Why should I use Adams, Evens, & Ross for staffing debt collection?

Adams, Evens, & Ross (AER) has over 33 years of experience collecting past-due debts exclusively for the staffing and recruiting industry. We have served more than 4,000 staffing and recruiting firms, placing over $1 billion in debt. Our industry specialization means we understand the unique challenges staffing firms face when clients don't pay. We also maintain the industry's most comprehensive credit alert — a database that tells you which companies are currently in debt before you place workers with them.

What is your fee structure for collecting staffing debt?

AER operates on a strict 'No Collection, No Charge' policy. You only pay a fee if we successfully collect the debt. If we do not collect, you owe us nothing. Our fee is a percentage of the amount collected. For specific fee details, you can review our fee agreement or book a free consultation.

Can AER reduce their collection fee?

Our fees are structured based on the age and complexity of the debt. In some circumstances fees may be discussed during your consultation. We encourage you to book a free 30-minute call with our team to discuss your specific situation.

Will collecting a staffing debt show up on my client's personal credit report?

AER specializes in commercial (business-to-business) debt collection for the staffing industry. Collection activity is typically reported against the business entity rather than the personal credit of an individual. For details specific to your situation, consult with our team during a free consultation.

Who can Adams, Evens, & Ross help with debt collection?

AER works exclusively with staffing agencies, recruiting firms, payroll funding companies, and staffing industry associations that are owed unpaid placement fees or staffing invoices by client companies. We are not a general collection agency — our expertise is entirely within the staffing and recruiting industry.

How will I be kept updated on my collection account?

AER provides regular updates on the status of your accounts. Once you place an account with us, you will receive communication on collection activity and any payments received. You can also reach out to our team directly with questions at any time.

Can I tell others that a client has not paid me?

There are legal guidelines around disclosing that a client owes you money. AER can advise you on how to handle this appropriately. Our credit alert service allows us to notify other staffing firms within our network that a particular company has an outstanding debt, which helps protect the broader industry.

What if I don't have a signed contract with the client who owes me money?

Not having a signed contract does not necessarily prevent collection. AER has experience recovering staffing debts in situations where formal contracts are missing. We evaluate each case individually and can advise you on your options during a free consultation.

What should I do if I receive a letter from the debtor's attorney?

If you receive a letter from the debtor's attorney after placing the account with AER, forward it to us immediately. Do not respond directly to the debtor's attorney. AER will handle all legal correspondence on your behalf through our nationwide network of attorneys.

What happens if the debtor mailed a check before I placed the account?

If a check was already in the mail when you placed the account with AER, notify us right away. You will need to deposit the check and inform AER of the payment. Depending on the timing and what was agreed, this may affect the account status. Our team will guide you through the next steps.

Can I close a collection account after it has been placed with AER?

Yes, you can request to close an account that has been placed with AER. However, depending on the work already completed, there may be considerations to discuss. Contact your AER representative to review the status of the account before making that decision.

What should I do if the debtor contacts me directly?

Once you have placed an account with AER, refer any direct contact from the debtor back to us. Do not negotiate or accept payment directly without first notifying AER. Direct communication from debtors after placement should be handled through our team to protect the integrity of the collection process.

I received a check from the debtor — what do I do?

If you receive a check directly from the debtor after placing the account with AER, deposit the check and immediately notify your AER representative with the amount and date received. AER will then calculate the appropriate fee based on the amount collected.

When do I get paid after AER receives a payment from the debtor?

Once AER receives and clears a payment from the debtor, your portion of the collected amount is remitted to you promptly. The exact timeline is outlined in the fee agreement. AER works to ensure you receive your payment as quickly as possible after funds are confirmed.

How do I get started with Adams, Evens, & Ross?

Getting started with AER is simple. You can book a free 30-minute consultation with Wilson Cole at https://www.staffingdebt.com/aer-consult/ or go directly to https://www.staffingdebt.com/aer-information/ to place an account. AER will walk you through the fee agreement and next steps from there.

