Strategic collection process 2026.

Are you dealing with outstanding invoices that are impeding your cash flow? A good collection process is much more than sending a single reminder. It is a well thought-out process of timely reminders, smart follow-up and only in the last step applying legal pressure. This way you keep a grip on your cash flow without immediately putting the relationship with your customer on edge.

At Credifin, you combine human expertise with smart technology. We think along with you about the tone, timing and steps in the process. In 2026 debt collection is all about customization. You choose the approach that suits your customers and your business. Do you want to get started right away? Then you can submit your file online in minutes.

In this economy, getting paid on time is not a luxury but a necessity. Many business owners wait longer than is appropriate, often out of understanding the customer or fear of damaging the relationship. But the longer an invoice is outstanding, the less likely it is that you will still receive the full amount.

A tightly structured collection process helps you take steps without emotion. Credifin acts as a professional buffer between you and your debtor. You don't have to have the awkward conversation, but you stay at the wheel.

Thanks to the Wet kwaliteit incassodienstverlening (Wki) (Collection Services Quality Act) you are also assured of a process that complies with strict rules. Your file is thus immediately better prepared if a legal step does prove necessary.

Not every customer and not every invoice requires the same approach. That's why at Credifin, you choose the course yourself. You know your customer best; we translate that into an appropriate course of action. We work with three clear basic paths that we can refine together.

1. The super friendly journey: relationship first

Sometimes an outstanding invoice is simply a mistake on the part of an otherwise reliable customer. That's when you especially want to get paid without damaging the relationship.

• Approach: We keep the tone warm and understanding, without threat or harsh pressure
• Method: Friendly reminders via mail, text and phone by experienced staff members
• Goal: Get the invoice paid and retain the customer for the long term
• Duration: approximately 6 weeks
• Suitable for: Long-term collaborations, healthcare facilities and subscriptions

2. The regular track: clear line and structure

This is the most frequently chosen course. We start friendly, but build up the pressure step by step. That way your client knows exactly where he stands.

• Inset: Clear communication about consequences of non-payment
• Method: A thoughtful mix of email, text and phone contact
• Content: We explain the additional costs and risks that arise if payment is not made
• Duration: approximately 6 weeks
• Suitable for: SMEs, web shops, associations, gyms and VvEs

3. The 10-day emergency track: maximum urgency

With signals of possible bankruptcy or large claims, speed is crucial. That's when you don't want to wait weeks.

• Approach: Immediate action and short, sharp payment terms
• Method: We call your debtor within 24 hours of notice of default
• Tone: We immediately make it clear that legal action is ready if payment is not made
• Duration: up to 2 weeks
• Suitable for: Large receivables, doubtful debtors and last minute cases

Are you unsure which course is the best fit? If so, we would be happy to think with you based on your customer base, industry and payment history.

In 2026, just sending a letter is no longer enough. Your customer is mobile, busy and receives many messages daily. That's why we use multiple channels side by side so your customer is more likely to engage.

• Email with clear payment button and statement of claim
• Text message and WhatsApp for short, low-key reminders
• Telephone follow-up, by humans or by our AI call robot
• Registered E-mail, when a deadline or legal step really counts

Meet Tom: our AI calling robot

Tom is our AI calling robot that conducts structured, friendly conversations with debtors. He is not a replacement for human contact, but a smart complement.

• Always polite: Tom never gets tired or irritated
• Solution-oriented: During the conversation, he can immediately send an iDEAL link via text message or WhatsApp
• Seamless switching: If the call calls for it, he connects with one of our specialists

This allows you to continue to communicate in person on a large scale without sacrificing quality.

For important steps, we use Registered Mail. This gives you almost the same legal security as a classic registered letter, but much faster and clearer. You can see exactly when a message was opened and what action was taken.

Payment convenience through the accounts receivable portal

For your debtor, we make paying as easy as possible. In the secure web portal, your customer can:

• Pay in one click via iDEAL
• Suggesting a payment plan
• Retrieve documents and correspondence

Our specialists review payment proposals and always submit them to you. You determine what is acceptable. This way, you avoid unnecessary litigation and still keep a grip on the outcome.

In the same portal, you have 24/7 access to the status of your files. You see who has called, which messages have been opened and which payments or proposals have been made.

In the amicable phase, we work on a 100% no cure no pay basis. This means that you pay no costs if we do not succeed in collecting the debt. If we do succeed, our costs are recovered from the debtor as much as possible via the legal collection costs.

For you, this means:

• No financial risk in filing
• Clear agreements on any costs for follow-ups
• A partner who is committed to actually getting your money in

We clearly explain in advance what choices you have if a legal step proves necessary. You always decide whether you want to take that step.

Do you have a lot of invoices or work with recurring installments? Then you'll want to automate collection submission as much as possible. With our API and accounting links, you no longer have to manually upload files.

We easily link with, among others:

• Exact Online, Afas and Twinfield
• AccountView and Microsoft Dynamics
• SnelStart and Yuki

Our technical specialists will help you set up the link quickly and securely. Often the basis is in place within 24 hours. After that, your collection process runs largely on automatic pilot, while you always keep the final say on the chosen routes.