Collection agents aren't how you want to resolve this. Instead you have an opportunity to solidify a relationship and create opportunity by showing you're serious about what you do, and you are worth being paid. Threatening people is hardly ever the right way to accomplish any of your goals
One of the best bosses I know in a rather small manufacturing company, after not being paid for 9 months, called up the CEO of the indebted company and said, "Hey Steve. I need directions from the airport to your office and then from your office to the nearest golf course, because Monday I'm going to fly out there personally, pick up this check, and then go play some golf. Feel free to join me if you want." Not only did he get his money, but the other company realized they were dealing with someone that was going to pursue every issue, no matter how small, and they started ordering far more product.
I'm not saying the exact same approach will work for you (though it could!) -- I'm saying get creative and get serious, and prove it.
His team was already set up to effectively pursue late payments. Less than 1% of their invoices make it past the 90 day mark.
> Instead you have an opportunity to solidify a relationship
Who wants a solid relationship with a sleezebag who tries to get out of debts by claiming "yeah, it may be the same corporate entity, but I'm the new CEO, so I'm not paying?".
Are you serious? I want a solid relationship with everyone, no matter what they've done in the past. I'm also going to protect that relationship in a legally binding way, and not just take someone's word.
But I work with some great people that are total jackasses. But they know I'm not going to take their crap, so they don't try and dish it to me. Or sometimes they do, to test the water, and I say 'nope'.
I mean, I hate to be so basic as alpha dog level analysis, but that's how you get through to some people. And I don't mean blustering and cursing up a storm. I mean growing up and dealing with stuff head-on.
there is a big difference between a customer who is late on payments (such as in the case you are describing) and one who is flat-out refusing to pay. it sounds like legal intimidation is the only way the original poster is going to get any money out of his former customer.
debt collectors keep calling when you say you can't make the payment, but as soon as you tell them you are refusing to pay, they will stop calling and close the account because they know there is no way further harassment will get you to give in and pay up.
There is one thing I agree: threatening people should be done _only_ as a last resort, and only when you are in a position to threaten. Also, if you do it you be prepared to end whatever relationship you have, especially if the threat is unsuccessful.
But in this case it doesn't sound like there is any other choice.
One of the best bosses I know in a rather small manufacturing company, after not being paid for 9 months, called up the CEO of the indebted company and said, "Hey Steve. I need directions from the airport to your office and then from your office to the nearest golf course, because Monday I'm going to fly out there personally, pick up this check, and then go play some golf. Feel free to join me if you want." Not only did he get his money, but the other company realized they were dealing with someone that was going to pursue every issue, no matter how small, and they started ordering far more product.
I'm not saying the exact same approach will work for you (though it could!) -- I'm saying get creative and get serious, and prove it.
His team was already set up to effectively pursue late payments. Less than 1% of their invoices make it past the 90 day mark.