What is international debt collection?
Businesses that trade internationally regularly face customers who do not pay on time. Going to a lawyer abroad often means high advance fees, complex administration and slow legal procedures, which makes it costly and inefficient.
A specialist in cross-border collection is a better alternative. Quality varies between agencies; transparency, communication and experience make the difference.
Do you only work for hotels and travel companies?
No. Hospitality is where we started and it remains a specialism, but we collect unpaid invoices for businesses in every sector: exporters, wholesalers, logistics companies, software providers, manufacturers and service businesses. The same network, letters in 35 languages and online portal are available to every client.
What does specialised debt collection for hospitality look like?
We maintain a large database of the people responsible for payments in hotel finance and accounts payable departments. We also know the issues that cause late payment, such as invoice corrections after guest no-shows, disputes about commission rates and misunderstandings about corporate programmes.
A large share of the hotels signed up with OTAs worldwide have received a letter from us at some point, and most large hotel chains know who we are. We also know the delays caused by payment systems such as Onyx and Pegasus, and how to act when a payment gets stuck between channels.
Why outsource collections?
Chasing unpaid invoices is time-consuming and frustrating, and it can be uncomfortable to keep asking a customer to pay, if you even have the right contact details. With long-standing customers, emotions can get in the way.
A neutral third party can mediate with experience and authority, without putting the business relationship at risk.
In which countries do you work?
Virtually everywhere. We have collected invoices in more than 130 countries, our procedures work even for debtors in remote locations, and our letters are available in 35 languages. Where needed, we coordinate legal proceedings through our network of partner law firms and collection agencies.
We work with one carefully selected agency per country, chosen on results and client feedback rather than membership fees. Agencies that fall short are replaced. Modern Debt International is part of the Oddcoll international network of collection agencies.
What is your success rate?
Every year we successfully collect around 55% of the invoices assigned to us. Collection takes anywhere from 24 hours to 12 months; on average we collect within a month.
How does your collection procedure work?
Our procedure has several consecutive steps that show conviction and persistence. Each step comes with a letter in the debtor's language, and we call the debtor throughout. Once we are in contact, we aim for a quick settlement.
We make paying easy, with bank transfer, credit card and other online payment options. For larger balances we offer instalment plans with a signed settlement agreement, and we monitor payments until the end. If a debtor does not respond, a local partner follows up in the debtor's language and visits on site when needed.
What do you need to start a case?
1. A document that proves the debt, such as an invoice, contract or agreement. 2. The details of the debt: the outstanding amount, the date and, if needed, a short explanation. 3. The debtor's full name and contact details, plus any correspondence about the debt.
You can send cases one by one or, for bulk assignments, in a spreadsheet.
What does no cure, no pay mean?
You only pay us when we successfully collect your invoice. If we do not collect, you owe us nothing.
How do we pay for your service?
At the end of each month you receive one invoice for the total commission due. You can pay by bank transfer, credit card and several other online payment methods.
How can we follow the progress of a case?
Every client gets access to our case management portal. You can follow each case, see all communication with the debtor and view copies of every letter sent. Payments are recorded in the portal and you are notified automatically.
What happens if a debtor still does not pay?
If the debtor has not responded or started paying by the end of our procedure, we list them on our international delinquent register, which our clients consult for credit and risk checks. This is a strong deterrent and often leads to last-minute payment.
Depending on the amount, we can also give you the option to take legal action in the debtor's country.
Do you also provide legal services?
Yes. We support clients in commercial matters worldwide, from unpaid invoices to complex contractual disputes, working with partner law firms who know the local law.
How do I know your letter is genuine and that you act for the creditor?
For every case, our client gives us an official assignment. To check that we are involved, contact us and we will send you proof, or ask the creditor directly. If you are not sure who to ask, we can give you their contact details.
How do you handle personal data?
We process personal data only to collect the claims assigned to us and to comply with our legal obligations, in line with the GDPR. Our privacy policy explains what we collect, why, how long we keep it and how you can exercise your rights.
Try us with up to 3 invoices, free of charge
Send us up to 3 unpaid invoices with a combined value up to €2,500. Free of any charge, and you follow every case in our online portal.