Debt Collectors: The Private Group Pty Ltd, Mercantile Division

Phone 1300 966 103

Email: debtcollectors@theprivategroup.com.au

To go straight to the cost $$$$ , follow this link.

For repossessions follow this link.

Why you should use a debt collector or repossession agent.

To request our services please use this Debt Collection Enquiry form.

'Debt Collecting' comes under the operation of a Mercantile license, commercial license, investigators licence or similar arrangement - currently each state government decides the requirements in their state. 

Debt's must generally be collected within 7 years (3yrs Northern Territory), but the longer it is left the longer it will take.  Some international jurisdictions permit 15yrs from the time an order is granted, to recover monies.

A debt is an amount owed by one party to another, and is usually a debt to be collected when the debtor fails to honour an agreement, or terms of trade, to repay monies.  Small or Minor debts are equal to or less than $7,500.  Commercial and Consumer debt was more than $7,500, this has recently been updated in Queensland to greater or lesser than $25,000.  This also includes debts such as unpaid wages.

The cut-off between minor and commercial debt varies from State to State, as does the legislation.  The concepts in contract law, however, do cross State borders - except where overriden by state legislation.

It has become obvious that many small businesses do not have the correct terms and conditions in place when offering credit.  Many do not a have a procedure in place to recover outstanding amounts.  This is an area where we may also assist.

As agents we are obliged to attempt negotiations and we will usually try to get the parties to agree to a repayment plan.  If we have evidence of previous negotiation where the debtor has failed to negotiate in good faith, or when approached the debtor attempts to lie or displays other indications of lack of honesty and good faith we may progress straight to collection.

Some people who owe a debt are quite happy to pay, if shown a method by which they can repay over time.  Some do not have the financial ability to meet all the debts they have incurred.  Debt collectors must take this into consideration when negotiating payments.  They are also aware that people cry poor, or see themselves as more important than the person owed the debt.  Debt Collectors need, amongst other things, very thick hides!  Debt collection involves negotiation, generally. 

The clumsiest method is, unfortunately, recourse to the courts for minor/small debts.  However, these may proceed without the added cost of a lawyer/solicitor.

It is more common to proceed to court for the recalcitrant debtor for commercial and consumer debt (A small tip here is to try and obtain a directors guarantee for debts involving companies, as the company is seen in law as a stand alone legal entity and may be the vehicle by which a person avoids a debt).

We try to keep our options open and aim to achieve the best outcome for our clients.

Debt Collection may be a matter of escalation to the point where a person is more comfortable paying the monies, than facing the alternatives.

Other options include the freezing of assets that may be disputed, searches (similar to criminal search warrant searches) for information of relevance to the assets - these use authorities granted by case law.

Debt collecting and repossessions can be unpleasant work.  To be honest even a debt collector can sometimes find doing what is necessary distasteful, but we accept that it is necessary.   We aim to be firm but fair.

Of course the biggest question for most of our clients is, what will it cost?  Please follow this link to the answer.

For information on repossessions follow this link

Bad debt is part of big business.  Even banks have bad debt, written down loans and assetts.  To learn more follow this link.

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To engage our services as Debt Collectors and Repossession Agents

Also known as baddebts-debtcollectionagency.net.au  and baddebts-debtcollectionagency.com.au for you debt collection of bad debt

For Queensland Locations where we have representatives.

To look at the difference between Queensland and Western Australia with regards debt collection legislation.