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.

Understanding the Debt Collection Cycle

By Wilson Cole | December 1, 2025

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In the staffing industry, delayed payments aren’t just frustrating—they’re disruptive. Outstanding invoices affect cash flow, slow operations, and, over time, can threaten the financial health of a firm.

That’s why understanding the debt collection cycle is essential for any staffing agency. Knowing what steps to take—and when—can significantly improve recovery rates and reduce long-term financial risk. From the first missed payment to legal escalation, every stage of the cycle plays a role in protecting revenue and maintaining control of client relationships.

This guide outlines the key phases of the debt collection cycle and what staffing firms need to do at each step to stay ahead.

The Key Phases of the Debt Collection Cycle

Stage 1: Internal Follow-Up (0–30 Days Past Due)

The first stage of the cycle is handled in-house. This is where your accounts receivable team (or whoever sends your invoices) follows up directly with the client.

What should happen:

A friendly reminder shortly after the due date
Confirmation that the invoice was received and there are no disputes
Re-sending the invoice if requested

Common mistake: Waiting too long. If you wait 30 days to follow up, you’re already behind.

Best practice: Start follow-up around Day 5–10, especially for clients who have a history of slow payments. Set expectations early.

Stage 2: Escalated Internal Collection (30–60 Days Past Due)

At this point, it's no longer a casual reminder. Now it's about firm follow-up, identifying red flags, and escalating the tone—without damaging the relationship.

What should happen:

Clear, professional language that communicates urgency
A reminder of the contract terms and due date
A deadline for payment (typically within 7–10 business days)

If the client isn’t responsive or keeps making excuses, it’s time to consider external help.

Pro Tip: Don’t threaten legal action unless you're prepared to follow through. This tactic often backfires and damages your credibility.

Stage 3: Third-Party Collection (60–90+ Days Past Due)

If you’re still chasing payment after two months, it's time to involve a professional collection agency—especially one that understands the staffing industry.

Here’s what a reputable third-party partner (like Adams, Evens, & Ross) brings to the table:

Professional communication on your behalf
Knowledge of staffing contracts and backdoor hire scenarios
Leverage to escalate without emotion

At this point, recovery odds start dropping. According to industry data, invoices 90 days past due have less than a 50% chance of being recovered. Time is not on your side.

Your action: Provide your agency with all documentation—contracts, emails, invoices, timesheets—so they can move quickly and legally.

Stage 4: Legal Escalation (When Necessary)

Sometimes, even a third-party collection effort doesn’t get the job done—particularly if the client is disputing the claim or just flat-out refusing to pay.

At this stage, your collection agency may recommend legal action. That could mean:

Filing a lawsuit
Pursuing a judgment
Enforcing that judgment through garnishment, liens, or other means

Important: Legal action isn’t always worth it. Your agency should help you determine if the debtor is collectible. There’s no point in spending time and money to chase someone who’s insolvent or out of business.

For more insight into the legal implications of backdoor hiring and to protect revenue, check out this article.

What Can You Learn from the Cycle?

Every collection case offers lessons. Look back at each stage and ask:

Did we wait too long to follow up?
Were our contract terms strong enough?
Did we have documentation to support our claim?
Did the client show warning signs before placement?

Improving your collection process isn’t just about reacting better—it’s about preventing debt in the first place.

If you want to see what that looks like in practice, read our guide on Letting the Pros Handle It.

Conclusion

Debt recovery isn’t just a single step—it’s a cycle. The further you let it spin without action, the harder it is to pull it back in your favor.

The key to success is knowing what to do at each stage—and doing it quickly. Whether it’s your first reminder email or a legal handoff, every step matters.

If you’re tired of chasing clients or worried that your collection process is too reactive, we’re here to help.

Book a consultation with Adams, Evens, & Ross and let us show you what an effective, industry-specific debt collection strategy really looks like.

Wilson Cole

Founder and CEO of Adams, Evens & Ross NC, LLC, the nations largest credit and collection agency design exclusively for the staffing and recruiting industry. In 2008 he was inducted into INC. Magazines, "INC. 500" for being the CEO of Adams, Evens & Ross NC, LLC, the 307th fastest growing privately held company in America. This exclusive group of other INC. 500 CEOs includes Bill Gates of Microsoft and Larry Ellison of Oracle.In 2007 Recruiting & Staffing Solutions Magazine's Editorial Staff named him " The Billion Dollar Man" due to the fact that he had collected or helped his clients collect more than 1 Billion dollars in past due debt over his career of 30 years as CEO of Adams, Evens & Ross NC, LLC.

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