What I wonder is why bill collectors think that shaming, humiliating and degrading people is going to get people to pay bills they can't afford. I have been through unemployment and as such have gotten behind on bills. In this unfortunate situation I have found that I get a phone call with the preformed assumption that I am a sub-human dirt bag that goes around purposely attempting to screw people over by not paying my bills. (Most of the bills I have are actually medical bills) So collectors for medical providers act like I am scamming the doctors on procedures or equipment just to be a jerk.
Does this make any sense? I mean seriously! I know lots of scam artists that get retainers for their teeth or casts for their broken bones and never intend to pay.... not!
If thinking people are scamming for retainers and casts is ridiculous, so is believing that offending people from the onset is going to get them to want to cooperate with you in some way.
So here is a word of wisdom for those collection agents that may be reading this blog: Honey catches more flies than vinegar! If you want people to feel like they want to find a way to work with you, then you might want to give the impression that you want to work with them. One good idea would be to understand where they are coming from and that being in a situation where you can't pay your bills is humiliating enough. Please don't suggest that they ask friends for loans or sell something to get the money to pay the bill. I am sure if that was a workable solution then they already would have done that. When collectors ask me if I can get a loan from my parents they don't consider the possibility that my parents are both deceased. It would be really nice to have family to depend on during unfortunate times and it is careless of someone who doesn't know me to ask if my parents can loan me money. Further, if someone wants to set a payment plan for a small amount that they know they can afford, accept the amount that they are willing and able to pay. Don't be unwilling to accept the money that can be offered in payment and maybe the amount can go up when things start looking up.
So which makes more sense? Humiliate, shame and degrade people and don't get what you want or be understanding and work together to find a solution that brings both parties closer to the intended outcome. Which do you choose?
