Page:Roy Ralph Hottman - Practical Collection Procedure (1923).pdf/50

36 methods avail little, even though the party is almost down and out, while a helping hand secures good results and builds up good-will for the house.

Often the accounts of professional men become very far past due. When this occurs it is a delicate matter, because of their position, to obtain prompt payment and retain their good-will. The physicians’ and dentists’ practise is almost entirely on a credit basis. They have heavy, con- tinual expense, frequently have a number of charitable calls, and where the patients have ample means with which to pay the bill promptly when rendered, many of them feel justified in “putting off the doctor” for a staggering length of time. And the medical men, doubtless from the ethics of their calling, do not generally press their debtors urgently for settlement of their bills, but instead write off a large sum yearly to bad debts. Whenever such a profes- sional account falls in arrears the situation must be studied carefully. A courteous letter can be written, suggesting that the bill was overlooked due to the frequent calls of his patients; and subsequent letters sent, pointing out the service the house is endeavoring to maintain, or suggesting that they supply him with a special set of inoffensive but effective form letters to prompt patients to payment. These are always effective and retain good-will. The in- genious collection man will also find other angles from which to write, depending on local conditions. Lawyers’ bills, however, are very difficult to collect if they persist in withholding payment. They are well acquainted with the law, know just how far the creditor can go, and are also smart enough to know that hardly any other lawyer will accept a claim for collection against them.