Monday, July 28, 2014

How A Collection Agency Works

By Sharron Cantu


There are various agencies that can be consulted if individuals or business default debt payment. A collection agency is one of these organizations. It goes after failed debts payments on behalf of a company or an individual. In return, the agency takes a certain amount of the collected amount or the agreed percentage. These agencies work on behalf of creditors to pursue debtors.

These agencies are of different types. They can be a first party or third party agency. First party agencies are mostly involved in the debt collection during the initial stage of the process. This is because they are likely to maintain a good customer relationship with the company demanding payment of arrears (creditor). Since they are affiliated to the original creditor; they are not bound by laws that apply to third party agencies.

The name first party agency is given due to the close relationship they have with the creditor if not part of that organization. The consumer, who is the debtor, is normally the second party. In case the debt retrival efforts by the first party prove to be futile, they might resolve to write the debt off or pass responsibility to the third party agencies.

The designation, third party, is given since they are not part of the initial deal but are brought on board when things go sideways. They mostly earn a certain percentage of the amount collected. They earn payment in case of any payment made and not the entire payment from the debtor. This guarantees they earn their due in case the creditors decide not to pursue the cash anymore before full collection is made.

The fee the third party gets is in most instances between 25 percent and 40 percent of the total collection. However this might vary depending on the age of the account, the type of debt and the number of times collection has tried to be made.

Agencies may with thin their discretion send urgent letters directly to the debtors requesting payment of the debt least a collection action will be undertaken.

However most countries have enacted laws meant to protect debtors from any harassment or unfair treatment . The agencies are limited on when they can call the debtors, the number of times in week, they cannot share information about the debt with any other party. In case they would do so, it would amount to a serious breach of privacy. They can only consult friends or relatives to know his whereabouts. The agency is also barred from using threats.There are many reasons that make debtors incapable of paying debts.

In the Unites States as well as the United Kingdom, there are various acts enacted to manage these practices.Agencies must also be licensed to provide these services. Some agencies come into an agreement with creditors to buy the debts at a certain value and independently pursue the full balance from the debtor. This ensures that debtors do not default or forget about the debts. It also helps develop fast revenue and reduces the wait for the creditor besides significantly reducing relations risk between the two parties. (Creditor and the debtor).




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