Vetting New Customers: Start with the Basics

Vetting a new customer before you extend credit isn't about being suspicious of everyone. It's about
knowing who you're doing business with, setting terms you can live with, and catching red flags early. 

Here's a practical checklist to help you get it right.

Before you talk about terms, confirm you're actually dealing with a real, operating company. Here’s what you should start with:

• Get their legal name and structure. Is it an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship? This matters for who signs the agreement and who you'd pursue if payment fails.
• Confirm they're registered and in good standing. Check your state's Secretary of State or business registry for the entity's status and registered agent.
• Check the people. Know who owns the business and who has authority to sign. A quick look at the company's leadership can tell you a lot about stability.

Next: Pull a Business Credit Report

A business credit report is the closest thing to a payment track record. Services like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business provide scores and payment history that show how the company has handled credit in the past.

What to look for:

• Payment history. Do they pay on time, late, or not at all? Patterns here are the strongest predictor of future behavior.
• Credit utilization. A company that's already stretched thin may not have room to pay you.
• Public records. Bankruptcies, judgments, and liens are major red flags.
• Trade references. Ask for references from other suppliers or vendors and actually call them. Ask how the customer pays, not just whether they pay.

Check the Owner's Personal Credit (for Small Businesses)

For small businesses and sole proprietors, the owner's personal credit is often the real story. Many small companies have thin business credit files, so the owner's personal history is a useful window into how they manage money. If you're extending meaningful credit to a small business, a personal credit check on the principal — with their permission — can be worth the effort.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Help with Commercial Debt Collection

No matter how carefully you vet, some accounts will still go unpaid. That's a normal cost of doing business on credit. When it happens, the key is to act quickly and professionally.

We handle commercial debt collection from the first professional demand letter through litigation if necessary, so you can protect the relationship while still getting paid. You can place a claim securely through our online portal, upload your documents, and track progress in real time.

Get the money you deserve. Call us at 248-370-8160 or fill out a click here to fill out a contact form.

Common Mistakes in Credit Policies, Part 2

With over 50% of B2B invoices now paid late and write-offs persisting across industries, the difference
between a healthy receivables portfolio and a growing problem often comes down to the policies you have in place before an invoice ever goes out.

In our last blog, we shared two common mistakes we see in company credit policies. Here are two more to watch out for: 

Ignoring Red Flags in Payment Patterns

The mistake: Treating every late payment as an isolated incident. Slow pays, partial payments, and repeated excuses are often early warning signs of deeper trouble — but many companies don't flag them until it's too late.

The fix: Build triggers into your AR system. If an account goes 30 days past due twice in six months, escalate it for review. Train your team to spot patterns, not just individual events.

No Segmentation of Customer Risk

The mistake: Treating all customers the same. A startup with six months in business and a Fortune 500 subsidiary don't belong on the same terms, but many companies offer net-30 across the board.

The fix: Segment your customer base by risk level. High-risk accounts get shorter terms, smaller limits, and more frequent check-ins. Low-risk accounts can enjoy more favorable terms. Your credit policy should flex based on data, not instinct.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Guidance from a Debt Collection Agency

Our B2B debt collection agency works with businesses of all sizes to design, audit, and implement credit policies that reduce risk and support growth. Whether you need a full policy overhaul or a targeted review of your current processes, we're here to help.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you turn your credit policy into something that works FOR you instead of AGAINST you.

Common Mistakes in Credit Policies, Part 1

Have your customers been paying invoices later and later?

When was the last time you reviewed your credit policy?

Bad debt doesn't appear out of nowhere. In most cases, it's the predictable result of a credit policy that has a few holes. Here are two mistakes we often see in a company’s credit policy:

No Formal Credit Application Process

The mistake: Extending credit based on a handshake, a referral, or a quick online search. Without a standardized application, you're flying blind on the customer's financial health, payment history, and legal standing.

The fix: Require a complete credit application from every new customer, including trade references, bank information, and a signed personal guarantee where appropriate. Make it a non-negotiable step before any goods or services are delivered on credit.

Failing to Review Credit Limits Regularly

The mistake: Setting a credit limit once and never revisiting it. A customer who was a solid risk two years ago may be struggling today, and your old limit could be exposing you to far more than you realize.

