Mastering Credit and Collections

255 pages [139 self-teaching + 116 self-quizzes with detailed answers]

Section 1: Collections basics. Setting up a document retention system. How to set—and get—late charges. Proven phrases to get early payment on invoices. A tickler system that keeps you on top of slow payers.

Section 2: The successful collector. 5 key personal traits. How to time each phone contact and letter. Tested phone and letter phrases that speed up slow payers.

Section 3: Creating collection plans. Detailed 5-step plan with proven collection letters for each step.

Section 4:  How to use professional collectors. When and how to choose letter writing v. collection agencies v. collection attorneys. Pros and cons, and fees, of each. Monitoring the service.

Section 5: Avoiding losses with new customers. How to get credit data. When to use postdated checks. How to know when not to sell to a prospect. Special: a complete, legal Credit Application that reveals bad risk before your company sells to them.

Section 6: Avoiding losses with current customers. Nontechnical explanations of liens, mediation, workout arrangements and other techniques. When and how to use each each based on the debt and the debtor.

Section 7: Customer personal guarantees. Individual v. corporate guarantees. Special feature: a lawyer-approved personal guarantee you can use.

Section 8: How to use collateral. How to find out quickly what assets a customer or prospect owns. How to “perfect” an agreement—and collect the collateral, if needed.

Section 9: Bankrupt, or near-bankrupt, customers. Getting your money when a customer declares bankruptcy. What to do if you receive a bankruptcy notice. Getting back your merchandise.

Glossary 1. Key terms used in collections. 

Glossary 2. Key abbreviations used in collections. Very helpful for decoding notices your company may receive.

Plus: Where to find a prospect’s or nonpayer’s assets: Web site of the agency in each state where you can find a prospect’s or customer’s assets and other financial data.

Publisher: AIPB