The Pitfalls of Hostile Debt Collection

Did you know that hostility actually lowers your chance of collecting?

Hostile or aggressive collection tactics—e.g. threats, intimidation, excessive pressure—may seem like they will “force” the debtor to pay, but they often create bigger problems. Here are a few such problems:

• Damaged Client Relationships – Even if payment is secured, hostility usually ensures the client never works with you again.
• Reputational Risk – Word spreads quickly. Negative experiences harm your brand and may deter new clients.
• Legal Liability – Aggressive actions can cross compliance boundaries, creating risk of lawsuits or penalties.
• Reduced Recovery Rates – When clients feel attacked, they’re less likely to cooperate and more likely to resist payment altogether.

Learn more in our latest article.

Ready for Commercial Debt Collection Results?

At the end of your rope with your debtor?

We’re ready to help you recover what’s owed efficiently, professionally, and respectfully. Contact our commercial debt collection experts at (248) 370-8160 or by submitting a contact form.

Step-by-Step Plan for Unresponsive Clients

What should you do if your client has gone silent on an invoice?

Here’s a step-by-step plan businesses can follow, from initial follow-up to third-party escalation.

Step 1: Immediate Follow-Up and Reminder Sequence

• Pre-due reminder a few days before the payment date, reducing the chance of missed payments.
• First overdue reminder shortly after the due date, using polite and professional language, assuming oversight rather than bad intent.
• Set a regular follow-up schedule, e.g. weekly or bi-weekly reminders via email.
• Use different communication channels (e.g. email and phone) to improve the chance of reaching the right contact.

Step 2: Documentation and Tracking

• Log every attempt: date, communication channel, message, and response (or lack thereof).
• Review the original invoice structure for clarity, completeness, and whether it includes clear due dates, itemized services, and terms and conditions.

Step 3: Investigate and Engage the Client

At the second or third follow-up, consider a direct outreach attempt:

• Call the client and ask directly if they need the invoice re-sent, have concerns about the services, or if payment is delayed for internal reasons.
• If there is a dispute, invite them to discuss the issue.
• If cash-flow constraints are apparent, offer a structured payment, including due dates and consequences for missed payments.

Step 4: Third-Party Intervention and Collection

If internal collection efforts fail, engaging a professional third-party collector can become the next strategic step.

• A commercial debt collection partner brings industry expertise, knowledge of legal frameworks, and experienced negotiation.
• Engaging before an invoice becomes aged beyond several months will give you a better chance of recovering the full amount, as well as a chance to maintain the client relationship.

Learn more in our latest article.

Ready to Escalate? We can Help with Commercial Debt Collection

Want to learn more or initiate the collection process? RSD is ready to help you recover what’s owed efficiently and professionally. Contact our friendly experts at (248) 370-8160 or by submitting a contact form.

Understanding Why a Client Goes Silent

Has your client gone silent on an invoice?

Silence on an invoice doesn't always mean bad faith. It can reflect a variety of underlying issues, including:

• Cash-flow issues or financial stress on the customer side.
• Invoice discrepancies or disputes, such as incorrect billing, missing line items, or unclear services rendered.
• Neglect, oversight, or poor internal tracking, especially if reminders were not systematically issued.
• Strategic delay or avoidance, including clients stretching payment terms intentionally.

Learn more in our latest article.

Ready to Escalate? We can Help with Commercial Debt Collection

Want to learn more or initiate the commercial debt collection process? RSD is ready to help you recover what’s owed efficiently and professionally. Contact our friendly experts at (248) 370-8160 or by submitting a contact form.

Inside Every Good Credit Policy: Limits, Terms & Consequences

How can you make your credit policy more effective?

A robust credit policy should be put into writing, and clearly spell out:

• Credit limits tailored to each customer’s risk profile and financial health.
• Payment terms, including due dates and incentives (e.g. early-pay discounts or penalties for late payment).
• Consequences for missed payments—such as stopping future orders, applying interest, or going to collections.

