Debt Collection in a Post-COVID19 World- How Debt Collection Firms like Western Capital Have Changed, with Robert Paisola

LAS VEGAS, USA January 4, 2020, ZEXPRWIRE, Globally speaking, the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered a distinctive shift in the way people socialize, travel, and conduct business. In the immediate sense for the process service industry, the need to conduct a serve in person was hindered by social distancing measures.

While many unprecedented uncertainties remain in the United States, economic ambiguity is steadfast, making it difficult for anyone to predict when, or how quickly, the economy will begin to recover. As a result, U.S. consumers are engaging differently with their debts.

Robert Paisola, The CEO of The National Debt Collection Firm Western Capital at Mycollector.net states, “We are seeing consumers who truly have no ability to pay” he stated “And no Court in the Nation’s Open… So We Wait, said Paisola.

Provided the furloughs, mass layoffs, subsequent economic downturn, there’s no surprise that Americans have started spending less and saving more. As the world settles into a “new normal,” experts in the industry suggest those involved in collecting debt should be prepared for unpredictable payments based on the ever-evolving economic situation.

“It’s important for my team to work backward and become familiar with how consumer and borrower behavior may be shifting as a result of this pandemic – and how they ultimately end up being served. By understanding how behaviors change, we can develop a more empathic, understanding method for our serves.

Here are three ways experts anticipate the debt collection industry is shifting in a post-pandemic world:

1. Collectors must be highly trained on human dynamics and the art of Conversation

Given today’s economic climate, debt collectors are focusing on nurturing relationships with their consumers, even before they start paying. By taking an approach to these communications, it lends itself toward being more contextually aware and helping to develop better relationships. This is what Robert Paisola calls “The Soft Touch Debt Collection Method”. He said, “People pay their friends, not their enemies.

In times of tremendous financial adversity, like this COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining customer relationships across the debt collection process is key, especially with relevant non-account related conversations.

When consumers are in a state of extreme financial stress, debt collectors and process servers alike have an opportunity to let them know that collectively, you have the same objective: To aid in their journey to get them out of debt.  You Must Become Their Friend, said Paisola.

Payments will inevitably be inconsistent throughout the remainder of this pandemic for many consumers, especially as individuals receive intermittent governmental aid. As businesses start to bring back their furloughed employees, spikes in payment activity could start to rise as well.

2. Debt collectors must Remain Flexible

Consumers are looking for the flexibility to pay when they can, if they can. This may mean scheduling payments to align with their pay schedule or needing help to adjust a plan to accommodate unpredictable income fluctuation.

As the past few months during this pandemic have indicated, borrowers want to feel confident they have flexibility with their payments during times of economic adversity and ambiguity. This could include modifications such as payment deferrals, extensions of repayment terms, or other insignificant delays in payment.

These adjustments could cause minor strain on short-term liquidation efforts, but over time, consumers tend to pay off the debts they feel are most manageable first. Giving consumers the flexibility to plan payments around their cash flow is not only better for customer experience, but also minimizes the risk of a failed payment due to insufficient funds and leads to lower plan breakage rates, resulting in increased profitability for firms Like MyCollector.net

3. Debt collectors are learning to COMMUNICATE WITH EMPATHY!

Robert Paisola requires his Nationwide staff to engage in Social Matrix Based Debt Collection Training. Knowing that people do not handle demands well during uncertain times, Paisola leaves he resolution UP TO THE CLIENT! “And we get paid,” he said.

Consumers generally take care of their financial obligations without ever talking to a human, so automation at this stage is helpful. Hopping online to interact with self-service tools with financial institutions are progressively becoming the norm, so why should interacting with debt collectors be any different?

Many debt collectors are working to configure a payment portal for borrowers so they can make a payment without having to speak with a representative. Self-service tools also mean that consumers can choose to pay whenever it’s convenient for them, not just during business hours. Online Services are Essential. Debtors must have the ability to login from home and:

• – Defer a payment
  – Adjust the length and installment amount on their payment plan
  – Dispute all or a portion of their debt
  – Enter bankruptcy information
• – Apply for a hardship pause on their debt

Today’s debt future is nothing short of uncertain for consumers, debt collectors, and process servers alike. Debt levels will continue to rise and consumers will undoubtedly need help. And that help is EXACTLY what Western Capital gives their customers. HELP!

Debt collectors are adapting to today’s changing market and outline an operating model that allows consumers to pay when they want to. The engagement and payment trends we’ve encountered during this pandemic indicate that debt collectors when they appropriately train staff to provide context conscious communication, provide flexible payment options, and introduce self-service options. This parallel of empathy can also succeed during a serve.

Robert Paisola is the CEO and President of Las Vegas, Nevada and Salt Lake City Based Western Capital and is a Certified Debt Collection Trainer.

He teaches a seminars and webinars around the Country on “The Art of Getting Paid” which is also the name of his latest book published by Merid Media Group.  Western Capital is a Division of Paradigm Venture Partners. Visit Mycollector.org and Mycollector.net for more information or call 18003738913 in The USA for more information