Tuesday, September 29, 2020

The art of negotiation: Handling debt in collections

Image source: invoiceinterchange.com


It is understandable why people have a dislike for debt collectors. Receiving calls from debt collectors during work hours and finding collection letters once at home is never fun. The best way to stop receiving calls and letters is by simply settling the debt. It becomes a problem when the debt is huge.

Negotiating is not rocket science yet requires a set of skills and a few actions necessary to get the job done. For better repayment terms, some borrowers may decide to bargain. This will help stop debt collection calls or have their debt reported on their credit rating as paid in full, mentions business collections agency Brennan & Clark. The first thing a debtor needs to do is to verify their debt. Eliminate mistakes by making sure the debt is collector is a legitimate one.

Image source: creditkarma.com


Before initiating the negotiation process, brush up on The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Having a good understanding of one’s rights affords them the confidence to resist harassment from debt collectors. Consider the debt owed to know which settlement plans are available. When the debt is confirmed along with possible settlement plans, consider hardship programs, particularly during an event like the COVID-19 pandemic, wherein many are dependent on government benefits.

According to Brennan & Clark, debtors can offer a lump sum significantly less than the original debt owed. However, it must be clearly understood that the sum provided or alternative repayment options considered are attainable. Reaching such a compromise would prove to be useless when one is incapable of paying on schedule.

Brennan & Clark is a business collections agency that helps businesses eliminate credit losses through customized receivable support solutions. For similar reads, visit this page.