Collection Agencies Are Single-minded and Interested in Helping Themselves.

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Collection Agencies Are Single-minded and Interested in Helping Themselves.

by James Lowe
(Charlotte, N.C.)

I have had problems with collection agencies. They really turn me off. The problem isn't what they do. The problem is their method. First, the call at times that are just inappropriate.

Nothing turns me off more than when you interrupt me at work. Next, the computer generated calls that have the audacity to ask me to hold for "a very important message" are particularly annoying. The nerve!

If you used a different approach wherein you showed the value of working with you and it seemed as if you were providing us a service other than just squeezing us for more of what we don't have it would be nice.

Finally, you really need to punish rude. I'd talk to a nice person and maybe they would get a favorable result. But when people get rude on the phone, that's all I need to drop the call.

Thanks for asking my opinion. I hope things get better.

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Collection Agencies Are Single-minded and Interested in Helping Themselves.

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Feb 28, 2010
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I have to respectfully disagree
by: Anonymous

I don't feel anyone needs to be reminded that they owe a debt. Especially sternly. EVER! You all talk about knowing how the bad economy affects people, but they need to be reminded they made a commitment. Really?

So you mean to tell me that people who have been laid off and only have unemployment(which in many states is capped at a whopping $275 a week) to live on is suppose to cough up a down payment of at least 10% of the debt to a collector, then make payments? Oh yeah I forgot, in this day and age it only costs about $900 and that is minimum for rent or even higher for a mortgage and the average family of 4 spends at least $100 a week for food and necessities.

Then you have big billion dollar corporations asking for rate hikes in the lowest economy since the Great Depression and getting them which leads to higher electric bills and gas bills. Then there are places that don't have public transportation so you must add in gasoline for your car. Now that doesn't include having to have insurance in most states. So now think about how far that $275 a week is getting people and then tell me they need to be reminded about owing a debt.

Oct 29, 2009
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Collection Agencies: A Balanced Approach...
by: David

You're very welcome, James. And thank you for sharing your feelings about collection agencies. We're hoping things get better as well, and are certainly doing what we can to improve the overall reputation of collection agencies in general.

People, like yourself, by contributing your opinions, ideas and suggestions, help us to do better. Many of these things are (should be) common sense simply because its the right way to do business.

There are some "bright spots" on the horizon though. There are agencies out there that operate ethically, "above-board", and treat customers with the respect and dignity we all deserve. And this present economy is forcing many collection agencies to re-think their practices.

Because of unemployment and overall recession, many people have fallen behind on their bills, not out of any fault of their own, or any lack of personal responsibility. As such, some people simply don't have the money to get caught up on their debts. Agencies, confronting this harsh reality, are being forced to change their debt collection tactics, be more patient, and actually offer help and solutions.

Consumers are a lot more savvy these days, and many (thankfully) just won't put up with being harassed and abused by some "anxious" debt collector yelling and screaming on the other end of a telephone.

At the end of the day, and no matter what the state of the economy, there are better, and more humane, ways to persuade people to honor their debts. Fact is, collection agencies do serve a useful and important function to the state and health of the overall economy. Unfortunately, while a minority, there are some people who have to be reminded, even sternly, to keep the financial commitments they made.

But there's a right way, and a wrong way.....

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Oct 29, 2009
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Submitted by: David

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You're very welcome, James. And thank you for sharing your feelings about collection agencies. We're hoping things get better as well, and are certainly doing what we can to improve the overall reputation of collection agencies in general. People, like yourself, by contributing your opinions, ideas and suggestions, help us to do better. Many of these things are (should be) common sense simply because its the right way to do business. There are some "bright spots" on the horizon though. There are agencies out there that operate ethically, "above-board", and treat customers with the respect and dignity we all deserve. And this present economy is forcing many collection agencies to re-think their practices. Because of unemployment and overall recession, many people have fallen behind on their bills, not out of any fault of their own, or any lack of personal responsibility. As such, some people simply don't have the money to get caught up on their debts. Agencies, confronting this harsh reality, are being forced to change their debt collection tactics, be more patient, and actually offer help and solutions. Consumers are a lot more savvy these days, and many (thankfully) just won't put up with being harassed and abused by some "anxious" debt collector yelling and screaming on the other end of a telephone. At the end of the day, and no matter what the state of the economy, there are better, and more humane, ways to persuade people to honor their debts. Fact is, collection agencies do serve a useful and important function to the state and health of the overall economy. Unfortunately, while a minority, there are some people who have to be reminded, even sternly, to keep the financial commitments they made. But there's a right way, and a wrong way.....

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