When in Doubt, Follow the FDCPA

What is the FDCPA, and how can it help you as a debt collector?

Even if you’re not a third-party debt collector, following all the requirements of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) can help you avoid violating state laws, some of which impose similar restrictions on all debt collectors.

Commercial debts are not subject to the FDCPA, so generally you’re not restricted by those laws while collecting against commercial debtors. You must still be careful though, because sometimes it’s not immediately clear which debts are commercial and which are for personal or household use. Also, the trend among states is to extend protection against debt collection to all debtors, regardless of the nature of the debt.

It’s wise to follow the FDCPA requirements even when collecting commercial debts. Although following the FDCPA can protect you if you mistakenly believe a personal debt is commercial or when state law is broader than federal law, you’re doing more than following the adage of “better safe than sorry.” For the most part, the provisions of the FDCPA are consistent with good collections practices. They help define and justify collections procedures that can keep your operations both professional and ethical.

Read more in this month’s article.

Get Help from Michigan Debt Collection Services

Have questions about collecting debt, or ready to file a claim? Whatever part of the process you’re at, reach out our Michigan debt collection services at (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here.

Play by the Rules when Collecting Debt

What’s the best way to cover your bases when talking to a debtor?

When you work with consumer debtors, you should assume that the debtors are fully aware of their rights and are secretly looking for a way to sue you for violating those rights. Work from the expectation that your debtor is sophisticated:

• Assume that the debtor is keeping notes every bit as good as yours, maybe better. Assume that their records will include dates and times of any phone calls, whether you’re calling at inappropriate times or in a highly repetitive manner (for example, ten calls in a single day), and whether you’ve violated restrictions on communications with third parties, such as their employer.
• If the debtor requests verification of a debt, provide it. Supply the contracts, invoices, and statements underlying the debt. If they request them again, provide them again (and again, and again).
• Make sure that you provide accurate balances for debts. Don’t charge any unauthorized fees or interest rates beyond those permitted by your contract or state law.

Read more in this month’s article.

Get Help from Michigan Debt Collection Services

Have questions about collecting debt, or ready to file a claim? Whatever part of the process you’re at, reach out our Michigan debt collection services at (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here.

How to Reduce Risk

Do you want to guarantee payment on a customer’s account, even if they don’t pay?

Consider factoring!

Factoring is when you sell the account receivable at a discount to another company – usually called a factor – for cash.

Instead of insuring your accounts receivable, you may decide to sell them. Your factor determines which accounts receivable it wants to purchase and at what discount. For example, if a customer owes you $10,000, your factor may offer you $9,000 for the account. You get your money when you sell the account receivable regardless of when or if your customer pays. You gain quick payment with no credit risk, but you lose the amount of the discount.

Learn other ways to reduce risk on our website!

Debt Collection Services in Michigan Since 1961!

If you want to use debt collection services in Michigan, your first step is easy. Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. Don’t let the money owed to you go away- get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.

Should You Purchase Credit Insurance?

Don’t want to wait and see if your customers pay their bills?

Consider purchasing credit insurance!

Credit insurance, also referred to as trade credit insurance, is offered by insurance companies and some government export credit agencies. This insurance usually covers a fixed percentage of the account receivable. In other words, if the customer fails to pay a bill, your insurance company reimburses you for a portion of that unpaid bill. You must absorb the cost of the insurance as a business expense, and you still take a bit of a hit in the event of a default if you insure for less than the full value of your receivables. 

Learn about other options to reduce risk on our website!

Debt Collection Services in Michigan Since 1961!

If you want to use debt collection services in Michigan, your first step is easy. Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. Don’t let the money owed to you go away- get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.

How to Write Effective Collection Letters

Has one of your customers become a debtor?

Want to learn how to write an effective collection letter?

The more you can customize your collection process, the more effective it becomes. Just as a journalist covers who, what, when, where, and why, you want to cover all the bases: be specific with dates, invoices, balances due, interest amounts, and due dates. Make sure your debtor knows how much they owe and when they need to pay it. Debtors are quick to grasp at the flimsiest straws. If you give them the opportunity, eventually you’ll hear a debtor claim that they didn’t pay you because they didn’t know how much to send or when or where to send it.

You can send your letter by any means that you believe will be effective, including regular mail, fax, email, or express mail. Overnight mail can sometimes help create a sense of urgency.

See more collection letter tips.

Debt Collection Services in Michigan Since 1961!

Since 1961, our top-rated lawyers have been dedicated to professionally and aggressively pursuing the money you’re owed in a straightforward, ethical manner. With offices in Birmingham and Grand Rapids, we handle claims against debtors located in Michigan, even if you are located out of state or out of the country.

If you want to use debt collection services in Michigan, your first step is easy. Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. Don’t let the money owed to you go away- get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.

