Frequently Asked Questions For Consumers

          Client Access Web has been crafted so our clients can have convenient and secure access to their accounts whenever they need it.  Our live collection database is uploaded daily to the Client Access Web server, so the information our clients view is up-to-date and accurate. The best part, there are no additional fees or charges to use this service!

Client Access Web (CAW) allows our clients to view their consumer’s profile, check account balances, addresses, phone numbers, last payment dates and status.  While viewing a consumer’s profile, clients can report a direct payment, let us know if an address or phone number has changed, or upload an itemized statement.

Viewing and printing reports has never been easier!  The reports function of CAW makes it easy to pull a status or statistics report at any time.  While viewing reports, information can be sorted by name, balance, amount assigned, date assigned or status so the client can get a better picture of where their accounts are at in the collection process.

Listing accounts online will have more features available as well.  Once a client fills out the online listing form and submits the account, a list of the submitted accounts will be available for the client to view prior to listing.  If any corrections or changes need to be made, the client can easily pull up the submitted listing and make their changes.  Don’t want to fill out an online listing form?  Submit your own file or spreadsheet instead.  Our client file upload feature gives a great alternative for clients to send us their files in their own format.

The messaging center of CAW is a great way to stay in contact with the staff at Express Collections, or with other users for the same client.

Contact our office to get more information on how to use Client Access Web, or  schedule an appointment and a member of our sales team will personally demonstrate the features and functionality of this site at the comfort of your office.

For more information on how to use Client Access Web… click here!

No, but we do have a close working relationship with several lawfirms.

In most cases, an attorney is not required to file lawsuit on an account. However, if an account is highly disputed, over the limit for small claims, or in an area where a collection agency can not sue a third party claim, the account is outsourced to one of our attorneys.

According to John K. Rossman of Moss & Barnett, an in-house attorney is prohibited from suing a debtor on behalf of a collection agency. This is considered an unauthorized practice of law.

For more information about the concerns of “in-house legal counsel”, download the article in The Collectors’ Advocate by John K. Rossman or consult your own legal counsel.

Collection methods can vary significantly depending on a host of factors.

Upon receipt of placements, Express Collections will send you an acknowledgment for your file. The debtor is also notified in writing that the account has been referred to Express Collections and unless the debt is disputed, payment should be made to avoid any further collection activity.

Once a collector is assigned, a variety of measures can be taken such as, request for payment in full, formal payment agreements, skip tracing, and legal action. (please note – Express Collections will not file litigation within the first 30 days after receiving an account). Our goal upon receiving your placements is to attempt to locate and contact the consumer including those who can no longer be reached at the address or phone number given. This is further enhanced by our in-house skip tracing technology. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with a quick resolution to your collection problem.

All accounts are sent a “Validation of Debt Notice” as required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). We then focus the next steps of collection using systematic and timely telephone contact. We believe that a telephone call has 10 times greater impact than a letter. Our staff will attempt to call the consumer during the day, evening, and weekends in order to collect your accounts. As one can imagine, with continuous verbal communication we are able to collect on debt more effectively.

Most agencies utilize the same products with the same strategies. We incorporate state of the art computer technology and internet investigative techniques with our purposeful strategies. Combine this with our experienced and professional staff and the result is increased cash flow. That is one of the reasons why our collection agency stands out against all others. Express Collection’s employees are highly trained and thoroughly schooled in all aspects of the collection industry. Express Collection’s strict ethical code of conduct maintains your professional and public image while meeting your collection needs.
Along with a high level of verbal communication with the consumer, our agency offers collection letters, skiptracing, dispute resolution, and in-house accounts receivable consulting. We also offer a FREE Demand Pre-collection Program and a customized Direct Action program that will fit your needs. Contact one of our Sales Representatives for more details!

Express Collections philosophy is to enhance recovery for its clients while maintaining customer goodwill.

Our Collection practices are ethical and professional, and follow all State and Federal laws. Our customer service approach is used to remind consumers of their outstanding balance and attempts to either secure payment in full, or establish a realistic payment arrangement. Our collectors maintain a customer service tone, even in the most difficult situations. Our philosophy is that tenacity and repetition is more effective than confrontation.

Bottom line… Collection of past due accounts must be done ethically, effectively, and efficiently while maintaining our clients public image. Since we are an extension of your office, our representation is your reputation.

We remit the net proceeds of our collection to you monthly. If a consumer pays you directly, just contact our office and we will credit the account accordingly.

Checks and statements are printed on the 10th of each month. All payments made to Express Collections are posted to the consumers account and remitted to our clients on the following months statement. For example, if a payment was receive on the 15th, the remittance would be sent on the 10th of the following month.

If you would like to check the balance of a consumers account, you can simply login to Client Access Web or contact our office.

There are many ways to place an account with Express Collections:

1. Fill out a listing sheet and fax, mail or e-mail your account to our office.
2. Submit your own form (copies of statements, ledger cards, or computer print-outs).
3. List your accounts over the phone (605) 343-1311.
4. Use our on-line form (must obtain a password first).

Please provide as much information about the consumer and the account as possible. The more information we receive, the better chance we have to collect your account!

Note – Although an itemized statement is not required to place an account for collection, it must be provided upon request.

There are several benefits of using a third-party collection agency.

1)  Collecting past due accounts can become time consuming and costly.

Every business has it’s specialty. Ours is collecting past due accounts. We offer an efficient system that puts the collection of your accounts receivables first. This allows your staff to focus on other critical tasks of running your business.

With Express Collections, you get the best of both worlds, state-of-the-art technology and good old-fashioned customer service. This combination of people and technology assures that your accounts will never get lost in the shuffle and resolve your claim in the shortest possible time.

2)  Handling difficult accounts and/or mediating disputes.

In some situations, the consumer may have had an issue with services, the balance, or claim they are not the responsibile party. Express Collections has the ability to become involved in a situation that may have become adversarial without being part of the intial dispute. This allows us to become the neutral party and mediate the debt as necessary. Our collectors are trained to deal with difficult collection situations since their expertise is in the collection of past due accounts.

Express Collections fees are on a contingent basis; NO COLLECTION, NO CHARGE.

Unlike most collection services, Express Collections does not charge a setup fee, placement fee, or membership charge. Our rate structure is not affected by the age of the account and we do not increase our rates for skiptracing. Our clients know exactly what they are going to be charged at the time of placement without any hidden fees.

If you would like to receive a rate quote, please complete the “Become a Client” form and we will customize a program and provide on-line access within 24 hours!