Emailing past due customers

Businesses need to make sure that any email notices regarding a debt is not read by anyone other than who it is intended for.  Though email is a common form of communication, there are no laws in relation to using email as a debt collection tool as of yet, though the Federal Trade Commission is working on those laws now.

Email offers the recipient a way out of dealing with a confrontation, so many customers will be receptive to receiving past due notices, statements or invoices by email.  Many like this idea because they don’t have to explain why they are past due if you email them but if you call them, they are put on the spot and need to provide an answer right then.

In my experience more debtors will make an online payment after receiving an email invoice which provides a link to pay online in order to avoid having to speak to a collector on the phone.  This is a great way to increase your cash flow and reduce the amount of debt collection calls you have to make.

Bio

Michelle Dunn is an award winning author and columnist frequently featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNN and Forbes. Look for her newest book being released in May by Wiley Publishing titled, "The Guide to Getting Paid, weed out bad paying customers, collect on past due balances and avoid bad debt, available for pre-order now on Amazon.