In commercial collections, you generally deal with three main types of debtors: forgotten, lost, or invoice never received. Businesses generally understand the importance of paying bills on time. For example, there are companies that are legitimately struggling to pay what they owe. They usually want to pay you, but they don’t have a way to do it. Then, there’s the debtor that’s dodging you. With the first and second type of debtors, you have options to get paid. Those options all revolve around problem solving. With the third type of debtor, you could be struggling just to get into contact with them. Here are some tips you can use.
Call at Different Times Each Day
If you’re calling the debtor at the same time each day and they’re not answering or returning your messages, change the time that you’re calling. Just make sure that you’re not calling at inappropriate times that would put you in violation of collection laws. Call more than once a day, but remember to always remain professional in the messages you leave.
Try Going Through the Receptionist or Assistant
If you’re calling the direct line for the debtor and they’re not answering or returning your calls, go through the receptionist or the assistant. Call the main line and ask to speak with them. Let the receptionist or assistant know that it isn’t a sales call, but it is a call about an existing account. You don’t have to tell them it is a collections call. The debtor may answer a call that is transferred from the main line.
Mail a Certified Letter and Send an Email
Again, remember to always be professional in contact with the debtor. Mail out a certified letter explaining your attempts to contact the debtor about their past due account and what will happen if they do not get into contact with you. You can also send an email. Remember to use a “read receipt” on your email. You’ll be notified that the recipient received the email.
Use a Commercial Collections Attorney
If the debtor still refuses to talk with you, retain a commercial collections attorney to help resolve the matter.
What Next
For more challenging collections issue, you will want to hire an experienced commercial collections attorney. Reach out to The Law Offices of Ronald P. Slates today for a consultation.