FAQ
A. Outsourcing your debt to an experienced debt collection agency has many benefits. It allows your business to:
- Receive more cash sooner,
- focus on core functions,
- reduce operating costs,
- improve cost, quality, service and cycle times, and
- reduce exposure to regulation.
A. In an environment of rising bad debt, consumer credit stress and increased mobility, it’s likely your debtors are on the move. Losing touch with them can cost you money and threaten your cash flow. Slater Byrne Recoveries (SBR) subscribes to various databases that allow us to cross-check your debtors against a variety of comprehensive and reliable data sources and fast-track the debtor location process. This gives us an edge when it comes to tracking people down. Our service allows you to locate your debtors and get your cash flow back on track. Simply locating your debtor can be the difference between recovery and write-off.
A. Once the solicitors start the legal process, what usually happens is the debtor will obtain legal representation and the process of backwards and forwards begins.
A litigation assessment is taken out on every debt – if we have attained information about the debtor and can see no key assets or benefits to legal proceeding, we will then advise you not to proceed. We will provide a platform for the litigation lawyer to use correct and intelligent information for proceedings. We will quote you costs up front (no surprises) and the cost will be much cheaper as we get wholesale prices on legal fees.
A. Our initial consultation will explore what services would best suit your needs. Different clients have different needs. Also, every debt is different and every debt needs to be handled differently to get a good result.
A. SBR requires certain information on your customer(s) and where possible, you should supply the following: written agreements, Director’s Guarantee, copy of dishonour cheques and copy of statements or outstanding invoices. If in doubt, contact our collection experts and they will clarify your query immediately.
A. Our office will determine when the debt is uncollectable .You will be advised and the file will be closed and no commission is applied.
A. Our commission charges are paid at a percentage of the debt we collect. If you have a signed written agreement from your customer which states they have agreed to pay these fees, SBR can add these fees on top. If a matter proceeds legally, you will be pre-quoted as to what this cost will be. Legal fees are mostly recoverable, however are at the discretion of the court. We try to recover every last expense and if you obtain a Judgment, interest will be added on top of the amount you are awarded from the date of the debt.
A. Generally, this should be done if your customers exceeds your credit terms and you have contacted them more than three times or if you have customer(s) over 90 days plus and have had no response or payment. If your customer(s) are refusing to pay your account and they have exceeded your credit terms – act immediately. “The faster the account is handed to a collection agency … the better the result!”
A. Generally, this should be done if your customers exceeds your credit terms and you have contacted them more than three times or if you have customer(s) over 90 days plus and have had no response or payment. If your customer(s) are refusing to pay your account and they have exceeded your credit terms – act immediately. “The faster the account is handed to a collection agency … the better the result!”
- Debt collection services are something only big companies use.
Thousands of small businesses refer debts every day, ranging from a few hundred dollars through to tens of thousands of dollars. These businesses recognise that their expertise is related to their product or service, not collecting money. They use third party debt collectors like SBR because they know their chances of being paid increase significantly and they only get charged when outstanding debts are collected.
2. Debt collectors are something you use when overdue invoices are extremely delinquent.
The truth is the earlier you refer the debt the more likely it is to be collected. Research shows that debts referred for collection at 30 days or more overdue are nearly three times more likely to be collected than those referred at more than 90 days overdue.
3. Using a debt collector means losing a customer forever.
In reality, this depends on the debt collector and when you refer the debt. A good debt collector understands that their job is to collect the money you are owed while helping you maintain your customer relationships. By referring debt early and using a collection agency as part of your normal accounts receivable process, you can ensure the agency complements your in-house collection efforts, protecting your brand, while still escalating pressure on your debtors so you get paid sooner. Make sure your collection agency is reputable and takes your brand as seriously as you do.
4. A lawyer is more likely to get me an immediate result.
There is certainly a place for legal action in the debt collection process. However, effective collection involves collecting as much of your money as possible at the lowest cost. The legal process can be time consuming and expensive and generally should be pursued only as a last resort. The best approach is to find a collection agency that knows how to work your debt and only gets paid when you get your money.
5. Using a debt collector will damage my brand.
he truth is, it depends on the collector you use. The key is finding a collections company that understands the importance of a brand and is committed to protecting yours while also maximising your cash flow. Look closely to see if a debt collection agency takes pride in their brand. If they do, chances are they’ll take the same care when representing yours.
- How effective is your debt collection service?
We only get paid on recovery and we run a very successful business, so obviously we would not be here if our collection rates were not up there. Success rates depend on the client or debtor and the circumstances surrounding the debt. For example, if the company is in liquidation, we will likely not get paid. Same goes for if an individual goes bankrupt.
In an instance where we know where the debtor is and they have the ability to pay, we will always collect. It’s just a matter of timing.
- How do I begin to use your services?
Contact our office on 0800 445 870 and speak to one of our consultants. We will recommend what the best debt collection strategy is for your business.
