How To Find The Perfect New Hire

In the middle of an American economic crisis, one industry seems to be booming: the collection industry! That’s right, according to one recent study that was conducted as of late, more than fifty five percent of the collection agencies questioned plan to add to the amount of staff that they already employ this fiscal year.

Any manager going through the hiring process is aware of the time and aggravation that comes with finding the right fit for the job, especially a job like a debt collector where attention to detail and motivation are highly necessary. In the collections industry, it is imperative that you hire the right person. A debt collector who is too laid back is not going to collect; a collector who is too high strung might end up getting your agency sued. Hiring the wrong candidate not only leads to an unhappy new hire with the capacity to harm the credibility of the hiring manager and even the company, but it also chews up management time that it takes to train. Time and money that could have been put into training the right hire in the first place.

So how should a hiring manager go about conducting interviews to find the best fit? Interviewing styles will vary from business to business. Generally, a lot of interviews will involve asking about a candidate’s job history. But if a candidate knows what you are looking for, and they are adept at selling you their experience, you may end up hiring the person who is not best suited for the specific job you have in mind. Therefore, the most important idea that any prospective employer should keep in mind during an interview is to get the candidate to be extremely specific. Analysis has shown that it is more effective to go over less material very thoroughly than to have a general sense of everywhere that the candidate has been. It is important not to simply accept their first answer as complete- probe for more details.

In the collection industry, behavioral questions have been proven to be helpful. These are based on the idea that past actions may predict behavior in the future. When it is important that you need to be able to reasonably predict how a new hire will react to any sort of stimulus on the job because the credibility of your agency is at stake, questions such as “give me an example of,” or “what are your best and worst personality traits” can be helpful. Ask the candidate how they generally handle stress. You and I know they are going to be dealing with it after all.

Finally, look for new hires who feel passion about the things that they do. Try to look under the surface to determine if there is an authentic depth underneath what the candidate is claiming. Try asking about hobbies, life goals, etc. It may be unorthodox, but looking beyond qualifications can help you get a hold of some of the details that will give you an idea of how a candidate will approach a job and what their work habits are like.

Mallory Megan works for Rapid Recovery Solution and writes articles on medical collection agencies Free reprint avaialable from: How To Find The Perfect New Hire.

Foreclosures On The Rise

Recent research by RealtyTrac Year-End 2009 Foreclosure Market Report shows us that 3,957,643 foreclosure filings have been reported on 2,824,674 U.S. properties in the year of 2009. This also includes foreclosure auctions that were scheduled, default notices and bank repossessions.

That’s a twenty one percent increase in properties from numbers in data collected in 2008, and a one hundred and twenty percent increase in total properties from 2007. The report also revealed that one in forty five housing units, 2.21 percent, received at least one foreclosure filing during 2009, up from 2008′s 1.48 percent and 2007′s 1.03 percent.

In the month of December alone, foreclosure filings have been reported on 349,519 properties in December. This a fourteen percent jump from the previous month of November and a fifteen percent increase from 2008. But despite the fact that there was an increase in December, foreclosure actions in the fourth quarter of 2008 has decreased by seven percent.

Of all of the Amercian states, Nevada has the nation’s highest state foreclosure rate; more than ten percent of housing units obtained at least one foreclosure filing in 2009. This marks Nevada’s third consecutive year at the top of the foreclosure list. Nevada’s foreclosure activity in December has grown twenty seven percent from the previous month, but still was down by twenty two percent from December of 08.

Arizona claimed the nation’s second highest state foreclosure rate in 2009 with more than six percent of properties receiving at least one foreclosure filing during 2009, and Florida claimed the nation’s third highest foreclosure rate at 5.93 percent of its properties getting at least one foreclosure during the filing year.

This raises issues in the collection’s industry. Recent trends have told collections officials that consumers are purposely pumping up their credit debt and downplaying their assets to get lower payment plans. The fact that they are increasing debt on their credit cards to receive lower payment plans does not look promising.

Mallory Megan is employed by a debt collection agency. Also she composes articles on business and finance, consumer spending and collection agencies. This article, Foreclosures On The Rise is available for free reprint.

Debt Collection Company Gets Healthy

A debt collection agency founded in California started a scheme to motivate and educate employees to live healthier lifestyles in early January. There are twenty eight employees at the agency; more than half are currently participating in the implementation.

