THORNE, BROOKS & SHAPIRO - Services & Procedures

Time Tested and Proven Procedures for Outstanding Collection Results

As one of America's premier debt collection agencies, Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro's primary objective is to collect your claim in full as quickly as possible with the least cost to you. Thus, Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro handles practically every claim in-house to begin with.

Placement of Accounts

Accounts can be placed for collection by email, snail mail (via the Postal Service), fax, our Internet claim submission forms, disk or tape.

Processing of Claims

Upon receipt, each claim is carefully reviewed to determine if we require additional information or specific instructions. The client and debtor information is then entered into our automated collection system.

The day your claim is entered, even before the assigned collector gets the file, a computer-generated demand letter is sent to the debtor. This letter informs the debtor that you have referred the account to Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro for collection. It also outlines the total amount due and states that payment is expected immediately. On the same day, a computer-generated acknowledgment of the claim is sent to you.

The claim is then cross-referenced against existing and closed accounts to ascertain whether Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro has had prior experience with the debtor. This enables our firm to consolidate files while increasing information and leverage on the claim.

Initial Contact with the Debtor

Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro's staff is required to initiate contact with debtor's within 24 hours of receipt of the claim. As the initial contact creates the strongest impression, we take a professional approach making sure not to alienate the debtor. Employing persuasion or conciliation rather than an adversarial process -- gathering the facts and explaining the appropriate course of action. We at all times act to preserve goodwill between creditor and debtor. However, obtaining the full balance is always our primary goal.

In-House Action

You will receive your first report within 14 days of receipt of the claim, allowing ample opportunity for study of file(s), contact and response to demand for payment.

Normally, if payment in full or a reasonable payment schedule cannot be arranged within 30-45 days, the account is forwarded to Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro's correspondent collection attorney in the debtor's area for further action based on clients approval.

However, should we deem it possible to obtain funds we may pursue the claim in-house for an extended period.

In some cases we realize almost immediately that a claim will require legal intervention. In such cases, the account may be forwarded to our affiliate attorney almost immediately, based on your approval.

Attorney-Amicable Action

When an account is placed with our affiliate attorney, we act as liasion between our client and the attorney.

The attorney first attempts to recover the debt amicably, without resorting to legal action, for approximately 2-4 weeks. If our attorney's are unable to secure an amicable settlement, but feel a lawsuit will result in collection, we will submit suit requirements and an estimate of court costs for approval or rejection. A lawsuit is only instituted upon expressed approval.

Fees and Fee Policies

Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro's collection fees are strictly contingent upon collection. Our standard fees are nationally and internationally competitive. For clients with large volumes of accounts, or very large individual accounts, we are happy to negotiate special rates. Please contact us or email tbs.corp@verizon.net with your specific questions regarding fees.

Miscellaneous Fee Policies

When merchandise is recovered in lieu of cash payment, Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro's fees are charged based on half (1/2) the value of the recovered merchandise. Should Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro discover that an account was paid prior to Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro receiving the claim, 10% of the amount paid may be charged. Accounts withdrawn after placement with Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro are subject to regular fees. Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro may retain as compensation for its costs and expenses all lawful sums collected over and above the principal amount of each claim.

Suit Fees

If you do authorize a suit, all court costs and non-contingent suit fees (if any) must be paid by you. They include:

Court costs required to institute an action, which cover filing fees, service of process, etc. They vary widely from court to court, state to state, and country to country.

Service & Results

At Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro we will get results and help you maintain your good business relationships with customers and vendors.

The key to our success is developing information which allows us to conclude accounts quicker with better results for our clients...we act as an extension of your credit department. And, Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro specializes in results for its clients. We empower you to better forecast potential credit liabilities and facilitate quick resolution of collection problems when they arise.

At Thorne,Brooks & Shapiro, client service is our core. You will benefit from such client services as the Recovery Team assigned to your accounts. Our teams consistent of Senior Collection Analysts, the Senior Account Executive, the Client Services Executive and, of course, you. Together we will develop credit and collection strategies that are customized to your needs.

No two accounts are exactly alike. Neither are your collection challenges. With Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro working for you, what else would you expect by this kind of innovative approach?

And speaking of what you can expect...as a client of Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro you can expect twice monthly remittances via our Fast-Track Remit program. You can expect up-to-the-minute status reports with our On-Line Stat service.

As a client of Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro you can also expect the flexibility, technological resources and commitment to customize our collection efforts, reporting methods, and payment schedules to meet your needs.

The Proven Art of Success

At Thorne, Brooks & Shapiro we realize time is money. We balance the scale in a time sensitive manner to expedite collections. The ingredients of our staff and resources provide the results that set us apart from the competition. Our policy ensures things are done your way. After all, it starts with you.