I do keep their names in my records for bad debt, but my monthly financial reports just list the total for bad debt. For repeat offenders, I have had to list them on a "do not accept checks from" list taped inside the cash boxes.
We send two "please pay us" letters. The second one tells them they have 2 weeks to pay or we will send them to collections. (If they contact me and set up a time to pay, I'll gladly wait.)
Our collections agency charges us a $25 fee per check recovered.
If you decide that your group does not want to be in the business of collecting NSF checks you might want to take a look at this company
NSF Collections
. This solution is not for every group but certainly a good alternative for some. There is no cost to your group for this service. Take a look at the website for more information.
- Mike
[ 09-15-2005, 11:00 AM: Message edited by: Mike Schoen ]
Your lack of payment is exactly why we use a collection company to handle our bounced checks. We have it set up that they bank directly submits to them and they collect a fee to cover the bad check charge from our bank. If someone doesn't pay, they are taken to court by this company at no additional cost to us. My experience working in a doctor's office has led me to believe if people think you will not turn them in for not paying, they will continue to take advantage of you.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Their name should not be on the treasurers report if this is something that everyone sees. There should be some confidentialty involved in these matters.
Your treasurer should send them a letter asking them for payment. She should put in her contact info so they can call her directly. You could also offer them the opportunity to pay it off via a payment plan. You cannot get blood from a stone so if a payment plan would work for them it would be better then you not getting any money at all. If they do not respond after two weeks I would have the treasurer start phoning them.
In my experience I have never had any parent not take care of what they owe unless they fell on hard times and simply did not have the money. Also when people are in financial distress they are embarassed and in most cases this is why they do not come forward and rectify the situation.
