UMC Commercial Collection Agency – Business to Business Collection Specialists Since 1911

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United Mercantile Company
A Commercial Collection Agency
800-541-3833

When should an account be placed?
What information is required to place an account?
How do I place an account for collection?
What is a Free Final Demand?

When should an account be placed?
The sooner the better. The Commercial Collection Agency Association has done studies among its members that prove conclusively the earlier an account is placed, the better the chance for recovery. Our own records conclude that our Free Final Demands are far more effective when the account has aged 60-120 days. According to the CCAA, you have an 85% chance of recovery if an account is placed for collection when it has aged 2 months versus a 56% chance of recovery if it has aged 6 months. What good is a sale if you do not collect the money? UMC is prepared to build a partnership with your firm by developing a plan to collect your receivables from the day they become delinquent to the day they are paid in full.

What information is required to place an account?
At the very least we need contact information for the client and the debtor and the amount to be collected. Specifically, we need the name of the person to contact at your firm, your firm's name, address, phone and fax numbers, and email address. We need the same information for the debtor and the amount due. It is helpful but not necessary to have a statement of account. If we need copies of invoices, proofs of delivery, credit applications, etc. we will ask for them later. If you know the account is disputed, please tell us the nature of the dispute and provide us with as much documentation to support your position as possible.

How do I place an account for collection?
Simply click here to complete our quick and easy online form. Or you can call (800-541-3833), send us a fax, (888-285-4126), or email the information to us at umc@umccollects.com. Be sure to tell us if you want a Free Final Demand sent to your customer and if so, for how many days.

What is a Free Final Demand?
A Free Final Demand is a letter that warns your customer they have one last chance to pay your bill before it is placed with UMC for collection. It gives them 7, 10, or 14 days to pay before we begin our collection efforts. If they pay within that time frame, there is no charge. If they pay within 7 days of the expiration of the Free Final Demand, we charge a reduced rate of 15%. When you place an account for collection, you indicate if you wish us to start immediately or send a Free Final Demand to your customer.

Our Free Final Demand is unique in that you chose the length of time. You can give your customers 7, 10, or 14 days to remit. If your customer is located nearby or across the country, you can adjust the number of days accordingly.

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