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It should be stated that, when the Recovery Agent notifies law enforcement of a
repossession the physical location of the office should, under no circumstances, be
given. This information should be given to the debtor only on the date he or she is
scheduled to come in to reclaim personal property.
When the debtor calls, office personnel should be courteous but alert to any signs of
hostility. The debtor should be notified at this point of any charges due for inventory and
storage of personal property. If the debtor has keys to the collateral, he or she should be
asked to bring them when coming to reclaim their property. Explain to the debtor that
any charges due must be paid in cash. It is not permissible to refuse to give the debtor
their personal property even if the debtor refuses to relinquish keys to the collateral.
Any hostile remarks by the debtor should be countered with a courteous, professional, yet
firm response. Explain to the debtor that it is standard procedure to immediately report any
attempt at misbehavior on his part while at your office to law enforcement. Most debtors
are angrier with themselves or the creditor than with you and will usually become
cooperative if they are treated with courtesy and respect.
Always remember that the situation could be reversed and in that event, you would be
appreciative of professional and courteous treatment. Also, remember that you are an
extension of your client. In many instances, the debtor may redeem the collateral and
may comment to your client as to how they were treated by you. In those instances, your
professionalism will be appreciated and remembered by your client.
Office Procedures; Pre-Recovery
Receiving Assignments (Types and Documentation)
The collateral recovery process begins immediately upon receiving the client’s
assignment and it is therefore of primary importance that the Recovery Agency
maintain a thoroughly and professionally trained office staff.
Not only will office staff have the responsibility for the quick processing and preparation
of assignments so that the Recovery Agent can handle the assignment expeditiously, they
will also have primary responsibility for: communications with the client; handling the
redemption of personal property and recovered collateral; protecting the debtors’ personal
data; processing paperwork for transport drivers who pick up; and many additional tasks.
A well-trained office staff is an invaluable asset to the Recovery Agency owner and to
the Recovery Agent who depend on them to prepare the field assignment quickly,
accurately and legibly.
There are several types of assignments a client may need serviced. The assignment type
will be clearly identified on the documentation from the client and on the Assignment
Form prepared by office staff. The Recovery Agent must be diligent in reading,
understanding and handling the assignment as instructed. If there are questions regarding
the type of assignment or special instructions for handling, the Recovery Agent should
contact office staff for clarification. Following are the types of assignments normally
received for servicing.