Good communication is at the heart of the collection process. There's more to chasing an overdue debt than sending a statement of account and a reminder. A professional debt recovery service undertakes the debt collection process. Success in debt collection services is more than being proactive and persistent. A collection agency runs proven communication skills. This means using every available channel to contact the debtor, resolve any issues and achieve a prompt debt settlement.

It means communicating with diplomacy and propriety to ensure that the client's reputation is protected and valuable business relationships are compromised.

Traditional or digital communications

A hard copy letter sent by post remains the traditional form of communication for debt collection. It is also the most likely to be read, particularly if some form of registered or signed-for mail service sends it.

The more contact points, the better. Digital channels can help reinforce the message and catch the debtor's attention at the right moment and in the correct location. Unscrupulous debtors can be elusive, and a good debt collection agency won't simply rely on sending a letter to an address that may no longer be valid. Emails and SMS messages should reach the debtor wherever they are.

Besides, there's no substitute when it comes to personal contact; as a result, telephone follow-up is mission-critical. More than anything, it allows for discussing the situation with the debtor and finding out whether there's a particular problem when holding up debt payments.

The initial step

When it comes to initial contact with a debtor, third-party debt collection agencies will usually inform them that they're working on behalf of a particular client to recover a debt. It clearly outlines details when it comes to outstanding debt balance.

When it comes to debt collection, communication is a two-way process. From the first contact, the debtor allows you to respond and state your position. Besides, there may be a simple reason why the debt is yet to be paid. To be precise, it may be overweight, in which case payment could be forthcoming without further action.   

Debt dispute

When the debtor claims there are unresolved contractual issues, they'll be asked to provide evidence in writing. The debt collection agency will then forward this to the client and consult them to establish if the debtor has any justification when withholding payment.

At this stage, debt recovery services can resolve disputes and settle the debt. But, if this looks unlikely, it may be time to escalate to legal action. This is always a last resort in any debt collection process, so the debtor will usually be given another opportunity and responsibility to clarify their position before things are taken to the next level.

When the legal route is the only course of action, debt recovery services can provide reliable advice and guidance to support through the process. In some cases, the mere threat of taking things further, in the form of a 'letter before action,' can be enough to encourage the debtor to pay what's owed.

Final Wrap

Debt recovery services operate with integrity and professionalism. It's more about ensuring that even the most challenging or sensitive cases are dealt with appropriately. You can rely on us to stay in touch with the debtors. We help your business grow.