The fix: Schedule periodic credit reviews — quarterly for high-volume accounts, annually for everyone else. Tie limit adjustments to payment behavior, aging trends, and any new financial data you can gather. A living limit is a safe limit.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Guidance from a Debt Collection Agency

Our B2B debt collection agency works with businesses of all sizes to design, audit, and implement credit policies that reduce risk and support growth. Whether you need a full policy overhaul or a targeted review of your current processes, we're here to help.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you turn your credit policy into something that works FOR you instead of AGAINST you.

When Settlement is the Smarter Play

In our last blog, we talked about when it’s best to pursue the full amount. In this blog, we’ll take a look
at when it’s best to pursue a settlement.

Settling can be the better business decision when:

• The debtor is struggling financially. If the business is on the verge of closing or has limited assets, a settlement may be the only way to recover anything at all.
• Time is money. Dragging out a collection effort for months (or years) eats into your team's bandwidth. A quick settlement frees you up to focus on revenue-generating work.
• Legal costs would eat into the recovery. If pursuing full payment means expensive litigation, a settlement can actually net you more in the end.
• You want to preserve a business relationship. In some cases, a mutually agreeable settlement keeps the door open for future work once the debtor's situation improves.

Learn more in our latest article.

Learn Your Options with a Collection Agency

There's no universal right answer. The best choice depends on the specific facts of each account, your cash flow needs, and your tolerance for time and risk. What matters is having a clear process for evaluating your options, and a collection agency who can guide you through them.

Ready to talk through a specific account? Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.

When Full Payment Makes Sense

When a commercial account goes unpaid, business owners face a tough question: Should you hold out
for the full amount owed, or accept a settlement and move on? There's no one-size-fits-all answer — but understanding the trade-offs can help you make the right call for your bottom line.

Pursuing the full amount is usually the right move when:

• The debtor has clear assets or steady cash flow. If the business is still operating and has the means to pay, there's no reason to discount what you're owed.
• The amount is substantial. For larger balances, the cost of pursuing full payment (legal fees, staff time) is often worth the effort.
• You have a signed contract with clear terms. Strong documentation gives you leverage and a clearer path to full recovery.
• The debtor is responsive. If they're communicating and showing good faith, working toward full payment is reasonable.

Learn more in our latest article.

Learn Your Options with a Collection Agency

There's no universal right answer. The best choice depends on the specific facts of each account, your cash flow needs, and your tolerance for time and risk. What matters is having a clear process for evaluating your options, and a collection agency who can guide you through them.

Ready to talk through a specific account? Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.

Commercial Collections Focus on Negotiations

Many commercial debts stem from cash flow challenges, accounting problems, ownership transitions,
or disputes over products or services. Collection efforts often involve negotiation, investigation, and structured settlements rather than simply demanding payment.

The Stakes Are Often Higher

A single unpaid invoice can involve thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Accounts receivable are often a company's most important asset, and delayed payments affect payroll, purchasing, growth plans, and financial stability. That's why many businesses involve a collection agency before an account becomes uncollectible.

Commercial Debt Collection May Lead to Litigation

Commercial agencies often work with attorneys specializing in creditors' rights. When a debtor refuses to cooperate despite clear documentation, litigation may become necessary. The possibility of legal enforcement also provides leverage that encourages resolution beforehand. RSD's process extends from initial collection through litigation when warranted.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Experienced Debt Collection Services

Commercial debt collection requires a different skill set than consumer collection—a deeper understanding of business relationships and complex contractual issues.

We've spent decades helping businesses recover outstanding receivables through professional, ethical strategies. Whether you're dealing with a single unpaid invoice or an entire portfolio, our team can turn past-due receivables into recovered revenue.

Contact RSD today to learn how our debt collection services can strengthen your cash flow and protect your bottom line.

The Nature of Debt

Consumer debt collection involves individuals borrowing for personal purposes: credit cards, medical


bills, personal loans, auto loans, and utilities.

Commercial debt collection involves business-to-business transactions: unpaid invoices, open trade accounts, service contracts, equipment leases, transportation charges, and wholesale transactions. Balances are typically larger, contracts more complex, and investigation more involved.

