5 Tips for Better Debt Collection

Almost every business owner comes across a difficult debtor at least once in their lifetime. Troubling economic conditions, financial mismanagement, or just plain loss of the business, there are various reasons why a customer might have difficulties meeting those debts. But, if you think of it — is it your fault? Absolutely not! This is the reason why you should strive to collect the debts that rightly belong to your business. Let’s take a look at five debt collection tips that may help you in the debt collection process:

Tip #1 — Get Ready:

Foresight here is the key. While it is important that you deal with people who seem to have good credit worthiness, it is not really possible to trust that person every single time. So, in case your intuition ditched you and you are trying hard to collect your dues from a delinquent customer, you must be prepared in the debt collection process. From the copies of invoices, to the agreements that you have signed, go through all such essential information before you try to reach out to your debtor.

Tip #2 — Keep Things Documented:

Once you have made the initial contact, the next thing you need to do is to note everything that you discussed with the debtor. If possible, you can even use a tracking device to record your conversation with the person. Information that you get while talking to the customer will help you in your future course of action, and also in litigation as a last resort. These notes may also come in handy if skip tracing is required in the future.

Tip #3 — Be Focused:

One thing that you need to understand is that we all face difficulties in our lives, but we try our best to fulfill our commitments. If you think that the debtor is trying to create a soft corner in your heart by talking about the hardship that they are facing or by telling personal stories, then don’t let that happen. Stay focused and stay professional. You are not talking to the person to build relationships. You are dealing with them as a business person who wants to get the dues cleared for the products or services that you have offered. Don’t let others’ personal stories sway you. Your end goal is to collect the payment that your company is owed.

Tip #4 — Never Lose Your Calm:

While conversing with a debtor, make sure you stay calm, no matter whether the debtor is abusing you or making false allegations. Try to listen carefully and be calm during your talks. You would definitely not want to say something that you regret speaking later on.

Tip #5 — Take Action Quickly:

Time is of the essence. Judgments are subject to a statute of limitations. The sooner you act, the better. Getting the process started is very important for generating a stream of reimbursement. Tracking the process accurately is even more important. Any mixed-up papers or incorrectly filed documents can be rejected by the court and costly in fees. Average Warrant in Debt and Garnishment fees are $54 / $92 respectively, this adds up quickly.