FAQ's


Here are some answers to questions we are frequently asked....


How long does the collection process take?
There is no definate answer to this question as all debts have different points at which they will pay. Some may pay immediately and others may take longer or even require legal action. Generally after 4 to 6 weeks if we are unable to recover the debt our free report would advise of the best next course of action eg. legal action.
What is your success rate?
Very good. We pride ourselves on above average collection rates in the industry. All debts are different so we have found that structured yet flexible approach to each account yields the better results than a 'blanket, through the mill' approach. There will always be a percentage of cases where the debt is disputed, the debtor has absconded or the debtor is insolvent. In our experience it pays to take action as soon as possible, otherwise you may find that you were too late. If a debtor has only £2000 to pay £20,000 worth of bills, they will usually pay the people that employ the Debt Collectors first. Don't wait until the money runs out. Very often the reason you have not been paid is because your debtor has cash flow problems and will not admit to it. They may also be waiting to see what steps you are going to take.  Once you employ our services they should realise that it is in their own interest to resolve the matter and also that you are serious about recovering your money. Recovery of overseas debt is often more difficult and therefore collection rates are not as high.
Is using a collection agency expensive?
No. If it is stated in your company's terms that 'recovery costs will be applied if the invoice remains outstanding...' we can pass our costs onto the debtor. This means the debtor pays our fees. Alternatively if you are owed money from another company we can add interest and a late payment fee to the amount outstanding as set out in The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
How can I improve my debtor days outstanding?
We all know that businesses survive on cash flow. Therefore it is important to keep on top of your sales ledger. The most important thing when dealing with late paying customers is to maintain credibility by following through with your threats. So if you send a letter advising that 'if your invoice is not paid within 7 days the account will be passed to a debt recovey agency' it is important that you do this once the 7 days have expired and don't recontact the customer or send another letter. This way you maintain credibility and the customer believes that you will enforce your credit terms.

As well as debt recovery ACS offer a Sales Ledger Management service where we control your invoices from day one acting as your credit control department.

Can you provide legal advice?
ACS are happy to discuss any debt related questions you may have and can advise you if we believe legal action is necessary and the possible outcomes etc. We also have our own company Solicitors that assist us with any indepth legal advice.

Can I afford to outsource my invoicing and collection?
Cash flow is fundamental to the success of any business. Whether you are a small, medium or large organisation keeping your debtor days to a minimum costs your company time and money. Outsourcing has become common practice as a way for companies to utilise an expert and flexible work force for a fraction of the usual cost of employment. ACS do not charge any upfront fees and work on a 'no collection no fee' basis. We charge a small percentage only of amounts recovered. In many cases we are able further reduce the cost to you by recovering our fees from your debtor. Please call 01707851686 or click here to get a quote.
My client has absconded, how can I track them down?
In many cases tracing an absconded party requires specialist skills and resources. ACS’s tracing department not only have these skills and resources but the experience and persistence to locate even the most professional debtor. Please click the following link for more details about our tracing services.

Is taking legal action expensive?
Not necessarily at first. However, you have to know exactly who to claim against and, if you are sucessful, the best method of enforcment to actually get your money. Getting these points wrong or if the case is defended the process can take a long time and become very expensive.

ACS are able to recover most debts without issuing legal action. If it is required, all the necessary information will have been established during the collection process. Please click the following link for more information about our legal services.
Why do some customers take so long to pay?
The answer to this question is basically ‘cash flow’. Many companies work on a ‘he who shouts loudest gets paid first’ policy. With the added ‘volume’ of being a debt recovery agency our skilled collectors can ensure your invoices move to the top of the pile.

Can I recover my collection cost from the debtor?
Yes, if it is stated in your Terms & Conditions that "recovery costs will be applied for unpaid invoices", ACS will include these charges when recovering your debt. If it is not specifically stated in your Terms & Conditions you may still be able to recover some costs and interest under The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
What if the debtor company is in receivership/liquidation?
If the company is in liquidation/receivership the chance of recovering the full balance outstanding is greatly reduced. However, ACS will deal directly with the Official Receivers/Liquidators in order to obtain the best possible outcome.