Not all collection techniques are equally effective. Here are the approaches ranked by results for B2B commercial claims.
Credit bureau leverage. In jurisdictions with strong commercial credit reporting (Scandinavia, Germany, UK), the threat of a negative notation produces payment faster than any other technique. Statutory demands. In the UK and Singapore, creating a presumption of insolvency forces immediate attention. Local-language demands. Native-language communication from a local address produces 3-5x the response rate of translated letters.
Fast-track payment orders. Mahnverfahren, IOS, monitorio, EPU. Produce enforceable titles in 2-8 weeks at minimal cost. Pre-judgment asset freezing. Where available (France, Spain, EU-wide), removing the debtor's ability to dissipate assets creates immediate payment pressure.
Phone follow-up. Direct contact with the debtor's decision-maker. More effective when the caller has local knowledge and speaks the debtor's language. Payment plans. Structured instalments for debtors with genuine cash flow constraints.
Generic English-language letters to non-English markets. Internal follow-up emails after 180 days. Threats without enforcement infrastructure. Aggressive tactics that damage the commercial relationship without producing payment.
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