Q) 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
A) 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