Commercial Collections Are Often More Complex

Consumer debts are generally straightforward. Commercial debts involve purchase orders, written contracts, terms and conditions, delivery confirmations, partial payments, product disputes, and multiple decision-makers. Collectors often review supporting documentation to verify the claim and determine the best recovery strategy.

Business Relationships Matter

In consumer collections, the creditor-debtor relationship is often already broken. In B2B collections, a customer behind on payments may still be valuable. Successful commercial agencies emphasize professionalism and problem-solving over confrontation—recovering the debt while preserving future business when appropriate. RSD, for example, takes a fair but firm approach focused on resolution.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Experienced Debt Collection Services

Commercial debt collection requires a different skill set than consumer collection—a deeper understanding of business relationships and complex contractual issues.

We've spent decades helping businesses recover outstanding receivables through professional, ethical strategies. Whether you're dealing with a single unpaid invoice or an entire portfolio, our team can turn past-due receivables into recovered revenue.

Contact RSD today to learn how our debt collection services can strengthen your cash flow and protect your bottom line.

Myth: Hiring a Collection Agency will Damage Customer Relationships

Reality: A professional approach can actually preserve relationships.

Many business owners worry that involving a third party will burn bridges. However, experienced firms understand the importance of maintaining professionalism and diplomacy.

A reputable agency:

• Communicates clearly and respectfully 
• Focuses on resolution—not confrontation 
• Acts as a neutral third party to defuse tension 

In many cases, this improves outcomes compared to internal collection attempts that may already be strained.

Learn more in our latest article.

Stop the Search for B2B Debt Collection Companies

Because you’ve found your collection partner!

Working with an experienced, compliant debt collection company can make all the difference—helping you recover what you’re owed while maintaining professionalism every step of the way.

Contact RSD today to learn how ethical, effective debt collection can support your business goals. 

Prefer the phone? Call 248-370-8160.

Myth: Debt Collection Agencies Use Harassment or Aggressive Tactics

Reality: Professional agencies are legally prohibited from harassment or abusive behavior.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) strictly regulates how debt collectors operate, banning harassment, threats, deception, and unfair practices. 

Collectors cannot:

• Call at unreasonable hours 
• Use abusive language 
• Misrepresent the debt 
• Threaten actions they cannot legally take 

In fact, ethical agencies rely on respectful communication and proven processes—not intimidation—to resolve accounts.

Myth #2: Hiring a Collection Agency Will Damage Customer Relationships

Reality: A professional approach can actually preserve relationships.

Many business owners worry that involving a third party will burn bridges. However, experienced firms understand the importance of maintaining professionalism and diplomacy.

A reputable agency:

• Communicates clearly and respectfully 
• Focuses on resolution—not confrontation 
• Acts as a neutral third party to defuse tension 

In many cases, this improves outcomes compared to internal collection attempts that may already be strained.

Learn more in our latest article.

Stop the Search for B2B Debt Collection Companies

Because you’ve found your collection partner!

Working with an experienced, compliant debt collection company can make all the difference—helping you recover what you’re owed while maintaining professionalism every step of the way.

Contact RSD today to learn how ethical, effective debt collection can support your business goals. 

Prefer the phone? Call 248-370-8160.

Why Mid-Year is the Perfect Time to Review A/R

By the time summer rolls around, your business has generated enough financial data to reveal meaningful patterns—but there’s still time to course-correct before year-end.

Here’s why a mid-year review is so valuable:

1. Catch Problems Before They Compound

If aging reports show a growing number of invoices in the 60-, 90-, or 120-day categories, it’s a clear sign your current processes need attention. Left unchecked, these accounts can turn into bad debt.

2. Improve Cash Flow When It Matters Most

Accounts receivable directly impacts your cash flow. Reviewing your A/R mid-year helps ensure you’re not operating at a deficit while waiting on overdue payments. 

3. Reevaluate Customer Credit Policies

Are certain customers consistently late? A mid-year review gives you the opportunity to adjust credit terms, enforce stricter payment policies, or reconsider high-risk accounts.

