Reminders aren't working
You've followed up and the account is still unpaid.
Decision guide
Should I use a debt collection agency?
If you've chased an overdue account without success, it may be time to refer it. Here are the signs that point to bringing in a professional agency.
Deciding when to hand an account to a professional agency comes down to a few practical signals. If you have sent reminders and the account is still unpaid, if the debtor has gone quiet or keeps promising payment that never arrives, or if chasing the debt is eating time your team should be spending elsewhere, those are clear signs. So is a debt that is ageing past your terms — the longer it sits, the harder it can be to recover.
Referring an account does not have to be a big step. Merion works on commission, so there is no upfront cost to attempt recovery, and the initial appraisal is free and obligation-free — if we don't think we can help, we'll tell you. A professional third party often achieves what internal follow-up cannot, simply because the debtor sees the matter is now being handled formally. If any of these signs apply to you, you can refer an account in minutes or contact us to talk it through.
Signs it's time
When to refer an account
The debtor's gone quiet
Calls and emails go unanswered, or promises to pay never materialise.
It's draining your team
Chasing the debt is taking time better spent elsewhere.
The debt is ageing
The longer it sits past terms, the harder recovery becomes.
Recognise the signs?
Refer an account for a free appraisal — if we can't help, we'll tell you honestly.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I know it's time to use an agency?
If reminders haven't worked, the debtor has gone quiet, the account is ageing, or chasing it is draining your team, it's a sensible time to refer it.
Is it expensive to try?
No. We work on commission with no upfront fee, and the initial appraisal is free and obligation-free.
Will an agency really do better than us chasing it?
Often, yes — a professional third party shows the debtor the matter is being handled formally, which can break a deadlock.
What if you don't think you can help?
We'll tell you honestly at the appraisal stage. There's no obligation to proceed.
Get started
Think it's time to refer?
Do it in minutes — the appraisal is free and there's no obligation.