Speaking With Creditors On The Telephone Part 2
by Jonathan P. Mann
(Continued from yesterday)
8) Ask (and state that you can’t afford it now but you want to
ask) if they can offer you a settlement and how much is the total
payoff?
If they say they specifically cannot do that, see if they’ll
check for you. Ask how long is the offer good for? Ask how long
it can be paid over?
9) Explain to the collector that you are experiencing a financial
hardship right now, and you’re struggling to make payments.
Explain to the collector that they will be paid, but that you’re
going through tough times, and you hope to get through it.
Thank them for the information, and explain to them that you need
to check your financials to see what you can afford. Explain once
you are certain of what you can afford, that you will be making a
payment and by the due date. Thank them for their time and end
the call.
Now if you have someone that was rude to you on the phone, you
can call back and speak with a manager, and say exactly who it
was, what they did etc.
Also, if you get someone nice, you now know how to get in touch
with them, and continue with that rapport.
TIP: Making payments - Mail your payments to the creditor, and
make sure you leave enough time to get to the creditor before the
due date at least one day if you can. Try to allow seven to ten
days for the mail to reach the company.
TIP: Receiving Mail - Get a manila folder, and keep it marked
with a specific creditor. Make sure it stays in a place where you
won’t lose it. Whenever you receive mail from this creditor: Open
it, read it, and then put it in the folder. Look out for mail
that has the words: “Legal” “Legal Action” “Charge off” “Final
Notice” “Lawsuit” These are really important letters and you need
to make sure you hold onto them.
Here’s a easy checklist for you to keep by the phone. Keep the
rest of the article for a refresher if you forget something.
Checklist:
Date
Time
Creditor calling/Representatives Name
Contact info
Hours working
Best time to contact
How many days delinquent
When is due
Date/Billing Cycle
Is the account Re-age Eligible? What is the minimum payment?
How much to drop 60 days, 90 days, 120 days etc (based on how
many days delinquency. Everything is in 30 days increments)
Can you do a settlement? How much? How long is the offer good
until?
Explain you are in a financial hardship, etc. that you will make
payments and by the due date.
Thank them for their time.
End call