Hire a debt collection agency

Why hire a debt collection agency?

Unpaid invoices strain your liquidity and tie up valuable resources. With professional debt collection, you can relieve your business and strengthen your financial foundation. We offer a digital and efficient solution tailored to your specific needs.

1. Save time through automation

Focus on your core business. Our automated processes handle your entire receivables management – from the first out-of-court reminder to judicial enforcement.

2. Digital overview and transparency

No more hidden steps. Track the progress of your claims digitally in your personal online dashboard. Stay informed at all times without needing to intervene.

3. Fair and professional conduct

We understand that dealing with debtors is a sensitive matter. Our approach is always fair and respectful. We communicate professionally to protect your business relationships while consistently pursuing your claims.

4. Clear cost structure

Transparency is our principle. At Debtist, there are no hidden fees. Our transparent pricing models give you predictability and planning certainty. In general, the debtor bears the collection costs as damages for default. You can learn more about fees in our debt collection glossary.

5. Debt collection for every industry

Whether e-commerce, trades, services, or rent claims – we understand the specifics of your industry. Benefit from our specialized experience and tailored collection solutions.

What does debt collection cost? A clear cost overview

Debt collection costs typically consist of the following components:

• Base fee: For processing your case

• Success-based commission: Usually a percentage of the successfully collected amount

• Expenses: For necessary investigations such as address searches or credit checks

Exact costs vary by provider and scope of services. However, it’s important to note that in most cases, the debtor is responsible for the collection costs. Debtist’s fees are based on the statutory provisions of the German Lawyers' Compensation Act (RVG).

Debtist cost structure: Transparent and risk-minimized

With Debtist, you benefit from a transparent cost model without hidden fees or subscription plans. That means:

• No upfront payments: As the client, you typically don’t need to pay any fees in advance

• Debtor covers the main costs: The fees incurred (including our collection costs and any court fees) are claimed directly from the debtor as damages for default. Incoming payments are split between your principal claim and our fees. Your claim is forwarded to you, while the fees remain with Debtist

• No costs if unsuccessful: If our collection efforts are unexpectedly unsuccessful, you won’t incur any fees. Your financial risk is minimized. In this case, Debtist also advances any court costs and bears the risk of loss

Exception: You only incur costs if you cancel the processing of an ongoing claim yourself.

Want to calculate the exact costs for your case?

Use our debt collection fee calculator for a precise estimate or visit our pricing overview for a full breakdown of all costs and services included with Debtist.

How to hire a debt collection agency: Your path to successful recovery

Hiring a debt collection agency is simple and efficient. Here’s how to proceed step by step:

1. Submit your claim and provide documentation

Enter all relevant details about your unpaid invoice using our intuitive Debtist dashboard. For efficient processing, please have the following documents and information ready:

• Original invoice: As proof of the claim

• Reminders: Copies of all previously sent reminders

• Correspondence: Any exchange with the debtor (emails, letters, notes)

• Contracts and order confirmations: To verify the delivered goods or provided service

• Detailed breakdown of outstanding amounts: A clear overview of the claim

• Complete contact details of the debtor: For smooth communication

These documents form the legal basis that allows us to enforce your claims effectively. The more complete and organized your documentation, the more efficiently we can recover your claims.

2. Assign a mandate and review process

After submitting your data, you grant us the mandate to pursue your claims. Our experienced team carefully reviews your documents for legal validity. Once the mandate is issued and positively reviewed, we promptly send the first legally compliant collection letter to the debtor.

3. Track the processing status

From now on, you can track the status of your case at any time in the Debtist dashboard. You’ll receive transparent updates on each step, and you can follow the entire process digitally.

How does debt collection work?

Once you’ve submitted your claim and assigned the mandate, we immediately begin the collection process. Our goal is to recover your outstanding claims quickly and efficiently—always acting professionally and fairly.

1. Out-of-court debt collection

We initially focus on out-of-court collection. This means we contact the debtor directly to find a quick and amicable solution. This includes:

• First reminder: We promptly send an official collection letter to the debtor with a clear payment demand and deadline

• Communication and negotiation: Our team initiates dialogue with the debtor via phone, email, or mail to understand the reasons for non-payment and, if applicable, arrange installment plans or settlements

• Credit check: If needed, we conduct a credit check to assess the chances of success for further measures

2. Judicial dunning process (optional)

If out-of-court efforts are unsuccessful, we’ll discuss the next steps with you. If the debtor’s creditworthiness allows and you agree, we initiate the judicial dunning process. This includes:

• Filing for the dunning notice: We apply for the judicial dunning notice

• Filing for the enforcement notice: If no objection is filed, we apply for the enforcement notice, which constitutes an enforceable title

3. Enforcement proceedings (if necessary)

If an enforceable title is obtained and the debtor still doesn’t pay, further enforcement proceedings may be necessary. This is always done in close consultation with you and may include:

• Seizure: For example, of wages or bank accounts

• Engaging a bailiff: To seize movable property

4. Ongoing transparency

Throughout the entire process, you remain fully informed via your Debtist dashboard. You can view the current status of your claim at any time and receive updates on every action we take.

Who is debt collection for? Professional solutions for B2B and B2C

Debt collection offers tailored solutions for a wide range of industries and anyone who wants to recover outstanding claims professionally.

Debt collection for B2B clients

Whether you’re a limited company, freelancer, startup, or established SME, we relieve your business from time-consuming receivables management, protect your liquidity, and let you focus fully on your core operations.

Debt collection for B2C claims

You can also rely on our expertise when it comes to claims against private customers (B2C). Our straightforward digital collection process is an efficient and professional solution for recovering payments from individuals—e.g., for rent claims or online transactions.

Specialization across industries

Our expertise spans numerous sectors, including:

• E-commerce: Fast and efficient recovery of online receivables

• SMEs and service providers: Targeted relief for small and mid-sized businesses

• Leasing and mobility: Specific solutions for your industry’s needs

• Software and IT: Professional receivables management for digital services

• Construction and trades: Effective support for complex contractual claims

• Coaching and consulting: Securing your fees and service charges

Learn more about our specialized collection solutions for your industry.