Question: I have a fellow who owes me $937. As soon as he realizes
it's me on the phone he hangs up. How can I collect when I can't even
communicate with this guy?
Marvin Jenks, MI
Answer: You need to find a way to increase the pressure on this
debtor. Call the debtor at work and see if his ill-mannered ways persist
when he's in a situation where his co-workers might overhear him. Try
talking to his wife and see if you can interest her in avoiding legal
action and all of the hassle and extra expense that would mean for them.
She may be the brains of the family, or at least have the ethical foundation.
Show up at his workplace with the bill in your hand and ask to see him.
Send a strongly worded, no nonsense letter stating that you will take legal action if no response is received by
a particular date. (Note: this can't be just an idle threat; you have
to follow through.) If all else fails and you do end up taking him to
court be sure to add on the court costs (assuming your agreement or contract
has allowed for that.)
In a nutshell, you'll have to find some way of giving the bill more "weight"
than it has now - something he can't ignore or shrug off. Come at him
from as many directions as you can. When you turn up the heat by coming
at him from different angles it increases the stakes for the debtor and
makes it much more difficult for him to avoid you, which greatly increases
your chances of getting the money.
Jim Finucan presents the techniques he developed over a fifteen-year
collections career in "Past Due! - A Debt Collections Manual."
- They've helped thousands double the dollars they bring in from delinquent
accounts. More info is at: http://www.tiare.com/pastdue.htm
