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F.a.q CONVERSATION between a future client (who might be you) and the director of the ... Cabinet d'ORMANE : You: I've been receiving your proposals for some time now but, since overdue accounts only represent a very small portion of my turnover, and since I don't have much time to deal with them, I've put the issue aside until now.
Cabinet d'Ormane : Even if you have very few outstanding accounts receivable, they do nonetheless represent relatively important losses which must be reduced to a minimum. And, it's never disagreeable to receive checks, especially when they're for unsettled accounts which have been delinquent for some time. Without pretending to be able to right all wrongs, failing to recover debts from slow payers amounts to encouraging default. Where lack of time is concerned, that's exactly where we step in -- you avoid any lengthy correspondence or annoying procedures. You : In any case, you must know that I refuse to pay any fees up front.
Cabinet d'Ormane : Don't worry -- we don't ask for any retainers; we work for a collecting charge based on the debts we recover. If we fail, you don't have to pay a thing, under any pretext. You : I would want to keep my documents, including any letters, bank drafts, contracts, etc.
Cabinet d'Ormane : We only need a simple list of your overdue accounts to begin with. You might entrust us with photocopies or originals later, if needed. You : I have another sticky question : I've sometimes heard that some debt collectors hold on to money recovered for several months.
Cabinet d'Ormane : I won't venture to pass judgement on certain business colleagues I can only assure you that our consultancy has been in business for decades, and we can provide thousands of references. We provide statements at the close of each month, and we give you any amounts we collect, whether partially or in full, immediately. It's in our interest, since the faster you obtain money from us, the sooner you will call on our debt-recovery services again. You : Do you succeed every time and how long does it take ?
Cabinet d'Ormane : I strongly urge you to avoid dealing with collection agencies which can answer that question precisely. In actual fact, the chances of success and the collection period depend on so many unknown variables that it would amount to charlatanism to predict ultimate results. However, some bad debts are recovered within 8 days, while others take one, two, or three months. Others take much longer and some are never recovered. It all depends on the solvency of the debtor, the proof you have, the required proceedings, etc... However, if close to 80,000 clients have faith in my Consultancy -- and some have for over 50 years -- it's not purely by chance, and one can imagine they're satisfied with the results achieved. You : I wouldn't want such a thing to occur, but what would happen if I were not satisfied with your services ?Would I be able to discharge you from my affairs easily ?
Cabinet d'Ormane : Of course! And you would remain sole judge. In case of non collection, you would simply write us asking us to stop any procedures underway and request return any documents that might be in our possession. And you still wouldn't owe us anything, even under such circumstances. You : Another thing which makes me hesitate is the fear of losing the goodwill of these clients.
Cabinet d'Ormane : My dear man -- just the opposite would occur because as long as clients owe you money, they won't call on you. It's only once they've paid -- even through legal means -- that they may come back, able to hold their heads high again. In any case, if you don't react, you lose not only the client but also your money. You : Since we're talking about money, don't you think your fees are just a little high ?
Cabinet d'Ormane : It's only natural for clients to feel it's expensive. Unfortunately, however, we cannot charge less; quite the contrary in fact because of salary increases and, ultimately, procedural fees which may force us to up our rates. If you have ever engaged in litigation, you know that it's easy to start out by paying Euros 150 to 800 in retainers for each suit, and sometimes to no productive end. It happens all the time. ... When you deal with us, you know what it will cost ahead of time, at least, and you can be sure that you won't pay a thing in case of failure since -- let me repeat -- you only pay if we succeed and then, only after. Vous : Thank you for your explanations.As soon as I get back, I'll draw up a list of my overdue accounts and I'll send it to you.
Cabinet d'Ormane : -- One last piece of advice -- do it right away, otherwise you may forget and you would lose money which might otherwise be recovered without risk to you. |
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