The ACB and The ACA

When all avenues of communication have been exhausted, this is the time you as the business owner may want to think about involving a debt collection agency. Many people think of collection agencies in a negative sense. But there are many credible agencies out there that for a minimal investment on your part, can be used as a tremendous tool to assist you in collecting significant amounts of money. Take the time to contact several debt collection agencies to hear what each one has to offer. It is best to choose a reputable long-standing collection agency that you can trust. The agency should be a member of both national trade associations, the Associated Credit Bureaus (ACB) and American Collectors Association (ACA). These organizations provide all important standards and training and require the agencies to abide by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and to follow all of the guidelines of state and federal debt collection laws. Make sure the agency you choose is insured, licensed and bonded, as well as licensed to collect in other states. Find out if it has handled collections from businesses similiar to yours and ask for references.