Speed is the most important variable in debt recovery. A claim placed at 60 days has approximately double the recovery probability of one placed at 180 days. These tactics accelerate the timeline.
1. Credit Bureau Leverage
In jurisdictions with strong commercial credit reporting (Sweden, Denmark, Germany, UK), the threat of a credit bureau notation produces faster payment than any legal proceeding.
2. Statutory Demands
In the UK and Singapore, a statutory demand creates a presumption of insolvency if unpaid within 21 days. The debtor must pay, secure the debt, or face a winding-up petition.
3. Fast-Track Payment Orders
Electronic payment orders in Germany, Belgium's IOS procedure (30-45 days), and Poland's EPU (2-4 weeks online) produce enforceable titles faster than any other legal mechanism.
4. Pre-Judgment Asset Preservation
In France (saisie conservatoire), Spain (embargo preventivo), and the EU (European Account Preservation Order), freezing the debtor's assets before judgment creates immediate payment pressure.
5. Escalation Timing
If the first demand produces no response within 14 days, escalate. Predictable, rapid escalation signals that the creditor is serious and has local enforcement capability.