How Much Does a Collection Agency Cost in 2023?

Debt Collection Company Costs

Depending on the age of the debt the cost of debt collection can range from 10% to 95%. Here’s what you need to know to calculate your cost for a debt collection service:




If your business needs an affordable debt recovery solution, the guide will help you ask the right questions.

Debt Collection Companies to Watch

Debt collection is a touchy subject. Watch out for the way an agency treats your debtors. It reflects on your reputation as well as theirs.

FEDChex Recovery

Buyers GuideThis large provider of payroll processing, check cashing and other personal credit services also has a credit collections service. They are well known for their consumer debt collection.

FEDChex Recovery is a recognized leader in providing Debt Collection, Depository, and Treasury solutions for businesses. They maintain their commitment to supporting clients’ requirements by delivering cost-effective ethical reliable high-quality services of strategic value while sustaining a challenging rewarding environment with employees as the greatest asset.

Credit Management Company

A company with a longstanding service reputation. Since 1966, Credit Management Company has performed collections for government, healthcare, education, and commercial sectors.

Credit Management Company is a renowned company that specializes in providing accounts receivable and collection management programs to clients throughout different industries. Their services have been utilized by companies like healthcare providers, government organizations, or educational institutions who want their help optimizing their bottom line through cost savings on outsourced operations where necessary.

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Recovery Solutions Group

This collection agency only collects commercial debts. It boasts a national attorney and private investigator network. Recover Solutions Group collects debts in the U.S. and internationally.

They offer personalized quotes to help you narrow down the cost of debt collection based on your circumstances.

The RSG team has a unique approach to the recovery of receivables. No matter what type you’re dealing with, they can offer an effective and cost-efficient solution that will exceed your expectations when it comes to collection efforts. They provide 1st party Account Receivable Management as well as 3rd Party services for those who want their money more quickly than ever before – all without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction in any way at all.

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Transworld Systems

This credit rating giant provides services including collections, loans, billing, and analytics. This is one of the largest contingency fee-based collection agencies in the US. They handle commercial and personal debt.

Transworld Systems’ experience in providing outsourcing solutions for over ten years has led them to become the largest technology provider of complete-suite of services. TSI provides account receivable management, customer relationship management, business process outsourcing, and debt collections as well as loan servicing capabilities with premier analytics that differentiate themselves from other companies through their unmatched attention towards regulatory compliance worldwide – all on a global scale.

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Global Executive Solutions

For more than thirty years, Global Executive Solutions offers online credit reports, letter services ad legal services to commercial, consumer, and government accounts.  They offer flat-fee and contingency-based services.

Top talent is getting smarter, better educated, and more confident. With baby boomers retiring at an accelerating pace there are significant shortages of candidates for all levels of employment – even as companies have to consider creative new ways to surface them.

Global Executive Solutions practice leaders have years of experience in the industries they now serve. They bring their knowledge, contacts, and sensitivity for marketplace issues that they need as specialists without an equal elsewhere on this project team dedicated entirely to finding qualified talent available within your designated industry or niche market.

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Prestige Services Inc.

The U.S. based Prestige Services Inc. collects commercial debt. It has a 20-year business history and an experienced, professional staff. It provides professional skip-tracing and investigation to locate debtors.

The team at Prestige Services Inc. is committed to getting your debt off the books. They start fighting immediately, with letters sent both through email and regular mail if necessary. If you owe money to an individual debtor then they will also receive a knock on their door soon after we send out inquiries about who’s owed what – so make sure it matches.

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Revenue Assurance Partners

This company provides first and third-party debt collection, customized to your needs. They allow you to outsource some or all internal collection processes.  It can provide audits, reports, legal referrals, and other collection services.

Revenue Assurance Partners is the number one commercial debt recovery company. They have 50 years of experience and provide RAPDIRECT, their online system for clients to view their accounts receivable information instantly as well as document imaging services that will help you get back all the money owed from your customers.

Revenue Assurance Partners works with you to develop a plan of action that will allow your company the best chance at getting paid what is owed. Whether it be through negotiation or litigation, they have experience in both areas and can help get the job done quickly so there’s not as much time invested in this side hustle! They work with you to develop a plan of action that will allow your company the best chance at getting paid what is owed.

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Rocket Receivables

Rocket Receivables specializes in small and mid-sized businesses. It offers fixed-fee pricing for some services. More advanced service is priced by contingency.

