Did you know?

SU News Businesses that sell goods and services on credit must handle accounts receivable. Inevitably, those businesses granting credit must decide what to do with past–due accounts. While third–party debt collectors provide valuable services by collecting delinquent accounts, thus lowering costs that would otherwise be passed on to customers, professional debt collection businesses are often misunderstood. Myth: Statute of limitation erases debt. Fact: A state's statute of limitations doesn't make debt disappear. It just restricts how long a creditor can sue a debtor in court over a debt. Even then, the debtor must typically appear in court to assert the defense that the statute of limitations has expired. Myth: Tough, threatening collectors are the most effective. Fact: The most effective collectors are well trained, sophisticated professionals who (1) understand what motivates a variety of people, (2) can determine quickly what will motivate a particular person and (3) are able to communicate well with others. The best collectors work with debtors get their accounts paid. Myth: Collectors force people into bankruptcy. Fact: In reality, it would not make sense for a collector to encourage a debtor to file for bankruptcy. When people file for bankruptcy, their financial obligations to their creditors are usually wiped clean and the credit grantor and collector receive very little or nothing. Collectors understand that people in financial trouble often need guidance in settling their accounts without expensive litigation, and often need the flexibility of alternative payment arrangements to work out their financial trouble. A collector's business is to collect, but in practice, collecting often includes counseling. Myth: Debtor conflict is the main interest of all collectors. Fact: Media coverage of the collection industry often pits collectors against debtors. In reality, collectors are usually the first people to engage debtors in a problem–solving dialogue about their unpaid bills. Collectors receive many letters of thanks from companies they have helped. Furthermore, the efforts of collectors keep the prices of goods and services from rising. Remember, there is no such thing as an unpaid bill. Through higher prices, customers who do pay their bills end up paying for those who don't. Myth: Debt collectors are a special breed of people. Fact: Collectors come from all backgrounds with different experiences. Collectors often develop new traits and skills: quick–thinking, goal–oriented, problem–solving and effective communication. Tact, persistence and an understanding of people's motivations are traits of a good collector.