Finding a debt collection agency that truly aligns with your business’s needs can be a challenge. Whether you're navigating subrogation claims, recovering overdue accounts, or trying to manage a high volume of unpaid invoices, the right partner can provide much-needed support and positively affect how customers experience your brand. Here are a few essential things to look for when evaluating potential partners.
Ensure They Have Credentials
Trust begins with compliance. The collection agency you choose should be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which ensures ethical practices and consumer protections are in place. They should also be GDPR compliant, as they’ll be handling sensitive personal and financial information on your behalf. Additionally, depending on your sector, you may need to ensure the agency follows other industry-specific regulations—such as healthcare privacy laws or financial services protocols. These are critical in keeping your company protected and your customers’ data secure.
Look for Specialization in Your Customer Base
Not all collection strategies are created equal. Agencies that work primarily with consumer accounts will have a different tone and process compared to those that recover from business clients (B2B). For example, collecting on a personal insurance claim requires a more empathetic and nuanced approach than pursuing outstanding invoices from a corporate client. Choosing an agency with experience in your customer segment ensures they understand the specific challenges and communication styles required.
Choose an Agency That Serves Your Business’s Size
A one-size-fits-all agency likely won’t give your accounts the attention or results they need. Smaller, local agencies can be a good fit for a local business with fewer accounts while large national or international companies need partners who can scale accordingly. If your business serves customers across the country, or even across borders, look for a collection agency with the infrastructure, experience, and reach to manage those complexities. They should be able to handle variations in regulations, languages, and time zones.
Prioritize Technology and Transparency
When you’re managing hundreds or even thousands of accounts, manual tracking is nearly impossible. A modern collection agency should offer digital account tracking and real-time updates so you always have visibility into what’s happening. Look for agencies that offer digital tools such as client portals, automated reporting, and systems that integrate smoothly with your own CRM or billing software. These features can help reduce errors, improve communication, and increase recovery rates.
Work with an Agency That Leads with Integrity
Don’t forget to look beyond the numbers. The best agencies understand that they’re working with and for people, often during a financially difficult or emotionally charged time. The right partner will treat every individual with dignity and respect, regardless of the size of the debt or the situation behind it. An agency that prioritizes ethical practices protects your reputation while also showing that your company values fairness and responsibility in every interaction.
Serving Others with Dignity
Debt recovery doesn’t have to mean sacrificing empathy for results. By choosing a collection agency that’s qualified, specialized, well-equipped, and principled, your business can recover what it’s owed without losing sight of the people involved. Viking Client Services offers a range of recovery and collection services, always grounded in the belief that dignity and results can go hand in hand. Whether working with businesses or individuals, Viking is committed to delivering effective recovery while treating every account with the care it deserves.
