As a minimum, you should always capture the following details about a new individual customer: Their FULL name Current Address Mobile Number Email Address Your invoices are supposed to have at least the first two in most situations, so you need to capture that anyway. If you are giving any sort of credit, get their […]
Is it worth chasing small debts?
The answer is “that depends”. Most debtors will pay after receiving the first letter that we send. We accept debts as little as $100. That would mean you recover $65.00 if the debtor pays but you cannot add cost. In most cases costs can be added, so you get the full $100. If it goes […]
Adding Collection Costs
Debt collection can be an increasingly annoying task, especially for small and medium-sized businesses which don’t have the resources to chase after their debtors. Even if you decide to put together an in-house debt collection team, you will be wasting more money and recovering less of it. And on top of this, you will have […]
It’s not good business!
Many sole traders in the holistic or beauty fields of work feel that chasing money is not good business. It becomes very emotional. They don’t understand why someone would not pay or not show up. It actually really upsets them. But at the same time they have guilt and a degree of fear about following […]
How long should I wait for payment?
As a rule, if someone has missed an appointment, email them the same day with a polite request for payment, and your bank account details. Refer them to your web page with terms and conditions that state your cancellation and no-show policy. Ask for payment the next business day. Also send a text on this […]
Special Rights
Do debt collection agents and companies have any special right? No. Collection agents and companies are not afforded any special legal rights. They must obey and comply with all applicable privacy and commercial laws. Reputable collection agencies and individuals abide by a Code of Ethics. Sentinel Credit Services follows the current best practices and an […]
Appointments
Can a service provider (like a dentist, doctor or massage therapist) charge a fee for a cancelled appointment? Yes. When you make an appointment you enter into a contract with the service provider. Not turning up for the appointment is a breach of contract. If there is a financial loss to the business as a […]