Most Sign Brain Squad Members Eschew Collection Agencies

QUESTION:

Do you hire a collection agency for overdue accounts?

Yes: 8%

On occasion once we have exhausted everything we can do. It’s just a last-ditch effort. — Carl Heinlein, Cincinnati Custom Signs, Cincinnati
We have only used them two times in the last 10 years. — Vince Cvijanovic, Graphic Components, Greensboro, NC

No: 92%

We don’t extend credit to clients without a history of paying on time. — Greg Abbott, Abbott Image Solutions, Wilmington, OH
I have the best AR person in the world. If you owe her money she is like a pit bull on your butt! We are owed very little money. — Ben Phillips, Phillips Signs Inc., Seaford, DE
We feel that our own staff has a better handle on understanding the nuances of an overdue account. It’s also more personal, and experience has shown us that we get better responses with payments and payment plans. — Steven Carpenter, Archetype, Minneapolis
I live in Montana and 99% of all my customers pay on time. I’ve had four non-pay or bankruptcy filed in 21 years. — Earl Charles, Branded Sign Solutions, Helena, MT
We have our own internal group that does this. — Tony Wood, Yellow Frog Graphics, St. Joseph, MO
I am 6 ft., 3 in. and 340 lbs. I have no issues collecting my money owed. — Geoff Orlick, Quality Designs Ltd, Campbell River, BC, Canada
In the past we hardly ever had past due accounts so there was no real need there, but over the last couple years there have been several so it may be time. — Chad Lawson, Sign Pro of Skagit Valley, Mount Vernon, WA
Honestly, I need to lol. — Derek Collins, Advanced Display, Kent, OH

One Quick Question:

What’s the Brain Squad?

If you’re the owner or top manager of a signage and graphics company in the US or Canada, you’re invited to join the Signs of the Times Brain Squad. By taking one five-minute survey each month, you will receive access to some of the industry’s freshest data on sales — including your fellow members’ comments on what’s selling and what isn’t — and can make your voice heard on key issues affecting the sign industry. Sound good? Sign up here.