When the debt remains unpaid but the amount owing is not disputed
You can consider instructing a debt collection agency if the customer does not dispute the money is owed and the amount of debt is not in dispute.
Organisations working in debt collection include debt recovery agents and credit agents. These are not the same as bailiffs and cannot repossess goods without a court order.
What does debt collection involve?
Debt collection agents can engage solicitors and take legal action to recover your money. Some credit agencies, though not all, will completely take over the collection of debt. They usually try to recover debt by sending out routine letters (eg Late payment letters) and telephoning customers.
If successful, you will receive an agreed proportion of the total amount owing, while the agency will keep the rest.
The Credit Services Association is the industry association of debt recovery agents. Make sure to check their website to ensure your choice of a debt collection agency is registered.
When the customer disputes the amount due
There are several alternatives to issuing legal proceedings where the customer accepts that money is owed but disputes the amount due.
Mediation/debt compromise: an independent person helps the two parties to find a solution to the problem. Mediation is considered any agreement reached entirely voluntary, which means the parties cannot be forced to stick to it. The claim may still end up being resolved through the courts and your debtor will need to be willing to engage in this process.
Arbitration: an independent arbitrator hears both sides and makes a decision. Arbitration is binding on both sides, and the parties cannot go to court after an arbitrator has made a decision.
Statutory demand: the creditor issues a statutory demand, warning of an application to the court for the formal winding up of the customer’s business if payment is not made within 21 days. This is quite a radical step and only to be taken if the relationship with the customer has broken down irretrievably.
