NorthStar's accounts receivables service is performed by Equinox, a "third party collection agency" governed by the FDCPA. Equinox is the "sister collection agency" of 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 interface with virtually any type of client. NorthStar has created a system whereby they 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 by Equinox, 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 "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. 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 Lexis-Nexis and Merlin.
Letters, phone calls and credit bureau reporting are three important tools to 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 (Brad Price) at 574-875-9994 or e-mail. You may also print off the receivables agreement to get started with a nationally proven accounts receivables collection service.