Debt collection is a tough field. It takes a robust spirit to see the matter through. Though we have a clear objective, the road is not level and smooth. As there is both money on the table and resistant debtors in the chairs, to be successful, we as collectors need a careful strategy. When approaching each account before the journey even begins, we are reminded of the words of Gene Kranz, the flight director of Apollo 13; “Let’s work the problem, people.”  

From Over-Dunn to Well-Dunn:

A Win-Win Consumer-centric Approach Rooted in Compassionate Communication

Even though not everyone may have a favorable view of debt collection agencies, the fact is, they perform a vital service that keeps costs down and maintains client relationships. Before you take inventory and decide whether hiring an agency is the right move for your business, consider all the ways in which using collections is the smarter and more efficient move for you and your business.

Have you ever asked yourself, just what exactly does a debt collection service do and how does it work? Well then, you’re in luck! We’ve outlined the most common topics about how agencies operate, why we need them, to the evolution and future of the debt collection industry.

Any business that can’t adapt with the times is going to suffer. Technology has revolutionized how consumers and companies communicate and conduct business. The old standard of phone calls and paper bills has become a relic of the past. It’s time to get current and streamline your operations as well as increasing customer satisfaction. Using email to communicate and collect payment is a win-win that empowers consumers as well as increasing collection revenue and positive outcomes.

A credit score, like a shadow, follows us for life and is either helped or harmed by our choices. A healthy score requires good financial decisions over a long period of time and knowing your risk factors. Here’s what you need to know and how you can use that information to improve your credit.

At some point you may have asked yourself exactly what debt collection agencies do and how they work. A debt collection agency is the entity that employs debt collectors tasked with recovering late or missed payments. Often these agencies are the “middlemen” who recover funds for the original creditors and lenders. Their overall objective is to legally recover debt while abiding by federal and state laws. There are different types of collection agencies which specialize in different amounts and types of collection. 

The paradigm of customer preferences has shifted in recent years. It should be no surprise that these digital preferences in other industries, such as online shopping, would eventually carry over into others. Using digital channels to collect debts is by no means a novel idea, but it has presented a challenge for many businesses to implement. However, with the passage of Regulation F and constantly emerging technologies, the debt collection sector is undergoing a digital shift in its operations. Research shows that customers prefer digital engagement, making payments with the tap of a button, and self-service options that can be handled when the timing is convenient instead of phone calls they don’t have time to answer. The great thing about incorporating more technology into debt collection practices is that it is a win-win for customers and collectors alike. It permits more efficient workflows and grants more flexibility in communication. Digital debt collection uses text, email, and other digital means such as chatbots and applications to send outgoing and receiving incoming communication from consumers.

Times are changing, and so must collection techniques. With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s “Regulation F” becoming effective December 1st, partners must adapt and optimize their practices to ensure more efficient debt recovery.

Any business can face financial problems that work against the effort to maintain sufficient cash flow. One dilemma that can have a significantly negative impact on your company is issues in accounts receivable. When a service is provided and your customer does not pay, meeting your bottom line becomes difficult. It is a debt collection agency’s obligation to recover your earnings so that you can continue doing business.