Had a debt collector call me yesterday and accuse me of lying.
Accusing someone of lying is never a good way to start a relationship.
The gentleman wasn’t calling to collect any debts from me.
He was offering to collect debts FOR me.
He asked how many payments my company had past due from customers.
I told him none.
We require a credit card on file before taking on an account.
As well polished of a salesman as he was, he seamlessly transitioned and asked how many times my customers dispute those credit card charges.
I told him never.
He then laughed and said, “We both know that no company is perfect. Just tell me how much debt you need collected or what percent of transactions you have that are disputed so I can tell you my rates.”
It’s true. In 11 years, I’ve never had a chargeback and I have no unrealistically past due invoices.
Except this one guy that owes $50 since the beginning of the year. 😆
But I’ll let that one slide. Not worth my time to chase it down.
That’s when I told him that accusing someone of lying sets the foundation for a relationship that I wouldn’t have any interest in being a part of.
The key to having, as this guy said, a “perfect company” is setting expectations with your customers.
Tell them what they’re getting into before they start, how long it takes to do what you do, and when to expect what.
Then, when they buy or sign your contract, remind them again.
And as you deliver your product or service, remind them again.
This will improve your customer retention, product delivery, your sanity, and will help you sleep morally at night. 😴