A Recruiter’s Guide to Choosing Debt Collectors

By Amber Stoupa | March 17, 2025

Page Content

A Recruiter’s Guide to Choosing Debt Collectors

Nearly half of American businesses have some form of debt in collections. This statistic reveals just how common it is for businesses to face unpaid debts.

For recruiters, the decision to hire a debt collection agency can be tricky, especially when managing overdue accounts from clients. Is it time to bring in outside help, or should you handle it in-house? This guide will walk you through when and why it might be the right move.

Why Hire a Debt Collection Agency?

Recruiters often juggle numerous responsibilities, and chasing unpaid invoices shouldn’t be one of them. There comes a point when calling in professionals can make all the difference.

The Benefits of Outsourcing

Outsourcing debt collection comes with several clear benefits. Agencies specialize in collecting past-due payments, saving recruiters valuable time and effort. They are trained in the nuances of debt recovery, making them more efficient than an in-house team might be.

Expertise

Debt collectors know the laws and tactics that will help retrieve your money without crossing legal lines.

Time-saving

Instead of your team spending hours chasing payments, agencies handle the back-and-forth, so you don’t have to.

Higher success rates

Studies show that agencies often recover more debts than in-house teams due to their targeted strategies.

Hiring a debt collection agency can boost your recovery rates while letting you focus on your core recruiting tasks.

Signs It's Time to Bring in Help

Deciding whether to hire a debt collection agency requires understanding the warning signs that internal efforts aren't working. Below are a few key indicators.

Unresponsive Clients

If a client has stopped answering emails, calls, or messages, it may be time to call in the professionals. Agencies have tools and strategies for tracking down non-responsive clients and recovering payments.

Long Overdue Payments

When payments are overdue by more than 90 days, it’s usually time to get help. The longer debts go unpaid, the less likely they are to be recovered. According to industry experts, after 120 days, the chances of full recovery drop significantly.

In-House Team is Overloaded

If your team is overwhelmed with chasing payments, it may hurt productivity. Handing the task to an agency frees up your employees to focus on recruiting, rather than debt management.

How to Choose the Right Agency

Once you’ve decided to hire a debt collection agency, the next step is choosing the right one for your business. Here’s how to make sure you’re selecting a reliable partner.

Look for Industry Experience

Not all agencies are created equal. Choose one that understands your specific industry—whether it’s recruiting, staffing, or any other field. Industry experience ensures they’re familiar with the common reasons clients might delay payments and how to handle them.

Check Their Reputation

Before signing on with any agency, look at their reputation. You want an agency that will handle your business with professionalism and tact. Reading reviews and asking for references can give you a clear idea of how they operate.

Fees and Structure

Debt collection agencies typically charge a percentage of what they recover. Make sure you understand their fee structure, so there are no surprises later. Some agencies also have upfront fees or minimum thresholds, so clarify these details before proceeding.

Conclusion

Hiring a debt collection agency can be a game-changer for recruiters dealing with unpaid invoices. It frees up your team’s time, increases the chances of recovering debts, and provides peace of mind. If you’re facing unresponsive clients or payments long overdue, outsourcing to a reputable agency might be your next best step.

For specialized debt collection services tailored to the staffing industry, get in touch with our Credit and Credit Specialists at Adams, Evens, & Ross. Our expert team can help you recover overdue payments quickly and efficiently, so you can focus on what you do best—recruiting top talent. Don't let unpaid invoices hold your business back—take action today.

Book an appointment here.

Amber Stoupa

Adams, Evens, & Ross Volunteer Membership Director of The United States Staffing Association

Experienced Account/Credit & Collections Manager at Adams, Evens, & Ross with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering industry. Skilled in credit management, engineering debt collection, recruiting, human resources, and accounts receivable (AR). Also, I am the Membership Director of the United States Staffing Association. I have been in this industry for over 15 years and counting.

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