What if the policy is vague or missing?

Ambiguous or absent policies lead to these all-too-common pitfalls:

• Clients use inconsistent standards to push back payment, blaming unclear terms.
• Internal teams show favoritism—leading to inconsistent standards and confusion.
• Businesses can’t take swift action on overdue accounts when consequences are not documented. 

Read more in our latest article.

Overwhelmed by the number of debt collection companies?

Let us make the choice easy for you!

RSD is different from other debt collection companies because we offer consultation services to design, refine, and implement your credit policy. Of course, if you’re ready for a third party to step in with a delinquent account, RSD is always on call for you!

Contact our friendly experts at (248) 370-8160 or by submitting a contact form.

Benefits of Written Credit Policies

When was the last time you reviewed your credit policy?

The benefits of a clear credit policy are invaluable to your business. Here are a few of the immediate benefits:

• Unified departments: Everyone—sales, finance, shipping, etc.—follows the same rules.
• Empowered enforcement: AR teams can confidently apply penalties when terms are violated.
• Reduced disputes: Clearly defined expectations help prevent misinterpretations and disagreements.
• Improved efficiency: Staff know exactly how to act—taking out guesswork reduces delays.

Remember to review your credit policy quarterly, and make tweaks to any areas that are lacking results or efficiency.

Read more in our latest article.

Overwhelmed by the number of debt collection companies?

Let us make the choice easy for you!

RSD is different from other debt collection companies because we offer consultation services to design, refine, and implement your credit policy. Of course, if you’re ready for a third party to step in with a delinquent account, RSD is always on call for you!

Contact our friendly experts at (248) 370-8160 or by submitting a contact form.

Why Early Action in Q3 Matters

Do you or your clients usually wait until the end of the year to review receivables?

Waiting until Q4 to resolve receivables issues can severely limit collection options, especially as customers begin tightening their budgets or closing out their fiscal year. Addressing slow-paying accounts in Q3 can help ensure:

• Better cash flow management.
• Fewer write-offs or bad debt adjustments.
• Improved year-end financial reporting.
• Stronger relationships with reliable clients through clearer communication.

How to Identify Risk Early

Here’s what we recommend your clients watch for in their mid-year receivables review:

• Accounts that are 60+ days past due with no recent payment activity
• Customers who frequently delay or dispute invoices
• Clients whose payment behavior has suddenly changed
• Repeated broken payment promises or bounced checks

If they’re seeing any of the above, it’s time to take action.

Learn more in our latest article.

Partner with a Trusted Commercial Collector

At RSD, we specialize in helping B2B clients recover what they’re owed—professionally, respectfully, and efficiently. We provide customized commercial collection strategies that support your business relationships while ensuring outstanding invoices don’t slip through the cracks.

If you have questions or you’re ready to collect, call (248) 370-8160 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to taking the weight of debt collection off your shoulders!

Why Summer is the Season for Strategy

What are the advantages of reviewing receivables mid-year?

Unlike the chaotic year-end push or the busy post-holiday Q1, summer offers a natural lull in many industries. This makes it an ideal window for back-office evaluations—especially for accounts receivable.

Encourage your clients to use this quieter time to:

• Analyze their accounts aging reports
• Re-evaluate credit terms and payment behaviors
• Pinpoint slow-paying or high-risk customers before they become delinquent

A mid-year review gives your clients a proactive advantage, allowing them to reinforce internal collection efforts or escalate accounts to a professional third party (like RSD) while there’s still time to improve outcomes before year-end.

Learn more in our latest article.

Partner with a Trusted Commercial Collector

At RSD, we specialize in helping B2B clients recover what they’re owed—professionally, respectfully, and efficiently. We provide customized commercial collection strategies that support your business relationships while ensuring outstanding invoices don’t slip through the cracks.

If you have questions or you’re ready to collect, call (248) 370-8160 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to taking the weight of debt collection off your shoulders!