What a Business Collection Letter Should Include

Helen Akers reports:

"Business collection letters usually adjust their tone to the amount of time an invoice is delinquent. While the primary goal of a collection letter is to persuade the customer to submit payment, the collection process shouldn't jeopardize the business relationship. Companies may use collection letters as the only means of communication when they attempt to collect past due invoices. Some might use them as a supplement to collection calls...The collection agent should write the letter in a tone that is both firm and considerate, reminding the customer of the amount that is past due and that the business would appreciate a swift payment...The content of any business collection letter usually states the nature of the complaint and the steps that the recipient needs to take to resolve it...Business collection letters that are final notices will typically inform the customer that his debt will be referred to a collection agency after a certain date. In some circumstances, a final notice may also state that the company will file legal action or repossess unpaid property. Final notices usually occur with debt that is 90 days or more past due...A business collection letter that attempts to preserve the well-being of the relationship between the merchant and the customer may offer a revised payment plan. For example, a company may offer partial payments to a customer who is past due by 30 days."