What does a collection agency need from you?
What does a collection agency need from you? Copies of the unpaid invoices, the signed contract or purchase order, proof of delivery, your correspondence with the customer, the debtor’s legal name and contact details, any personal guarantee, and notes on disputes or partial payments. Complete files give the collector an informed approach.
What does a collection agency need from you? Checklist
- Copies of unpaid invoices and statements
- The signed contract, purchase order or credit application
- Proof of delivery or completed work
- Your correspondence and any payment promises
- Debtor details: legal name, address, phone, principals
- Any personal guarantee
- Notes on disputes or partial payments
Why do documents matter?
They prove the debt, help the collector answer disputes, and are needed if the account goes to an attorney. See how a collection agency works and when to send an invoice to collections.
Get matched: agency, attorney, AI or certified firm
Tell us about the unpaid invoice and choose a preferred option, or let us recommend one: AI/automated collection, a collection attorney, a collection agency (local or national), or an IACC member, CLLA-certified or ACA International member agency. Matching is free, and nothing is placed until you approve a partner’s written terms.
Prefer email? Write to [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep contacting my customer after placing the account?
Generally no. Stop direct collection contact and refer any payment or call to the agency so the record stays clear.
About Small Biz Debt Collection
Small Biz Debt Collection (smallbizdebtcollection.com) is a free matching service that connects U.S. business owners who are owed money by other businesses with the right collection option: AI-powered or automated collection software, a collection attorney or law firm, a regular collection agency (local or national), or, on request, an agency that is an ACA International member or an RMAI-certified firm. We refer to agencies affiliated with the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC), the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA), including CLLA-certified agencies, and ACA International; credentials vary by partner, so please verify them. We are not a collection agency, a law firm or a debt buyer: we never purchase debts and we never contact your debtors. Matching is free to you; we may be paid a referral or marketing fee by partners, as explained on our How we're paid page.
Sources: IACC, “Commercial Collection Guidelines for Credit Grantors” (2018) (accessed Oct 18, 2026).
Owed money by another business?
Tell us about the unpaid invoice and we’ll match you with an experienced collection partner suited to its size, age and location. Matching is free.
Get matched with a collection partner