All of the parties involved have made a goal to lose ten percent of their total body weight by the end of June. Every Monday morning weigh-ins are scheduled and employees have an opportunity to win two cash prizes for losing five percent of their body weight by the end of March, and then another five percent by the end of June.

The Agency’s executive said that he had been thinking about the initiative for quite some time. He says that it is perfect for the stereotypical office setting that is plauged by unhealthy eating, and employees taking breaks to get take out food. He made note of the fact that trying to make employees lose weight was more cost efficient than actually getting health insurance for his workers.

In a scheme to get employees to have healthier lifestyles, the agency hosts sporadic lunches and “education track meetings” every week. The meetings are designed to assist employees target and plan for their weight loss goal. So far the program has been successful. The collection company has collectively lost 72 pounds to date. That’s the size of a small child.

The program strives to produce a better all around worker. It logically follows that a less stressed worker will be more efficient and motivated. While a really relaxed debt collector may not seem like they would be the most efficient worker, it all seems like an OK idea. As the government tries to sort out the health care system, perhaps it is time that more companies like this take this route. If employees cannot get health insurance, health initiatives and goals at work could be the next best solution.

Mallory Megan is employed by a debt collection company. Also she composes stories on business, finance, consumer spending and collection agencies. This article, Debt Collection Company Gets Healthy is released under a creative commons attribution licence.

What Is A Third Party Collection Agency?

The phrase collection agency is commonly applied to third-party agencies, named that because they were not a party to the original contract. The creditor designates accounts directly to such an agency on a contingency-fee basis, which commonly initially costs nothing at first to the creditor or merchant, except for the cost of communications. This on the other hand is dependent on the individual service level agreement that exists between the creditor and the collection agency.

The agency will accordingly obtain a percentage of the debt that is successfully collected; frequently known in the industry as the “Pot Fee” or potential fee upon successful collection. This does not accordingly have to be upon collection of the full balance and oftentimes this fee is paid by the creditor if they scratch out collection efforts before the debt is collected. The collection agency makes money only if money is collected from the debtor. Depending on the kind of debt the fee ranges from 10% to 50%.

A couple agencies offer a flat fee, typically $10.00, “pre-collection” or “soft collection” service. The service sends a chain of increasingly compelling letters, usually ten days apart, instructing debtors to pay the amount owed directly to the creditor or risk a collection action and negative credit report. Depending on the stipulations of the contract, these accounts may change to “hard collection” status at the agency’s regular rates if the debtor does not answer back.

In the United States, consumer third-party agencies are governed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1977 (FDCPA). This federal law is governed by the Federal Trade Commission or FTC. This act limits the hours during which the agency is permitted to contact the debtor and prevents communication of the debt to a third party. It also prohibits false, deceptive or misleading representations, and prohibits the agency from making threats of actions the agency cannot lawfully or does not intend to take.

In the United Kingdom third party collection agencies that pursue debts regulated by the Consumer Credit Act must themselves hold a Consumer Credit Licence; this is a requirement under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Licenses are distributed and regulated by the Office of Fair Trading a government body which protects consumers from dishonest traders. In order to retain their license third party agencies must work within the framework outlined within the 2003 fair debt collection guidance.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a medical debt collection agency.

What Is The Deal With Collection Companies? Pt.1

What is the deal with debt collection companies?

Two possibilities exist.

A few creditors will try to deter a debtor by utilizing a separate company name, address, and phone number for their internal collection departments, with the purpose of giving the impression of an “outside” agency. This strategy is should only be used when the debt is recent (under six months past due.)

However, most collections activity is performed by a third-party collection company, which are separate from the original creditors, and “work” debts on behalf of various lenders. They may also buy bad debts which have been designated as charge-offs by the original creditor.

This article will spotlight 3rd party collection companies

How exactly does a collections agency get paid?

Third-party debt collection agencies typically work on commission, this is where they receive a percentage of the amount that they collect. Individual collectors are often paid a low base wage plus commissions based on their personal performance.

A number of companies buy huge groups of charged-off bad debts for a small percentage of the face value (amount owed.) After a debt is sold, the debtor now owes the full amount to the purchaser. Since the chances of recovery decrease substantially with time, an agency might only pay 1% – 5% of face value. The agencies’ profits come from the difference between the purchase price and the amounts that are eventually collected.

How do debt collection agencies work?

The main tools of a debt collection agency are telephone calls and letters.

What is the deal with collection letters?

