accounts Receivables”