New Paper Trail Service for Collecting Debts in the Digital Age

BILLINGS, Mont. - May 1, 2020 - PRLog -- Consumers prefer paper trails to digital trails for sensitive financial matters. That's according to a Consumer Action survey conducted last year. It's why a new debt collection service that uses paper "technology" may be the surprise winner in this time of lockdowns and business defaults.

First, the survey. Consumer Action asked respondents to list their preferred delivery method for bills and invoices. Respondents chose paper over digital for medical (74%), insurance (66%), credit cards (61%), utilities (63%), property taxes (71%), and vehicle renewals (69%).

Respondents worried about important documents getting lost in a flood of email. Digital delivery, they said, made it harder to identify critical notices and pay bills on time. Respondents complained about penalties on missed payments and access to records during internet disruptions.

The clear preference of consumers has ramifications for debt collection agencies and business owners. It's why Mike Devaney, a marketing copywriter in Billings, MT, launched Letters 2 Settle. The service persuades delinquent customers, on behalf of creditors, to find solutions to their obligations.

"It's not a mystery as to why collection tactics have gone almost completely digital. Postal mail is slower and a lot more expensive. The switch, however, means our inboxes are bursting at the seams! This overflow makes human interaction harder. As it is, debt collection emails often end up in spam folders, never to be read."

But deliverability is only one reason for the new service.

"Modern debt collection has lost much of its humanity. The promise of automation software has been efficiency. But that efficiency hasn't translated into payment satisfaction for many collection agencies and small business owners. I think it's because the empathy factor is missing. Robo calls and email blasts tend to put late-paying customers on the defensive. That's not ideal. I believe that personal letters, tailored to individuals, not 'accounts,' just like in the old days, have a better chance at resolving debts," says Devaney.

The economic damage caused by government lockdowns is rising. Many businesses are carrying heavy debt. New laws created in the wake of coronavirus are making it harder for good-faith creditors to collect on their debts. To survive, collection agencies and business owners will need to rethink how they communicate payment requests.

Letters 2 Settle is a service that flips the stereotype of hardnosed debt collection on its head. The service uses a carrot, not stick, approach to persuade delinquent account holders to settle their financial obligations. Find out more at https://letters2settle.com/.