The 1st demand letter must state that the recipient has the right to dispute the validity of the debt or request verification of the debt (in writing). By law the agency must send some confirmation after verifying it with the original creditor. Demand letters should additionally have the statement that they come from a debt collector, and that any information obtained will be used for the purpose of collecting said debt. Collectors are not permitted to print anything on the outside of the envelope which may indicate or suggest that this is a collection attempt. The return address label must also be discreet, so many companies will just use their company’s initials, or some other nondescript name.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a New York debt collection company. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.

When Should I Call In A Credit Collection Agency?

You should call in a credit collection agency sooner rather than later. The longer you wait to begin the collection process on past due accounts, the less of a chance you’ll have at recovering your money.

The day after an account becomes overdue, you should place a polite phone call to the customer who owes you money. If that doesn’t work, you may want to send a few reminder letters yourself, or you may want to go directly to a credit collection agency. Base your decision on how much money is owed to you and the history of your relationship with the customer. If it’s the first time you are doing business with them, you’ll want to call in a credit collection agency sooner than you would with a 10-year old customer with a solid credit history.

Most companies call in a credit collection agency once a debt is 60 days to 90 days past due. If you wait much longer than 90 days to begin recovering unpaid receivables, your chance of collecting drops dramatically.

If you discover that your account has gone out of business, find out what type of business it was – a corporation, a partnership, or a proprietorship. If it was a corporation, don’t bother calling for the help of a collection agency. It is doubtful that you, or any one else, will be able to squeeze the last few nickels out of that client. If the company is a partnership or a proprietorship, you may be able to get the individual owners of the company to pay you out of their own pockets.

If you try to recover a debt and cannot, consider that bad debt a tax-deductible item (Tax Code IRC 166, Reg. 1.166). You will be able to deduct the cost of the goods sold (but not paid for) as an ordinary business expense. You can’t deduct any lost profits from the sale, nor can you deduct the money owed for services rendered.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a New York debt collection company. This and other unique content ‘collections’ articles are available with free reprint rights.

What To Look At When Looking For A Collection Agency

When scouting for a Business Collection agency, it is critical for businesses to find a collection agency that services their specific needs. Some corporation’s may rely on collection agencies more than others. For example, a freelance graphic designer may only need to use a Collection agency’s services once during his or her entire career. However, a larger company, such as a credit card company, may require the services of a Collection agency more repeatedly.

There are a few things that companies should look for when making a choice for the right Business Collection agency. These include:

Price. Not all Collection companies will charge the same rate or the same way. Almost all Collection agencies do, however, set their rates based on a percentage of the total amount of the monies to be collected. For example, a collection agency may charge ten percent of the total collection amount to the business that hires it. Some collection agencies also charge only once funds have been collected, while other collection agencies charge an upfront fee for their services.

Reliability. Not all Collection agencies are alike when it comes to reliability and effectiveness. One of the most excellent ways to determine how reliable a Collection agency is likely to be is to run a simple background check on the agency through an search thought the Internet or search with the Better Business Bureau. Also, many Collection agencies will offer references or have a list of clients that they have provided services for that new clients may check before hiring the agency.

Contracts. Some Collection firms offer contract work or retainers for their clients. In such a case, the agency may work a set number of hours each month for a set fee. Businesses need to be sure that they require a Collection agency’s services before they sign a long-term contract or retainer contract so that they can be sure that they get what they pay for.

Methods. It is important to ensure that a Collection agency is able to use a variety of methods when contacting non-payees. For example, Collection agencies should not only be able to approach a non-payee diplomatically through letter writing and phone calls, but the Collection agency should also be able to use legal courses of action, if necessary. May Collection agencies are part of law firms, which enables them to file legal cases easily and quickly, if necessary.

Mallory McGuinness is employed by a collections agency that works with a debt collection lawyer. Also, she does stories on business and finance, consumer spending and collections agencies.

What To Do If You Have A Debt Collector On The Phone

If you owe debt to a creditor collection agencies are allowed to report your debt to credit bureaus, file lawsuits against you, and should be taken very seriously. The best way to protect yourself and your financial situation is a methodical approach. First, know why you are being contacted. Know where the debt is from and exactly how much it costs.

Find out the name of the person calling, the agency, the creditor, and the agency’s address and fax number. Under the FDCPA, you have the right to tell a collector over the phone that you want all future contact to be in writing. Follow up all requests with a written request.