We Can Help You Determine a Litigation Strategy!

Are you prepared to take legal action?

Do you know your rights?

Are you prepared to represent yourself if your case goes to court?

If you’re not ready to represent yourself in court, hire an attorney! We offer many debt collection services in Michigan to help assist you with your claim.

Litigation is a debt collection service we offer that can include a number of things before, during, and after a lawsuit to enforce a legal right.  In addition to the actual lawsuit, pre-suit negotiations, arbitrations, facilitations and appeals may also be a part of your litigation process. 

At Muller Law Firm, we’re the experts when it comes to debt collection services in Michigan. We handle everything from pre-suit negotiations, to post-suit negotiations. 

You expect results and we expect results! We’ll handle your case with the professional attention it deserves and we’re prepared to use all our options to collect your overdue debts. For over 56 years, we’ve tracked down overdue accounts, winning many settlements for our clients along the way.

Debt Collection Services in Michigan: Get Started Today!

When you hire one of our debt collection attorneys to take your case, we’ll ease your stress by developing a strategy that works best for your unique case. An in-depth analysis and investigation of the facts will help us determine your options. Call us at 248-645-2440 for a free initial consultation and strategy meeting!

How to Ensure Your Lawsuit is Properly Served

Are you worried about your lawsuit being served?

Do you want to ensure your lawsuit gets served properly?

Are you worried you won’t be able to track down your debtors to serve them with a lawsuit?

In order to ensure your lawsuit is properly served, you must serve the summons and complaint on the defendant within 90-120 days of filing the lawsuit. The papers must be served to the defendant in person, directly to the defendant, rather than by mail or by leaving it at the defendant’s home or work. If you’re suing more than one person, even if the defendants each live or work at the same address, you must ensure that your lawsuit is served to each debtor in person.

Who Can Serve the Lawsuit?

If you’re having trouble tracking down your debtors, we can help you! At Muller Law Firm, we use sheriffs, marshals, policemen, and detectives to serve your lawsuits for a small fee. We may also consider hiring a private process server. Sometimes states require the court to approve your process server first before they can serve your lawsuit.

Debt Collection Services: File for Debt Collection in Michigan Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide that having a debt collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best choice. That’s an area we specialize in, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

The law firm of Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, P.C., has successfully represented and handled collection matters for more than 56 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they are dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our firm to speak with a lawyer about our debt collection services in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

6 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Debt Collection Attorney

Are you worried you’ll make the wrong choice when selecting an attorney to handle debt collection in Michigan?

To ensure you’re working with qualified debt collection attorneys, ask these questions during your initial consultation:

1. Will I be required to sign a “retention” agreement?
2. Is the firm a real firm with real attorneys, or are they just debt collectors?
3. What are your collection rates? Is there any fine print?
4. Is the firm experienced in commercial B2B collections?
5. Is the firm qualified to give “true” legal advice? Can it protect my legal rights?
6. Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?

Pay close attention to the answers given to you by your potential attorney. If they seem unqualified, they may have little experience in the field.

Why Choose Muller Law Firm?

We’ve been in the collection business for over 55 years, and we’re based right here in Michigan. When you call the Muller Law Firm, your initial consultation and strategy meeting are FREE! We don’t think you should have to pay just to be informed of your rights. Do you?

We want to make sure you’re well educated and comfortable before we take any further steps. If you’d like to speak to one of our expert attorneys about debt collection in Michigan, give us a call at 248-645-2440. Stand up for your rights as a business owner, and get what you’re owed!

AR Management Best Practices: The Proactive Payment Reminder

Do you have strict payment terms and conditions? If not, that could be why people are taking advantage of your time and services.

According to Funding Gates, here are the best practices to follow when it comes to decreasing your delinquent payers:

 1.    State your payment terms clearly
2.    Make sure your client signs a sales contract
3.    Grab customers attention by listing payment terms and the actual due date in bold
4.    Send a payment reminder before the invoice is actually due
5.    Remind them about your late fee policy

Our attorneys are top rated by AV Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent, and Super Lawyers, and they truly care about your case. Our staff is always available for a free initial strategy meeting to build a relationship with you and figure out what you need.

For over 55 years, our attorneys for debt collection services in Michigan have tracked down overdue accounts, winning many settlements for our clients along the way. We handle your case with the professional attention it deserves and we’re well prepared to use all our reasonable options to collect your overdue debts. With offices in Birmingham and Grand Rapids, we handle claims against debtors located in Michigan, even if you are located out of state.

Michigan Debt Collection Attorneys Fight for Your Creditors’ Rights!

If you’re a business owner, you should be spending your time conducting business rather than chasing down debts. Contact our experienced collection company in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for an immediate resolution to your collection matters. Let the experts worry about your collections, so you have more time to focus on growing your business.