4. Align Your Team Before Year-End Pressure

Waiting until Q4 to address receivables often means scrambling. A mid-year strategy reset allows your team to operate more efficiently during the busiest time of the year.

Read more in our latest article.

Partner with a Michigan Debt Collector

If your A/R review reveals accounts that are becoming increasingly difficult to collect—or if your internal efforts are falling short—it may be time to bring in experienced professionals.

A trusted Michigan debt collector, like RSD, can help you recover outstanding balances while preserving valuable business relationships.

Mid-year isn’t just a checkpoint—it’s your opportunity to reset, refine, and strengthen your financial strategy for the rest of the year. To get started, call 248-370-8160 or submit a contact form here.

What is an A/R Review and Why Does it Matter?

An accounts receivable aging report categorizes unpaid invoices based on how long they’ve been
outstanding—typically in 30-day increments (0–30, 31–60, 61–90, and 90+ days). 

This report isn’t just a snapshot of who owes you money—it’s a powerful decision-making tool.

A well-executed A/R review helps you:

• Identify overdue accounts quickly 
• Spot trends in customer payment behavior 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your current collection efforts 
• Detect potential credit risks before they escalate 

The longer an invoice goes unpaid, the less likely it is to be collected—making early intervention critical to protecting your revenue. 

Read more in our latest article.

Partner with a Michigan Debt Collector

If your A/R review reveals accounts that are becoming increasingly difficult to collect—or if your internal efforts are falling short—it may be time to bring in experienced professionals.

A trusted Michigan debt collector, like RSD, can help you recover outstanding balances while preserving valuable business relationships.

Mid-year isn’t just a checkpoint—it’s your opportunity to reset, refine, and strengthen your financial strategy for the rest of the year. To get started, call 248-370-8160 or submit a contact form here.

Why Digital Payment Solutions are Good for Both Creditors and Debtors

Did you know that digital solutions actually work better for both you and your debtor?

Digital payment solutions have transformed debt recovery by making it easier, faster, and more convenient for customers to resolve their accounts. Here’s how they benefit both your company and your debtors:

Empowering Debtors Through Self-Service

Modern debt recovery is no longer just about persistence—it’s about accessibility and control. Digital payment platforms allow customers to manage their accounts independently through secure portals.

Self-service features often include:

• Viewing balances and account details
• Setting up payment plans
• Making payments anytime, anywhere
• Adjusting payment schedules

This level of convenience matters. A large majority of consumers prefer self-service options, and many are more likely to resolve debts when they can do so on their own terms. 

Reduced Friction = Higher Collection Success

Friction is one of the biggest barriers to successful debt recovery. The more steps, delays, or complications involved in making a payment, the less likely it is to happen.

Digital payment solutions remove these barriers by:

• Offering multiple payment methods (credit card, ACH, mobile wallets)
• Providing 24/7 access to payment platforms
• Eliminating the need for phone calls or mailed checks
• Streamlining the entire payment process

As a result, businesses see higher completion rates and fewer abandoned payment attempts.

When it’s Time to Call a Debt Collection Company

If you have a digital payment solution in place but still have outstanding debt, it’s time to get a debt collection company involved. To get started, call 248-370-8160 or submit a contact form here. We’ll help your company reclaim the money its owed.

Two Ways Digital Payment Solutions Benefit Your Company

Is your company still using snail mail to collect payments?

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the way businesses collect outstanding debts is rapidly evolving. 

Traditional collection methods—phone calls, mailed notices, and manual payment processing—are no longer enough to keep up with modern consumer expectations.

Here are two ways that digital payment solutions directly benefit your company’s collection efforts:

Faster Payments and Improved Cash Flow

One of the biggest advantages of digital payment solutions is speed. When customers receive a payment link via text or email, they can act immediately—eliminating delays caused by back-and-forth communication.

Digital tools help:

• Convert intent into immediate payment
• Reduce the time between agreement and payment
• Shorten the overall collection cycle

This reduction in friction leads directly to faster cash flow and improved recovery rates. Studies show that digital payment portals can boost recovery performance and significantly shorten time-to-cash. 