Try to remember that if you ask the collector not to contact you at all it the agency has the authority to contact you once more to inform you how it plans to proceed. Another request that can be made is that you are the only person that should be contacted. It may be a good idea to keep a file including dates and details of phone conversations and when you mail out or receive letters.

If you do send any correspondence to the collections agency do this by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. This ensures that the letter reached the collector, giving you a signed receipt as proof. If you negotiate a re-payment plan over the phone, ask for the terms of the plan in writing. Any promise to remove or adjust credit history should also definitely be documented.

Be sure that you pay the correct party; payments are usually made to the debt collection agency, not the creditor, unless you are otherwise instructed to do so. Carefully look over the amount you are being asked to pay. Get an assessment of any interest, fees or charges that have been added.

If you feel that your collector is being abusive, be certain to complain to the agency and keep this complaint on file. But most importantly, don’t ever ignore a bill collector even if you think that the debt isn’t yours; they will continue to contact you and it may mean more trouble and time in the long run.

Mallory Megan works for a debt collection agency. Also, she does stories on business, finance, consumer spending, and collection agencies. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Scranton Tax Payers May Have Received A Collection Letter They May Not Have Deserved

More than 200 Scranton taxpayers may have gotten a letter from a debt collection company that they did not deserve. The notices are for unpaid garbage fees that may have actually been paid. According to officials, the garbage bill itself for 2009 could be to blame for more than 200 collection notices sent to city taxpayers in error last week.

They think the issue might be the way the bills were folded into the envelopes. The bill comes with a perforated line above a bar code that identifies the customer, but because of a crease made by the folding of the envelope, a second line under the bar code was formed, which caused people to pull the bill off without the bar code.

Bills that didn’t have a bar code would cause a bank to not register the payment. The mailing house that Scranton hired to stuff the envelopes was fingered. If the bill was mailed to the bank, it would be the pay stub in their payment that goes straight into a lock box. The stubs are then scanned and the bar code is read. After that the bank sends the town a list of those who had come through based on the bar code readings.

Representatives from the collections company who sent out the letters say that they are taking every dispute from people who may have paid very seriously. Company protocol permits consumers to dispute a notice within 30 days of getting a collections letter. Additionally, representatives claimed that no bill will be collected while they are still sorting out the issue.

The agency will look into each claim from those who alleged they had paid the bill and gotten the notice. Those that they think have paid will be absolved from their debt and will no longer get collections notices and will not be pursued by the collection company.

Mallory Megan is employed by a collections agency that works with a debt collection lawyer. She also does pieces on business, finance, consumer spending and collections agencies. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory

Library Toughens Up With Unpaid Fines

Looks like another library is getting tough with the clientele. In a localized area of Australia, nearly $30,000 worth of books, DVDs, CDs and magazines are outstanding pieces of media at libraries.

Surprisingly, one borrower owed almost $2500. After you are done scratching your head and asking yourself why the patron didn\’t just buy new books from a bookstore, allow me to bring to your attention that more than 930 items worth $11,467 still need to be given back to the Aussi Town Campbelltown\’s libraries at Campelltown and Athelstone.

It doesn\’t end there; the Norwood, Payneham and St Peters libraries have 659 outstanding loans worth about $17,951. Interesting fun facts include the fact that one patron owes $2438 in overdue fees and replacement costs, and the most overdue item at the Campbelltown library dates all the way back to April 21, 2006.

Library services manager Suzanne Kennedy pleaded with the public to return the books.

\”When borrowers don\’t return media items, or hold them for far longer than the normal lending period, they are preventing other fellow borrowers from enjoying those resources.\” Ouch. Some pretty brutal words there. Kennedy continues: \”Ultimately, for each item not returned or replacement costs received, the council has to replace, meaning that it cannot purchase additional items in its collection.\”

Adding to the severity of the situation is the fact that the number of residents using the libraries was rising, making it even more important for the books to be returned on time. Local libraries charge two dollars for each late notice with replacement costs if the item can\’t be found. When a patron\’s debt gets to about $100, they are passed on to a collection agency.

According to Campbelltown\’s acting library services manager Tamara Williams, patrons paid up when the agency became involved. For now, it is the best these libraries can do to get their fine money…that is until they can hire some more threatening looking dorks to work the counters.

Mallory McGuinness-Hickey works for Rapid Recovery Solution , a debt collection agency and writes articles on collections and finance.

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