Sunday, June 21, 2020

Minimize risk of debt collection with these tips

All leading debt collection agencies like Cedar Financial agree that when it comes to debt or credit management, small businesses have weak policies. It is because of the weak methods that they have to deal with tons of debtors and outstanding amounts. No matter how successful you are, or how great your business is running. If you have multiple customers who pay you late or don’t pay at all, you will run into problems. As eventually, you will face a cash crunch which can lead to bankruptcy, closing of the business, or debt.



How to make sure this doesn’t happen? Well, you can have a good credit management policy. A collection firm can help you with creating one. Also, the tops we are discussing below can help you.

1.      A credit check is a must

Before you sign on someone as a client or agree to give products on credit, run their financial history. A credit check will provide you with important details about them. If they have financial discrepancies or have not paid to previous clients too, there will be records or signs. You can also talk to previous clients of the customer or the bank for more information.

2.      Set clear expectations

If you are communicating the wrong message, you will have to face delinquents. Make payment terms clear to your clients or prospects in the starting only. If you don’t, and they pay late, it will partially be your fault. Also, ensure that the clients know that there will be consequences if they don’t pay on time, and make sure these are not empty threats.

3.      Keep regular reviews

You must do monthly reviews and checkups. Reminding the client about payment dates and making sure that they get the bill on time is important if you don’t wish to face collection issues. Make sure that if a client is late in payment even by a day, you should send them a notice. Also, mention that the collection process will start if they don’t pay or reply.

4.      Written policies are the best

It is best to have written policies for payment terms in your contact. This way, there will be no confusion and disagreement. Both parties should agree to the terms and sign the document. Also, both should have a copy. When you have an agreement, it is easier to collect and act in case of non-payment.

5.      Send a demand letter

As a small-scale business, your wish to safeguard relationships with your customer is something we understand. But you also have to think about your business and the people who work for you. Thus, when the clients are not paying even after 90 or 180 days, you must act. You can start by calling them and reminding them about the payment. If that doesn’t work, you need to start sending them a demand letter.

6.      Seek a professional

If your demand letters are falling on deaf ears, it's time to go seek help from a professional. It is best to hire a local debt collection agency so that you can meet them in person. They know the rules and regulations and will help you recover the debt on time.

Never delay action when it comes to debt. Otherwise, it will become too hard to collect even a nominal amount.

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