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In the debt collection industry, customer retention is a key component to measuring success. For example, a bad collections experience can push debtors towards competitors and even affect your reputation as an agency. However, in many cases collection agencies are subconsciously viewed by the debtor as an extension of the client’s business. This means that any opinions or emotions the debtor develops towards your agency are often associated with the client’s business. 

Ashley has received six consecutive payment reminders for her past-due credit card balance. Due to her sub-par credit score, her debt gets sold to a collections agency where she begins to receive phone calls and letters requesting payment. When Ashley is finally ready to make a payment, she returns the call to the collection's agency to be greeted and assisted by an AI-powered virtual agent to make a payment on her balance. 

Did you know that 61% of consumers have been negatively impacted by COVID-19? The greatest increase in bad debt began in March 2020, and as a result, the largest phase of third-party collections is estimated to begin in October of 2020, extending in to the summer of 2021. 

Life as we know it revolves around technology. Business functions, processes, communication, information, and productivity all rely on some form of technology whether it’s your computer, cloud storage and data center, telephone, or even the software you use on a daily basis. For the collections’ agency, this reliance on technology is no different. Earlier on the blog, we discussed technological needs in collections. But what we haven’t discussed is how technology has evolved the collections process. Since it first began, the art of collections has changed tremendously. Now, the collections industry relies on the use of technology to communicate, store, and analyze information like analytics, automation, and Compliance Management Systems (CMS).  

Compliance management is a disciple that cannot, and shouldn’t be taken lightly no matter what industry you are in. However, when it comes to collections, it is even more pertinent to success. Over the years, new regulations and compliance policies are enforced and/or amended, differentiating the way agencies collect and emphasizing the need for adaptation. Although collectors are legally entitled to attempt to collect all owed debts, there are restrictions on the methodology they utilize including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and Software Compliance.

From self-isolation to job loss, and most importantly, the tragic loss of family members and friends, COVID-19 has affected every individual in some way; not one person is exempt from the perils of this economic and physical state of emergency. With new restrictions hitting the headlines daily regarding debt collection, and the historical negative perception of debt collectors, many regulators called for a stop in collections activity. However, this may actually cause more stress for people impacted by financial difficulties caused by COVID-19. 

Though we may not like it, debt is often a necessary part of life, meaning there's absolutely no shame in borrowing from time-to-time. Unfortunately, many people find themselves in these financial situations simply because they do not know how to handle the collection process. When this happens, debt just continues to pile up, leading to negative outcomes.

Advancements in technology have left a massive impact on the business world, and this is no different for the collection industry. Technology has made it easier for collectors to stay up-to-date by tracking the status of unresolved accounts, contact debtors, and, collect payments. No matter what your business goals are—to collect, gather insights, gather questions answered, or all of the above–odds are that technology has streamlined the process including remote agents, chatbots, and online bill pay.

Your credit score is important, and if you’re like many Americans, you may be faced with unpaid debts now or in the near future as a result of COVID-19.

When it comes to collecting, it’s incredibly important to have a clear understanding of the people from whom you are attempting to collect. Everyone has a unique set of personal values and experiences which makes it important for agencies to locate methods that works for everyone. While this can be one of the most difficult tasks of collecting, it can be made easier by examining the differences between generations: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z.