Increased Engagement and Response Rates

Traditional collection methods often struggle to reach consumers effectively. Many people ignore unknown phone calls or delay responding to mailed notices. Digital communication changes that dynamic.

Email, SMS, and mobile notifications:

• Reach consumers where they already spend time
• Provide quick, convenient access to payment options
• Encourage higher response and engagement rates

Text messaging alone has become a powerful tool, contributing to billions in recovered debt and significantly improving contact rates. 

Learn more in our latest article.

When it’s Time to Call a Debt Collection Company

If you have a digital payment solution in place but still have outstanding debt, it’s time to get a debt collection company involved. To get started, call 248-370-8160 or submit a contact form here. We’ll help your company reclaim the money its owed.

Key Strategies to Tighten Credit Policies

Looking for ways to prevent delinquent payments before they start?

Here are some practical ways to strengthen your credit approach:

1. Establish Clear Credit Criteria

Before extending credit, define what qualifies a customer for net terms. This can include credit score minimums, trade references, or industry benchmarks. A documented credit approval process ensures your sales and finance teams make consistent decisions.

2. Formalize Terms in Writing

Put all credit agreements in writing with clear language about due dates, penalties for late payment, and expectations for communication. A signed agreement reduces misunderstandings and gives you stronger footing if collection action becomes necessary.

3. Monitor Customer Financial Health

Not all risk shows up immediately. Encourage your team to watch for red flags — sudden declines in payment timeliness, repeated excuses, or changes in ordering patterns — and be prepared to adjust terms accordingly. 

4. Use Incentives and Consequences

Consider offering early-payment discounts or charging late fees. These tools encourage clients to pay on time and strengthen your internal disciplines for managing receivables.

Improve Your Collection Efforts

Even with great policies, some accounts will still fall behind. That’s where a strategic approach to collections matters. Handling overdue accounts quickly and professionally can prevent small delinquencies from becoming large losses.

• Act early: Following up promptly when a balance becomes late increases your chances of full payment.
• Use structured communication: Escalating outreach — from reminders to firm notices — creates momentum toward resolution.
• Understand your options: Some accounts respond best to negotiation, some to formal demand letters, and others may require more assertive steps.

When you blend tight credit screening with timely collection practices, you create a system that protects your cash flow and minimizes the stress of chasing late payments. 

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Help from the Debt Collection Experts

Don’t let weak credit policies or inconsistent collections hurt your bottom line. Call our debt collection agency today at (248) 370-8160 or submit an online contact form to get tailored guidance on tightening your credit and collection policies — and start keeping more cash flowing in, where it belongs.

Why Strong Credit Policies Matter for Your Business

When a customer doesn’t pay on time — or at all — it’s more than just an unpaid invoice. Delinquent
accounts can disrupt budgets, strain resources, and force hard choices about staffing, inventory, or expansion plans. By implementing tighter credit policies, you:

• Minimize risk on new sales by evaluating creditworthiness upfront
• Set clear expectations with customers before they buy
• Reduce past-due balances, helping you forecast cash flow more accurately 

A well-structured credit policy acts as a foundation for confident selling — and when paired with proactive collections, it keeps your business on solid financial footing.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Help from the Debt Collection Experts

Don’t let weak credit policies or inconsistent collections hurt your bottom line. Call our debt collection agency today at (248) 370-8160 or submit an online contact form to get tailored guidance on tightening your credit and collection policies — and start keeping more cash flowing in, where it belongs.

Why Beginning-of-the-Year Debt Placement Makes Strategic Sense

January and February are ideal times for businesses to reassess financial health and clean up lingering
receivables. Accounts that are over 120 days old with no communication rarely resolve themselves — but they often respond to professional collection efforts.

Placing these accounts early in the year helps free up working capital, improves financial clarity, and allows your internal team to focus on growth instead of chasing non-responsive debtors.

Discover how RSD helps businesses recover silent accounts while maintaining professionalism and protecting relationships in our latest article.

Pick a Tried-and-True Debt Collection Agency

You don’t need to take a chance when you work with an accredited commercial debt collection agency like RSD. We’ll get you the money you’re owed with as little effort and anxiety possible on your part.

To get started, call 248-370-8160 or submit an online contact form.

