There are countless articles out there explaining what you can do when a Debt Collector/High Court Enforcement Officer turns up on your doorstep. (Whether they appear at your front door or at the office.)
… but what can you do to avoid them showing up in the first place?
This information seems to be very hard to come by. Yet, I can’t understand why anyone would chose to deal with debt collectors if they knew how to avoid them getting involved in the first place.
So, I decided to write this guide to try and safeguard you from falling foul of debt collectors and avoid fear of the door bell.
1) Don’t ignore the issue
Why wait until you receive a Court Summons through the door before doing something about it?
Ok, it’s possible you’re being chased by multiple Creditors.
You’re finding it difficult to cope with the stress. Maybe it’s getting too much to deal with. I understand.
So, naturally, it seems easier to just let the ‘Process’ take over.
However, this will only lead to the HCEO turning up with a Writ with hundreds (if not thousands) of pounds over and above the actual debt in:
- Additional Court Fees
- Solicitors Fees
- and Interest
By dealing with it in a timely manner, there is less chance of getting to the end game and owing even more than necessary.
Ignoring the issue sadly won’t make it go away. It’s time to face up to the truth or risk the situation escalating further.
2) Make sure you’re heard
“I’ve done everything I can, but still my Creditor is ignoring me.”
There is much that you can do to try and eradicate getting to this stage in the first place. Maybe try one of the following more extreme options if all of the standard communication methods have failed:
- Put in a Counter Claim – the Courts allow you more time and there is more opportunity in gaining better advice
- Threaten to take your complaint onto Social Media
- Request to mediate between you and the Creditor that has threatened to seek legal action against you
5) Be Honest
If you cannot afford to pay the full debt in one go, be honest with them and request a restructure with your Creditors.
They likely just want to get paid and they may be more flexible than you think regarding when and how that happens.
6) Get Advice
If none of the above work, obtain correct financial advice on your Business Finances from either a Restructuring Specialist and/or an Insolvency Practitioner.
Summary
Hopefully the tips above will help you go someway to avoiding debt collectors showing up on your doorstep.
However, help is always at hand if you need to discuss your current financial circumstances and/or bad debt issues in more detail.
If you’d like to talk to someone about your options – whatever stage your debt is at – please don’t hesitate to give me a call, drop me an email or request a callback.