NorthStar's
accounts receivables service is performed by Equinox, a
"third party collection agency" governed by the FDCPA.
Equinox is a closely allied collection agency partner
with NorthStar, so all accounts submitted to NorthStar
stay "in-house." NorthStar and Equinox are not in the
business of accepting accounts and then sending them off
to some other collection agency.
Unlike typical collection agencies, the combined team of
NorthStar and Equinox also specialize in technology.
This means they have the ability to create specialized
"collection software" that allows them to do their job
exactly as it needs to be done, and to accept a client's
debt collection accounts electronically. NorthStar has
created a system whereby it
can offer one of the best debt collection services
available and recover the most money in the shortest
amount of time.
A standard practice with accounts receivables collection
is to send out one or more
collection letters. NorthStar also follows this
practice, and it adheres to the standards established by
the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act).
Credit bureau
reporting is also done, and this service is
performed at no charge to merchants. For many debtors,
the thought of having their credit affected is
sufficient to motive them to pay what they owe.
Some states allow for "automated
calling" and NorthStar uses this tool where it
is allowed (in states where it is not allowed,
collection phone calls are sent to "collector dialer
pools"). Automated
calling
leaves
information for debtors, but does not provide specific
information about their account. Those who receive
these calls are given the option of speaking with a
"live" representative." Also, NorthStar's process is
so sophisticated it logs how a call is answered (i.e. it
records whether an answering machine picks up, the call
is manually disconnected, or someone actually answers).
This information is then used in the collection process.
A letter is also sent during the time the phone calls
are made. In cases where people have moved, free skip
tracing is performed from information gained through
services such as Lexis-Nexis and Merlin.
Letters, phone calls and credit bureau reporting are
three important tools in collecting debt and NorthStar
uses these tools with the utmost efficiency. Other
tools can be employed if necessary.
If you have additional questions about accounts
receivables collection, please contact me or
print off the receivables agreement
to get started with a nationally proven accounts
receivables collection service.
