Typical I hear: Collection Agency Concerns

by Jason Darnell
(Portland, Oregon)

Unfortunately I consider myself the average Joe when it comes to debt collection agencies. I, like everybody has, have neglected a bill or two, or maybe been late on some payments, it's pretty normal.

I consider myself an honest person, someone who tries to do the right thing and can admit when something is my fault, which any debt is. I know that there are, of course, tricks companies play, like raising your interest rates to a level that you can't even afford a minimum payment anymore; but ultimately it was we who agreed to take on debt.

I wouldn't have an aversion to making arrangements to pay a debt, but it drives me nuts when a representative gets too pushy! It seems they don't want to find out what payment plan may work for you, but only what they can force you to pay now.

It seems that more of a customer service approach in debt collection could really turn things around. If for example, a representative asked me what sort of payment plan worked best for me, took their foot off the gas a little so they can hear my response, then worked out a solution from there.

This simple fix could change peoples attitude towards debt collection, and debt collectors in general and would ultimately lead to more success on behalf of debt collectors, and a more positive experience from the average Joe.