Using a collection agency: when, how and what does it cost?

When customers don't pay their bills, it costs you not only money, but also time and energy. Making another friendly call often feels like the most logical step. But in practice, your debtor has already categorized you in an order of who they will and will not pay.

Roughly speaking, it works like this:

• The friendly supplier: Is paid last, because "he won't make any quick moves anyway."
• The tax authorities and banks: Are paid first because of their direct power.
• The professional collection partner: As soon as a name like Credifin comes to mind, your invoice suddenly slides into the "critical" category.

As long as you keep mailing and calling yourself, your debtor remains in control of your money. By using a recognized collection agency such as Credifin (Justis registration number 0023), you make it clear that the non-commitment is over.

At Credifin, we take the entire process from you, regardless of the industry or type of claim:

• B2B and B2C: From business invoices to private receivables.
• Specialties: We are strong in rent collection, dues collection for associations and international debtors.
• Decisiveness: We combine legal knowledge with modern communication via e-mail, SMS, telephone and direct payment links.

You sign up online, upload your invoice, and we get right to work for you. While you focus on your business, we take care of a fast and respectful collection process. In your dashboard, you can follow in real time which actions we take and when your debtor responds.

The longer you wait to take action, the less likely you are to receive your money in full. Recent figures show that the likelihood of successful collection after the invoice due date drops by about 1.5 percent per week.

That means you need to set clear boundaries. For example, handle these practical moments:

• 30 days past due: Your debtor is testing your limits. This is the time for a clear final reminder or WIK letter with consumers.
• 60 days overdue: You are actually financing someone else's business operations. This is the ultimate time to engage Credifin.
• 90 days overdue: The risk of insolvency or bankruptcy increases dramatically. Waiting now often costs you money.

By engaging a collection agency in time, you increase the chances that your case will be resolved amicably. That means: no long court case, less costs and quicker clarity. We put focused pressure, but keep the client relationship as professional as possible.

You don't want just any collection agency. You want a partner that moves quickly, delivers results and treats your customers nicely.

Are you hesitating between staying on the phone yourself, hiring a lawyer or working with a collection agency? You can see the difference at a glance below.

At Credifin, we combine legal backbone with human communication. We take the difficult conversation from you, so you stand firm business-wise without unnecessarily damaging your relationship.

With our pre-collection service, you often solve payment problems before a file really escalates. We send an official final demand letter on your behalf, in which the name of Credifin Nederland as an external party immediately creates more urgency. Many entrepreneurs call this the WIK letter or 14-day letter.

Why pre-collection through Credifin?

• More impact: A final reminder with our logo is opened faster and taken more seriously than one of your own.
• Legally correct: We make sure your letter meets all the legal requirements of 2026. A small mistake can cause you to be denied collection fees later.
• Chance to retain your customer: You give your customer one more clear chance to pay, without immediately becoming legal.

Consumer and business customers

For claims against consumers, a proper 14-day letter is required by law. Without that letter, you are weak in court. With business customers, such a reminder is not mandatory, but it is very effective in preventing a trip to court.

Is there still no payment after the pre-collection? Then together we can take the step to a subpoena or other legal measures, always with a clear cost estimate in advance.

The biggest barrier to using a collection agency is often the perceived cost. At Credifin, we work with the no cure no pay principle. This means that we only earn if you receive your money.

We use the statutory Out-of-court Collection Costs (BIK) scale. Basically, we recover these costs from your debtor.

In the amicable process, we bear the financial risk. If the collection succeeds, your debtor pays the costs and interest, and in most cases you receive 100 percent of the principal. If it fails, you do not pay us any fees for the collection work.

You don't need a subscription with us. You engage us whenever you want, without fixed monthly fees or hidden start-up costs. Does it involve legal proceedings or a bankruptcy petition? Then we make a clear cost-benefit analysis in advance, so you know exactly what you are saying yes to.

Every claim counts. We have no minimum amount. Whether it's an invoice for a few tens of dollars or a large business claim, we give each case the attention it deserves.

Not every collection agency works with the same level of transparency or professionalism. The wrong choice can damage your reputation or cost you unnecessary money. Many business owners run into the same problems with other agencies:

• Paper agencies: Work slowly, send mostly mail and give you little insight into the status of your file.
• The impersonal giants: You are a file number, hang out in menus and never speak to the same employee.
• Strangulation agreements: Subscriptions and multi-year contracts, when you may only have a few files a year.

At Credifin, we do things differently. We combine data, psychology and legal knowledge. With a multi-channel approach (letter, email, SMS, phone and payment links), we increase the chances of your debtor paying quickly. You only pay on success: 100 percent no cure no pay, with no hidden costs and no mandatory subscription.

Want to make sure you choose a reliable agency? Use our checklist for choosing a collection agency and feel free to compare.