Why 120+ Day Old Accounts with No Communication Deserve Immediate Attention

When an account passes 120 days with no response from the debtor, the likelihood of collecting through internal efforts drops sharply. Silence often signals deeper issues — cash flow problems, disorganization, or intentional avoidance.

At the start of a new year, continuing to carry these accounts can distort your financial picture and consume valuable internal resources. By placing silent, aged receivables with a professional commercial debt collection agency, businesses can improve reporting accuracy, reduce administrative strain, and increase the chances of recovery before the debt becomes too old to pursue effectively.

Learn more about when and why placing 120+ day old accounts with no communication is a smart business move in our latest article.

Pick a Tried-and-True Debt Collection Agency

You don’t need to take a chance when you work with an accredited commercial debt collection agency like RSD. We’ll get you the money you’re owed with as little effort and anxiety possible on your part.

To get started, call 248-370-8160 or submit an online contact form.

Why Forward Old Debt to RSD?

How does using a debt collector make a difference?

For more than 50 years, we’ve been helping businesses nationwide recover commercial debt in a fast, professional, and ethical manner. Whether your past-due accounts stem from slow-pay customers, sudden non-payment, or businesses that have gone silent, our team has the resources to pursue the debt efficiently and effectively.

We specialize in:

• Hard-to-collect commercial accounts
• Business-to-business past due invoices
• Skip tracing and locating non-responsive debtors
• Legal action when necessary, backed by our national attorney network

Our goal is always the same: maximize your business debt collection recovery while keeping your business relationships and reputation intact.

Learn more in our latest article.

Start 2026 With Confidence—Let Us Handle Your Business Debt Collection

The beginning of the year offers a fresh opportunity to strengthen your financial foundation. By writing off your overdue 2025 receivables of 120 days or more and forwarding them to us, you can reduce stress, free up internal resources, and generate fast cash through successful recovery.

Contact us today to get started and turn past-due invoices into real revenue!

Why Address 120+ Day Past-Due Accounts Now?

Did you know that the older a debt is, the harder it is to get the full return?

When an invoice hits the 120-day mark with no payment, the likelihood of voluntary recovery drops significantly. These accounts often require professional follow-up and strategic collection methods to produce results. By acting early in the year, your business can:

1. Immediately Improve Cash Flow

Past-due accounts create financial drag. Turning them over to us allows your team to focus on new revenue while we work to recover the money owed to you.

2. Clean Up Your Books for 2026

A clean financial slate sets your business up for a stronger year. Writing off uncollectible debt and sending it to a trusted commercial collection agency helps you maintain accurate, organized records.

3. Recover Revenue You Would Otherwise Lose

Even if an invoice seems “too old,” our experience with commercial debt recovery means we often collect what others cannot. Our skilled business debt collectors, skip tracing tools, and customized recovery strategies give your business a renewed chance at being paid.

Learn more in our latest article.

Start 2026 With Confidence—Let Us Handle Your Business Debt Collection

The beginning of the year offers a fresh opportunity to strengthen your financial foundation. By writing off your overdue 2025 receivables of 120 days or more and forwarding them to us, you can reduce stress, free up internal resources, and generate fast cash through successful recovery.

Contact us today to get started and turn past-due invoices into real revenue!

Collect on Debts from 2025 ASAP!

Feeling anxious about getting the money you’re owed before the new year?

Everyone wants a clean slate at the beginning of 2026! That’s why the end of the year is an important time to clean up delinquent accounts. The older a debt is, the harder it is to get the full return. 

Once a debt reaches 90-120 days past due, it’s more important than ever to enlist the help of a debt collection agency. By 120 days, the collection rate has gone down to nearly half of what it should be. As you’re squaring away the books to have a clean financial start to the new year, make sure to catalog the age of any debt you’re owed, and don’t wait to reach out to a debt collection company to get the money you’re owed in the most efficient way possible.

Read more in our latest article.

RSD is Your New Year Debt Collection Agency

You should enjoy the holidays without the stress of chasing down debt. The expert debt collectors at RSD specialize in using an efficient but friendly approach. To get started, call (248) 370-8160 or submit a contact form.