Women Mean Business Profile

When people hear the words "Collection Agency" they cringe. It brings to mind thoughts of a rude, loud, overbearing man demanding payments.

This is the main reason many business owners don't utilize a collection agency.

At MAD Collection Agency in Holderness, NH, Owner, Michelle Dunn, is trying to change this perception. Michelle opened MAD Collection Agency in January 1998. She has eight years experience in the credit and collection field and several Dun & Bradstreet Certificates. She is a member of The American Collectors Association, Credit Data of New England and The National Association of Female Executives.

Michelle recently was involved in National Give Yourself Credit Week. She had February 14-20 proclaimed National Give Yourself Credit Week by Governor Jeanne Shaheen and also spoke to a group at The Senior Center in Plymouth. The purpose was to educate consumers on their rights, such as what to do to avoid having an account turned over to a collection agency and what to do if they do receive a collection notice. Also, she informed them of how to obtain a copy of their credit report and how to dispute any errors. She spoke about what a collection agency can and cannot do, and what is considered harassment and what you can do if you feel you have been treated unfairly.

"I want businesses to know that we will work with their customers and treat them fairly, and we will follow the law to get their money", says Dunn. "It doesn't always have to be a bad situation when an account is placed for collection."

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits what are called abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. The law does not apply to you if you are collecting your own debt but does apply to an agency that is collecting on your behalf. Dunn takes pride in the fact that MAD Collection Agency, follows the FDCPA and keeps updated on any changes in the act and any changes in state collection laws.

With her clients' permission, MAD tries to work out payment plans on accounts where it is appropriate. This pertains frequently to medical accounts. "Most consumers I deal with are very happy and surprised when I tell them they can set up a payment plan," said Dunn. "Once they receive a notice from our office they are under the impression that they need to pay in full, and sometimes they just can't."

For businesses that don't have the time or staff to make written demands for payments, send copies of bills, make collection calls or do follow up on payment promises, MAD offers Accounts Receivable Outsourcing. "This is one of our most popular services," says Dunn. "We use the business' letterhead and direct payments to be made directly to their office. They keep all that is collected and only pay us a monthly flat fee."

Presently, Dunn continuously markets her services to the business community. She will be participating in the "99 Small Business Expo on March 30, 1999 at the Center of NH Holiday Inn in Manchester.

Dunn feels her service really helps her clients in that she saves them money on paying a full time employee, benefits, taxes, vacation pay and training. She can lower their receivables while allowing them to concentrate on what they are good at.

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