Frustrating as it is to have clients who have past due accounts, it is important that you not allow the frustration to affect your behavior toward your customer, according to the blog by Direct Recovery Associates. In fact, it is best to maintain the customer’s reputation throughout the collection process for several reasons. 
People tend to respond better to kindness than to hostility. If you want your customers to communicate with you, then don’t make them feel that they are always under attack when you’re around.
Embarrassing a customer is a no-no. By being kind and avoiding circumstances when customers would feel harassed or embarrassed, you help preserve their dignity. Always think that your goal is to collect and remember that past due accounts happen for a number of reasons – sometimes beyond the customers’ control.
Do not put your customer on a defensive as this can also affect your company’s reputation. When you treat your customers with respect, it reflects well on your business, and more likely, they will refer your company to others. Or after settling their debts with you, there is a possibility they will bring business back to you at a more favorable condition. Even in cases when collection would end up in court, there is always a need to maintain professionalism and not slander the customer. By doing so, you reap the benefits of being respected and your reputation protected, too.
Debt collection is a tricky, and sometimes painful, process for both parties. As a business, you may need to spend a lot of effort getting paid, while your customers may have to deal with their own issues to be able to settle their obligations with you. A debt collection agency can be of assistance – even without directly being involved in the actual debt collection. Be open to consulting with a debt collection agency that is experienced in dealing with customers in various industries, you will be able to know your options and proper actions to save your business relationship.
