[consulting] Proper Collections Procedure

[Evan Leibovitch]

Bill Fitzgerald wrote:

> I have to echo what Henri said -- after the code has been delivered, 
> you don't have a lot of recourse -- basically, work your way up the 
> hierarchy of your client's organization, or take it to the courts.

There's one other route, which is certainly not for everyone -- a 
commercial collection agency.
They'll give you a percentage of the outstanding balance (it could be as 
low as 50%) -- but you'll get it up-front and they'll handle the rest of 
the collection. They effectively buy your receivable; at that point you 
can wash your hands of the situation, in return for your willingness to 
recover a fraction of the intended payment.

Depending on many variables, this option -- expensive at it is -- may 
still be cheaper than going to court.

- Evan

PS: If you choose not to use the collection agency, don't forget to 
report the bad debt to D&B and other credit bureaus. Maybe even the 
threat to do this will help straighten the client out.