Remember the saying, "The world is so big, I want to see it"? A resignation letter citing that reason once sparked heated discussion. Not long after, a salesman decisively fired his boss with just a few words. His resignation reason was even more thought-provoking, earning admiration from peers. ↓↓↓↓↓↓ The endless stream of resignation reasons has left many bosses overwhelmed, and "too embarrassed to chase payments" has stirred up waves, bringing dual pressures of personnel costs and bad debt losses to food industry bosses, sparking a heated debate about debt collection. Is chasing payments really that difficult? The author of the resignation letter revealed the story behind debt collection... Faced with debt collection, employees are at a loss, and bosses are heartbroken. Do they really have to lose the debt and the employee? Many times, we experience embarrassment and fear of offending others, but for debt collection, these reasons are only superficial; the root cause is a lack of skill. So how can you quickly and effectively improve your debt collection skills? 1. Be direct when chasing payments. Debt collection is nothing to be ashamed of, and there are no magic words. The most effective way is to speak plainly. Never apologize or beat around the bush. 2. Before taking action, first find out the cause of the delay. Is it negligence, dissatisfaction with the product, cash flow problems, or intentional? Different situations require different collection strategies. 4. Do not act rashly. If you get angry during collection, finding ways to vent or acting rashly is not advisable. Once the relationship is broken, the client may continue to default, making collection increasingly difficult. 5. Do not fear losing clients by chasing payments. Payment on time is a matter of course. Fearing that chasing payments will upset clients or lose them will only encourage them to take advantage and foster bad habits. In fact, with proper skills, you can turn collection into an opportunity to communicate with clients. Of course, if a client insists on not paying, is losing that client such a big deal? 6. Make a prompt decision and stop supplying in time. Especially in response to clients' threats of "if you don't supply, I won't pay"; otherwise, you'll only get deeper into trouble. 7. Timing is crucial; adhere to the principle of "regular collection." The longer the delay, the harder it is to collect. Research by specialized collection agencies abroad shows that the difficulty of collection depends on the age of the debt rather than the amount. Debts over 2 years have only a 20% recovery rate, while debts under 2 years have an 80% recovery rate. 8. One of the biggest mistakes is asking for partial payment first. Experience shows that you should demand full payment. Although getting something is better than nothing, it's better to recover more. 9. Adopt a competitive collection strategy. As long as the client is still in business, they have to pay suppliers. If you haven't received money, they've paid someone else. Suppliers who get priority payment are usually those with long-term good business and personal relationships with clients, because no one wants to fall out with friends. 10. Collection requires "drive" and persistence. From practice, I've developed a "three tight follows" strategy for debtors (business parties, responsible supervisors, financial officers): follow them closely in the office, follow them to meals and restrooms, and follow them on their way home after work. Although it's a bit excessive, it's a last resort! Constant dripping wears away stone, and sometimes it does work: "Everything comes to him who waits." 11. Collection requires "gentleness." Morally, those who owe money should feel apologetic and treat creditors with courtesy. But many debtors either put on a stern face, ignore you, or even refuse to let you in! At such times, the collector must humble themselves, use strategy, win hearts, say all the nice words, put on a sincere smile, and invest emotionally in those "three types of people." Sincerity can move even metal and stone. 12. Collection requires "tenacity." Clearing debts is a long-term, arduous task. Collectors must have unyielding perseverance. Even if others treat you like a beggar, you must endure humiliation and hold your ground. Retreating will undo all previous efforts. When you see a glimmer of hope, don't let it slip. Also, learn to complain; don't sympathize with the other party, but make them sympathize with you. 13. Seek help from professional collectors or resort to legal action. There are always swindlers and unreasonable clients who deliberately default. Reasoning with them is like "casting pearls before swine," and normal collection methods often fail, while unconventional or even ingenious methods can work wonders. Therefore, when collection is difficult, you can hire "professional collectors" with special abilities and rich experience. If that still fails, the only remaining option is to take legal action directly. Dedicated to clients who don't pay on time Once, an opportunity for credit was placed before you, but you didn't cherish it. The first time, you said you had no time: (It's okay, then tomorrow) The second time, you said you had an urgent need, so—(That's okay, it's possible) The third time, you said it wasn't time to settle yet (Of course, I won't push you) OK! You repeatedly broke your promise, until one day you lost it, and then you felt regret. When you tell me, "Give me another chance," I will tell you: "Impossible"! If you have difficulties, you can tell me, but you can't tell me every day that you have difficulties! Because I have difficulties too! As far as I know, our company is not a lending factory, and I'm not being heartless or unreasonable. No one wants to chase you for payment at every turn. When it comes to that, it means—you lack integrity! As the saying goes: Better to earn less than to hang on one tree. You can call me arrogant, but you must learn to put yourself in others' shoes. I've always believed that quality is the foundation of a company's survival, and integrity is the lifeline! No one's efforts are taken for granted. Don't think that others are nice to you for ulterior motives! Don't always think about how much money others make from you; that's the essence of business. Don't think it's what others should do. People should be content with what they have. Friend, cherish everyone around you. Don't make others feel that your presence or absence makes no difference! When that time comes, it will be the end of your credibility in life. -END-