Preparing a Script for a Collections Call

Unsure how to best prepare for a successful collections call?

Your collection phone calls adhere to a simple pattern: you identify yourself and request payment from the debtor. You don’t need to have a complicated script on hand, anticipating every response and scenario, but you should have your basic collections request scripted.

Your script opens with, “This is [your name] from [company name] calling for [debtor name].” Never disclose that you’re seeking money until you have the intended person on the phone. You want to be sure that the person you’re speaking with can authorize payment of your bill.

After the debtor answers the phone, repeat your name, the name of your business, and make a specific request for money. Here’s an example: “This is Tom Smith calling from the ABC Company in Birmingham, Michigan. We show a balance of $2,500 that is 60 days past due, and I’m calling to request payment of that sum. Can you send us payment today?”

We hope that these tips help you feel more confident during your collections call! But if you need help…

Learn more in our latest article.

Call the Michigan Debt Collection Experts

If your debtor is uncooperative, or even if you just don’t want to make the call yourself, our attorneys can handle it all for you! As long as either you or your debtor are in Michigan, we can handle your debt collection. 

To get in touch, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form. We look forward to working with you!

How to Mentally Prepare for a Collections Call

Feeling anxious about calling your debtor?

Before “dialing for dollars,” spend a few moments to consider what you’ll be discussing with the debtor, the debtor’s likely responses, and even the outcome. Think through your call, including:

• Warming up for a collection demand.
• Fixing the minimum demand in your mind (for example: full payment now, or half down and half in 30 days).
• Keeping on an even keel emotionally, even if your debtor loses it.
• Being persistent if a debtor stalls for time.
• Listening but not agreeing with any statement’s contrary to your collection goals.

Picture yourself being calm, confident, and collected during the call. This is time well-spent and can help make your call much more effective.

Learn more in our latest article.

Call the Michigan Debt Collection Experts

If your debtor is uncooperative, or even if you just don’t want to make the call yourself, our attorneys can handle it all for you! As long as either you or your debtor are in Michigan, we can handle your debt collection. 

To get in touch, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form. We look forward to working with you!

Keeping Copies of all Client Material

Why is it important to keep all your customer’s records?

In our last blog, we talked about what notes you need to keep on your clients. Following that, here is a brief description of the copied documentation that you should keep alongside your notes:

1. Copies of all follow-up statements. Your copies should be exactly as they were sent to the debtor, including any markings of “urgent,” “reminder,” “past due,” and so on, so you can demonstrate your persistent efforts to collect the debt without resorting to litigation.
2. Copies of all demand letters and follow-up correspondence. Keep records of all correspondence, no matter how it was sent. Keep copies of letters, emails, faxes, or any other written exchanges.

Learn more in our latest article.

Need help collecting commercial debt from someone in Michigan?

You’re in the right place!

Your money is our #1 priority. If you or your debtor live in Michigan, we can take on your commercial collections. Take the pressure and frustration off your plate by contacting the Mullers at (248) 645-2440 or by submitting a contact form. 

Keeping Notes on Your Clients

What are the most important things to keep track of with your customers?

Before an account is delinquent, your records help you avoid confusion and get paid. After an account is delinquent, you’re preparing for litigation, which you hope doesn’t happen. You’ll need detailed notes if litigation comes into play.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the notes that you should keep on file:

1. Your customer’s entire credit file. Credit applications, invoices, purchase orders, debit and credit memos, and a ledger summarizing all transactions (a ledger comes in handy when your customer wants to nitpick the account or suddenly develops amnesia when reminded that there’s a balance due).
2. Notes of phone calls made or received, along with dates and responses. If the debtor admits owing the amount due, be sure to include that in your note. Admissions are extremely important if you end up having to go to court.
3. Notes made by employees of your company. Include notes regarding meetings, promises, disputes – anything relating to the account.

Learn more in our latest article.

Need help collecting commercial debt from someone in Michigan?

You’re in the right place!

Your money is our #1 priority. If you or your debtor live in Michigan, we can take on your commercial collections. Take the pressure and frustration off your plate by contacting the Mullers at (248) 645-2440 or by submitting a contact form.

What is a Receivership?

Is your debtor claiming that their assets are under a receivership?

Although less common than bankruptcy, you may encounter situations where your debtor’s assets are under receivership. A receivership is set up to protect a debtor’s assets for a specific purpose, such as during the course of a foreclosure. The creditor may ask the court to appoint a receiver to protect its interest in the debtor’s assets (for example, in a foreclosure, the assets would include the land, buildings, fixtures, etc.) until the action is resolved.

In appointing a receiver, the court accepts the creditor’s argument that the debtor can’t be trusted to preserve and maintain the value of its assets until the legal proceedings are over. The court then appoints an independent person, the “receiver,” to receive the debtor’s assets on behalf of the court and to exercise possession and control of the assets until the court ends the receivership.

Learn more in our latest article.

Struggling to Collect Debt in Michigan?

Are you struggling with an uncommunicative debtor?

Take the burden off your shoulders and give it to our Michigan debt collection experts. Muller attorneys can help you from start to finish! To get started or ask questions, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form.

Where to Find Bankruptcy Records

It’s your right to follow your debtor’s bankruptcy case. Do you know where to look for info? 

Set up an account with the federal bankruptcy court through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s website: www.uscourts.gov. Click “Electronic access to courts,” and follow the instructions to set up a PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) account. Access to court records through PACER is simple, fast, and cheap, and allows you to easily determine if a bankruptcy was filed and its current status. In less than five minutes, you can log in and learn about any bankruptcy filing. Use the notice from the bankruptcy court, or ask your debtor what name was used for the bankruptcy and what case number it was assigned. PACER will give you the rest.

Similarly, bankruptcies are tracked by internet credit report providers such as Accurint (www.accurint.com) and Autotrack (www.autotrack.com), and may appear in their reports. Although they charge fees, setting up an account with either company will give you access to a great deal of information.

Learn more in our latest article.

Struggling to Collect Debt in Michigan?

Are you struggling with an uncommunicative debtor?

Take the burden off your shoulders and give it to our Michigan debt collection experts. Muller attorneys can help you from start to finish! To get started or ask questions, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form.