collecting

Step-by-step guide on collecting debts from clients effectively. Emphasizes communication, clear contracts, and legal recourse if needed.

Q) Dear Jim - I'm an administrative assistant and I do bill collections for our company. Some of the owners who owe us money act like they are real big shots; they just walk all over me so I end up getting flustered, losing my composure and often I don't get the money. I've read your book, "Past Due," and gotten a lot from it, but sometimes I just can't get through those four steps in the collection call before I lose them. What should I do?

A frequent problem in commercial collections, especially when up against a large corporation, is the inability to reach the top decision maker. The president of the company successfully insulates himself against such bothersome issues as past due invoices through a layer of Vice Presidents, department heads, secretaries and the like.

Dear Jim: My company sold $3,200 worth of merchandise to another firm some six months ago. When I attempt to pursue payment I learn that the person who placed the order has left and the company claims not to have ordered the product and refuses to pay. What do I do?