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Monday, 2 September 2013

9 Simple And Effective Debt Collection Tips

By Kate McMahon


Research indicates that more people are now failing to repay their loans on time more than ever before. If you want your business to remain viable, you have to ensure that you get your money on time so that you can make it flow and make more profits. Below are some important debt collection tips that you may find beneficial.

Ensure that you invoice professionally. The document should have information regarding the product, the dates and all costs. Ensure that everything has been included on the dispatch note before anything is done. This is because your debts will definitely be paid contingent to your competence and organization.

Send the statement as soon as the stated payment date has passed. This should just indicate the amount owed and the expected date of payment. If this does not produce any positive response, then follow it with a reminder letter soon enough. Ensure that the letter is polite, and gently reminding the debtor that you are keeping things on check.

Be flexible. You should be ready to adjust the conditions to fit the situation. Adapt to meet the circumstances of the customer you are dealing with. Be ready to accept renegotiated payment schedules if the client is reliable.

Be precise. Do not leave conversations open. If the customer has agreed to pay, then get the exact dates and installments they would wish to pay. This should be done in writing for future reference. In this manner, you will not have cases of misunderstanding.

If the debtor does not respond after sending a reminder letter, then you should call them. Be sure to inquire whether the client has received the messages sent previously. Inquire about their willingness to clear the debts and financial status. This will enable you to know the action to take afterwards.

Send a final reminder letter. This is not about reminding them to pay the debt, but of the actions you would take to recover the debt. For instance, you may warn them of refusing future credits. Another option could be to take statutory action.

If you do not get any response, then you should take legal action against the defaulter. This is the last resort especially if it involves a lot of cash. However, ensure that you consult with your company lawyer before filing any lawsuit.

You may also consider Small Claims Court. However, this option is only useful for small amounts that range to a few thousand dollars. However, the court will ask for proof that you have made reasonable effort to come to a settlement.

Before you even think of debt collection tips, you need to equip yourself with credit management skills. Run background checks on all your clients so that you reduce risks. Have stricter terms for those who delay payment. Ensure that you discuss all the terms and conditions with your customers so that they know what to expect in case of delayed payment.




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