For debts more than 120 days delinquent, Rocket Receivable employees more assertive collection tactics. Recovery of these funds is split evenly between you and the collection agency.

Rocket Receivables offers a two-stage system to make collection easier, with less hassle for you. Their mission is to make sure that their clients are able to get back on their feet and focus once again on what’s important: customers. They are committed not just to helping them identify the problem but also providing solutions so we can boost your cash flow as well propel revenue forward at higher rates than ever before.

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VeriCore

An international powerhouse, this agency focuses on international commercial debt recovery, credit reporting, and safely moving funds from one country to another.  It has the ability to report companies to the U.S. Embassy and the Commerce and Trade Division of the U.S. Government.

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With estimated holiday shopping, Americans’ credit card debt can only increase. The estimate for 2018 is by 5%, a mere $600 million or so in extra debt. How much of that is going to haunt American consumers as overdue bills?

71 million adults in the U.S. have a debt in collections today. This number is slightly lower than just a few years ago, but it still means 1 in 3 Americans can’t pay their bills. How much does overdue or unpaid debt cost your business?

Is the cost of debt collection more or less than your business losses from bad debt? Read on to learn more.

Where is the Source of Today’s Debt?

All these debts could be anything from a forgotten parking ticket to a winter fuel bill in dispute. Debt collection agencies work to help businesses and government agencies collect the money owed.

  • The average U.S. household has $17,502 in credit card debt.

How did consumers accumulate debt is the best question. Are consumers simply eating too much avocado toast, too often as alleged by certain political personalities? Or are they drowning in student loans?

  • U.S. college graduates in the U.S. end their school careers with around $39,672 in-school loan debt on average.

This statistic is not as shocking as the size of the average payment. New graduates can expect payments to begin within 6 months of leaving school. The average monthly payment is a whopping $460+ per month.

The largest type of debt in collections is unpaid medical bills. Out of control medical expenses drive the vast number of bankruptcies in the U.S. More than 20%of U.S. households have some medical debt.

Should You Hire a Collection Agency?

It may surprise you to know that the median amount sent to collections is $1,350. You might have been expecting a great deal more. These small amounts suggest that companies are generally very successful in collecting what is owed to them.

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Most small companies lack the personnel to have a fully-functioning credit department and customer collections unit. It does not make sense to dedicate a large part of your staff time to collect relatively small amounts. Especially since these small amounts tend to come from a fraction of your customers.

This does not keep you from making some effort. A small investment in an automated invoicing system and mailing monthly bills makes collections much easier. Have your sales representatives place gentle reminder calls to companies with overdue bills while they are calling on the clients.

Steps to Collecting From Delinquent Accounts

Sometimes it doesn’t matter if your customer is a personal friend or a member of the family. You have a right and a business obligation to see that you get paid for products or services rendered.  Be strategic in your approach to these situations.

Take Out the Emotion

After you’ve given your time and effort to a customer and then they stall payment, you might be upset. No one can blame you. They just committed theft of some precious hours of your labor that you can never get back.

It’s vitally important for you to breathe deeply and count to ten before you speak. Maintain a calm demeanor. The more emotion that leaks in, the less likely it is that you’ll collect on the debt in full.

If your customer feels it is personal, you have lost control over the narrative. They can rage right along with you and choose not to cooperate. Your anger or lack of it has a strong impact.

A pleasant and polite attitude is much more likely to be met with the same.

Assert Your Rights

You don’t need any professional training in accounts receivable or debt collection. However, a little education about your rights and legal options will keep you from making expensive mistakes.

Blindly fumbling through the process is no way to ensure success. For your protection, you need to understand the actions that are permitted and the ones that are prohibited. For example, it is completely legal to hold certain individuals accountable for some kinds of business debt.

Did you know that you can properly begin debt collection the minute you fulfill your contracted exchange? While there’s no free central online registry of bankruptcies, you can go through steps to find someone’s legal address and tax returns to speed things up.

Document, Document, Document

Nothing is more important than documentation in debt collection.  Every time you talk to a customer on the phone, record the phone call, and take notes. Copy every piece of correspondence and send it with delivery confirmation.

Archive email correspondence and keep the message threads. Do the same with texts. Keep a diary or contact log of calls and visits you make to the customer – whether at work or home.

Be Persistent But Not a Pest

Harassment is against the law. You are limited in the time and place you may make contact. Harassing a customer who already knows about their debt to you is ineffective and can backfire.

