Generally, in my office, if the account balance is over $100, I continue to send monthly statements until it reaches the 120-day aging column. Everything over 30 days gets an "Overdue-Please Remit Payment Now" Sticker. Once it reaches the 120 day statement, if I haven't received any payment on the account, they get a new shiny sticker. 'If full payment is not received within 10 days of receipt of this letter, it will be turned over to our collections agency and your credit rating could be affected.' Of course, this one goes out certified and usually illicits a response. Of course, some people don't pay until it is sent to the collection agency and they get a letter from a Lawyer. They pony up quick and typically with a sob story.
Everyone comes on hard times in their life, I get it, but c'mon people, if you can't pay your bill, pick up the phone and work something out. That being said, I HATE payment plans because, again, something came up and they couldn't make their payment.
I would love to just lay into some people when they pull that stunt. Would you skip out on the bill at your favorite restaurant? No? Then why would you do it to the person taking care of you?!?
Sorry everyone, rant over.
-Trista
