The Best Ways to Communicate With a Debtor

The Best Ways to Communicate With a Debtor

When an individual owes money, it is important to know how to communicate with them to resolve this. Conducting this properly can be the difference between getting paid or the debtor simply refusing to produce payment altogether.

We understand that the closer the original creditor is to the debtor (for example, a relative), the harder this may be. The situation’s sensitive nature may make you feel hesitant to discuss financial matters, especially if they owe the money.

On the other hand, further measures (such as legal action) may seem too strict for someone as close as a relative. After all, this will more than likely damage the, otherwise good, relationship.

Learning the best practice for how to communicate with your debtor effectively will prevent the need for this.

It is no secret that uncomfortable or stressful situations can bring out the worst in people. As such, when a creditor is owed money this can result in their feelings getting the better of them.

Speaking to the debtor with an improper or nasty demeanour will give them more reason to withhold the money from you.

Rules related to debtor communications means you could end up acting in a potentially illegal manner as a result of this.

No situation has ever been resolved by acting negatively, which is why it is important to speak correctly.

Our long history of debt collection has allowed us to build a large knowledge of the best ways to do this.

How to Communicate With a Debtor in 2023

In a world dominated by social media and technology, many communication methods can be used to contact debtors.

After all, around 97% of households in the UK have access to the internet, with 62 million using it monthly.

It is recommended to find out who will pay, otherwise, precious time can be wasted if you are passed around departments. This also helps you to prevent any sensitive information from being sent to the wrong person.

We have produced this helpful guide to list the best ways to communicate with a debtor in 2022.

Emails and Text Messages

The most common and professional way to communicate with a debtor is to send an email.

This should act as a friendly reminder that outlines the payment terms agreed upon and when this should have been paid.

Text messages can also be used as a communication method if this is your usual source of contact with your debtor.

Both of the above are valuable ways of nudging the debtor, as they could have simply forgotten when payment was due.

Phone Calls

If your debtor has not replied to the emails or text messages and is seemingly ignoring you, you should call them.

Ignoring emails is far easier than ignoring a call and will show how serious you are at getting paid.

Phone calls should be conducted during the day and need to be staggered. Hounding the debtor with multiple calls or ringing outside working hours could be classed as harassment.

Letter Before Action

When emails and phone calls fail to progress the situation, the next step is to send a “Letter Before Action” (LBA).

This document will act as a final notice, showing your intention to take legal action. When an individual is threatened with legal proceedings, this is usually enough to get them to pay.

They are professional and give a very clear indication that you are serious about getting your money back.

Debt collection agencies, like Frontline Collections, can expertly help you produce the LBA.

Speak to a Debt Collector – Frontline Collections

Whilst it is plausible to communicate with the debtor yourself, having a professional take over the process is more beneficial.

Frontline Collections have operated since 2005 and are known as the UK’s leading private debt collection agency.

We have seen every type of debt scenario, knowing how best to communicate with the debtor in question.

This is achieved by only using tactics that won’t jeopardise any relationships or put you in danger.

How to Communicate With a Debtor – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to speak to someone that owes me money?

We recommend starting with an email to remind the debtor to pay. If they ignore your emails, you should try and get in contact via phone.

Can I contact the debtor myself to chase payment?

Yes, chasing the debtor is perfectly able to be done by yourself and will not take up a lot of time.

What happens if the debtor ignores me when I contact them?

It is common for debtors to ignore contact if they have failed to produce a payment in the first place. Should this be the case, we recommend getting in contact with a debt collection agency.

How can a debt collection agency help recover the money I’m owed?

Frontline Collections have a success rate of 90% and above, providing an unrivalled service.

My debtor has moved overseas, can they still be contacted?

Overseas debtors can still be contacted, and we provide a track and trace service that allows us to do this. The international debt collection process can be more complex due to cross border challenges.