Making frequent contact plays an important role in debt collection. However, there are rules about how frequently you can check in with a debtor. Harassment is calling your customer every morning at 8:00 am for two months straight.

A judge would look much more favorably at a persistent and polite call every few days to a week. Calls can include giving options to begin repayment.

Settle for Less If You Can’t Get It All

Pretend you have a customer who owes you a large amount and is more than 6 months past due. You already went through the polite stages of debt collection and are now in the purely frustrating stage. You are pretty sure that they are just going to wait you out and walk away.

Before you write this debt off completely, consider negotiating a settlement for less than you are owed, but more than nothing. For some debtors, this is a viable solution.

Delinquent accounts receivable are a stress-related headache to you, but they have severe anxiety power over the people who owe you. If you come to them and say you’re willing to take a portion of the debt off to avoid involving the courts, they may eager to settle.

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When to Hire a Collection Agency

Do you have plenty of overdue accounts receivables? Are you spending too many of your limited payroll hours on chasing debt instead of servicing good customers?  It’s probably worth your time to use a dedicated professional.

A collection agency’s only job is to recover debts.

Not only does this save your time and keep you out of legal trouble, but it is also likely to be more effective than your efforts alone. There are specific laws that govern debt collection. Do you have a specialist in your office?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) governs how debts may be collected. Collection agencies specialize in the complications of FDCPA regulation.

The Cost of Debt Collection

Most collection agencies operate on contingency fees. This means fees are a percentage of the collected debt. Many factors contribute to the pricing, but in the end, it comes down to confidence in how much you can collect.

The cost of debt collection can range from 10% to 95%. Many factors determine what can be charged. These include such as the number of debts in collection, the size, and age of the debt portfolio, and the effort required to collect.

To give you an idea of how much it costs:

The fees for debts aged up to 90 days can be 20% to 50% of the collected revenue. Older debts aged 90 to 120 days require more work. Expect a fee of 30% to 60%. An account a year or more in arrears might only yield 5%, with the debt collection agency keeping 95% for their efforts.

Fees to Avoid (or at Least Question)

In addition to the contingency fee for service, there is the flat-fee model. In this case, you will pay a flat fee of $10-$15 per account, regardless of the type of service required or the results. Avoid paying fees without demanding results.

Some collection agencies also purchase debt outright. They pay you a fraction of what is owed and then they turn their resources on collecting the debt for themselves. For very hard to collect debts, this may be the answer, but it can damage your reputation if the new owner of the debt is aggressive or indiscreet.

What to Look for in a Collections Agency

There are two types of collections service. First-party collections appear to come from you. This method looks like you have your own in-house debt collections office.

The agency provides letter correspondence and phone calling services. Letters then phone calls follow a structured escalation of demand. For customers who fail to pay after first-party collections, businesses may escalate to third-party collections.

This service applies additional written pressure and phone strategies. All communication is clearly identified as originating from a debt collector. This increases the sense of urgency for payment.

Collections agencies have varied techniques to extract payment from your delinquent accounts. Most agencies perform skip tracing, a favored method of tracking down businesses that are otherwise hard to find.

Debt Collection Sample Costs

Below are a few examples of price facts for collection recovery services which will give you an idea of how much you will pay for your purchase.

  • Debt aged up to 3 months cost 20% to 50% of collected revenue.
  • Uncollected revenue aged 3 – 6 months will require a fee of  30% – 60%.
  • Any debt exceeding 12 months in age will most likely pay out a flat fee of about 5% on every dollar purchased and the collection agency will retain 100% of whatever it can recover.

Suggested Sites: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion

Find the Right Debt Collection Service

This is by no means a complete list. As you complete your research, look for discretion and positive results. References from lots of satisfied clients are always a good sign.

Because there are so many factors to determine the cost of debt collection, it pays to get several quotes from a range of companies. Look for companies that can locate your customers and protect your reputation.

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Debt collection agencies are a valuable resource for businesses seeking to maximize their financial recovery. They provide specialized knowledge, expertise, and resources to help ensure that debts are collected in a timely manner and at the highest possible return rate.

A debt collection agency is typically contracted by a business when they have exhausted all of their existing resources trying to collect a debt, or when they need to quickly collect on a large number of debts. A debt collection agency can provide customized solutions to meet the specific needs of a business in regard to its accounts receivables. They can create an effective strategy for collecting outstanding payments while minimizing costs and maximizing returns.

Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Your Debt Collection Agency

Here are some very helpful strategies that will allow you to get the most out of a debt collection agency:

1. Implement a clear communication plan: Establish an open line of communication between the debt collection agency and your business so that both parties are on the same page when it comes to collecting accounts receivable.

2. Set deadlines for collection efforts: Account holders should be given reasonable amounts of time to pay their debts before they’re sent to collections.

3. Establish an effective payment system: Make sure that your payment system is as efficient and user-friendly as possible. This will help to ensure that accounts are properly paid in a timely manner and there are no unnecessary delays or frustrations for customers.

4. Monitor account activity: The debt collection agency should provide regular updates on the progress of accounts and any new developments that may affect the collection efforts.

5. Utilize technology: With today’s technology, there are a variety of ways to improve your debt collection process. From automated payment processing to sophisticated analytics and reporting, these tools can help you maximize your returns while minimizing costs.

By working with an experienced debt collection agency, businesses can take advantage of their specialized knowledge and resources to ensure that they receive the highest possible return rate on outstanding debts. This can help to improve cash flow, reduce bad debt write-offs and ultimately increase profits.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Debt Collection Agency

When selecting a debt collection agency, it’s important to choose one that is reputable and well-respected in the industry. Here are some tips for selecting the right agency:

1. Check their credentials: Make sure that the debt collection agency has proper licensing and certifications to operate legally in your state or country.

2. Ensure they are compliant with industry regulations: Make sure that the agency is familiar with and compliant with all applicable rules, regulations, and laws relating to debt collection.

3. Ask for references: Speak with people who have previously worked with the agency to get a better idea of how successful their services were.

4. Compare rates and terms: Compare the rates and terms of different agencies to find one that is the most cost-effective.

By taking the time to research debt collection agencies and select one that best fits your business needs, you can ensure that you’re maximizing your financial recovery with minimal risk. With the right debt collection agency on your side, businesses can benefit from timely payments and an improved bottom line.

How to Save Money on Debt Collection Services

Debt collection services can be expensive, especially for small businesses and individuals who are struggling to recover debts. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on debt collection services. In this article, we will explore some effective tips to help you reduce your debt collection costs and save money.

  1. Know your rights

Before you hire a debt collection service, it’s essential to understand your rights as a debtor. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) outlines several rules and regulations that debt collectors must follow. These include restrictions on the time and frequency of contact, requirements for written notification, and prohibitions against harassment and deceptive practices. Knowing your rights will help you protect yourself from unethical debt collection practices and avoid unnecessary costs.

  1. Try to negotiate with your debtor

Before you consider hiring a debt collection service, try to negotiate with your debtor directly. It’s often possible to work out a payment plan or settlement that is mutually agreeable. This approach can save you a significant amount of money on debt collection fees and legal costs.

  1. Choose the right debt collection service

When choosing a debt collection service, be sure to shop around and compare prices. Look for a company that offers transparent pricing, with no hidden fees or charges. Avoid companies that require upfront payments or make unrealistic promises about debt recovery rates.

  1. Be proactive

One of the best ways to save money on debt collection services is to be proactive. Don’t wait until a debt is past due to start the collection process. Instead, establish clear payment terms and procedures upfront, and follow up with reminders and notifications as necessary. This approach can help you avoid costly legal action and collection fees.

  1. Consider alternative debt collection methods

There are several alternative debt collection methods that can be more cost-effective than traditional debt collection services. For example, you could use a debt collection app or software that automates the collection process and reduces the need for human intervention. You could also consider selling your debt to a debt buyer, who will take on the responsibility of collecting the debt in exchange for a percentage of the recovered funds.

In conclusion, saving money on debt collection services requires a proactive approach and careful consideration of your options. By knowing your rights, negotiating directly with debtors, choosing the right service provider, being proactive, and exploring alternative collection methods, you can significantly reduce your debt collection costs and recover more of your outstanding debts.

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Article Sources:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/29/american-debt-is-set-to-hit-4-trillion-and-this-expert-isnt-worried.html

https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/71-million-us-adults-have-debt-collections

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/average-credit-card-debt-household/

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/15/heres-how-much-the-average-student-loan-borrower-owes-when-they-graduate.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/07/29/a-third-of-consumers-had-debts-in-collections-last-year/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.1ad4e3bf0308

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