Debt recovery is way more complex than it seems, especially when international debt collections are added to the equation. For Cedars Business Services, LLC, successful resolution goes hand in hand with preserving hard-earned customer relationships. This case challenged us to balance both.

Here is how the story goes. A case came across our desk in December 2022, when we received a call from a frustrated client, at wit’s end with an unresponsive and uncooperative borrower.

Most agencies shy away from taking on a long and strenuous collection process, but our commitment to making debt recovery a smooth road for our clients sets us apart.

Let’s Unravel the Case at Hand – Stubborn Borrower, on International Soil

The client relayed the details of the case to us and requested prompt action, to avoid any further delays. The real issue?

He was on the verge of going out of business due to a substantial $389,178 debt.

To add to the difficulty, the borrower happened to be from the UAE.

Debt recovery on international soil is never easy, but our collection agents are trained in amicable negotiation and can turn around the most unresponsive of customers with perseverance and strategy.

• From the beginning, we kept an approach aligned with the borrower’s perspective and the customer’s expectations.
• We started by building a strong and airtight foundation for this case.
• We studied contracts, financial records, and payment history provided by the client.

This case was not just about numbers but more about understanding both parties’ perceptions. But our investigation brought up some challenges on the borrower’s side.

We Dug Deeper – Here’s What Came Up

• The borrower sighted lack of funds and suggested a delay in the payment.
• We reinstated that the account was in collection, and further delays could make repayment even harder.
• He informed us that his funds were held up in a third-party SEC, and he would make the payment once the funds were released.
• We gently reminded him that his contract did not reflect this condition for payment.

Despite our cordial, but persistent efforts, the borrower remained unresponsive for a considerable time – but we stayed on the trail.

A Little Negotiation, and Empathy Goes a Long Way

So, what do you do when a borrower is facing financial challenges, with the ticking clock of unpaid dues making them more elusive?

Our collectors gave him a way out. We devised an installment payment plan that would lessen the burden of the past-due amount and suited his financial situation.

After considerable negotiations, the borrower proposed quarterly payments of $54,446,00, which suited our client.

Not long after, we received the first payment in September 2023. Diligent communication from our customer’s POC made this payment possible, that’s why we never compromise on persistent and amicable communication.

A Bump in the Road – Payments Fall Through

Just when we thought we were on track with regular payments, a final hiccup came into the recovery process.

The borrower defaulted on the fourth payment.

Cedars Business Services’ proactive team of collectors recognized this setback and crafted a revised settlement offer. We refrained from taking aggressive measures against the borrower.

We instead offered a discount of $35,284.60 on the remaining balance in exchange for a one-time payment of $136,112.04 within 15 days.

This approach was taken with precise deadlines and catering to the respect of both borrower and client.

This helped the borrower fulfill the revised agreement, which totaled to $354,893.40 by August 2, 2024.

A Legacy of Triumph

This case, like many others, was not just a financial recovery for us, it’s a testament to our persistence, adaptability, and most importantly, compliance.

By intellectually maintaining open communication, respecting the cultural aspects, and staying focused on the end goal, our achievement satisfied both parties.

Key Lessons

1. Resilience Wins

Challenges are inevitable, but persistence and creativity lead to breakthroughs.

2. Relationships Matter

Respectful, consistent communication lays the groundwork for trust and resolution.

3. Strategic Flexibility

Adapting to circumstances and finding common ground ensures progress.

International Debt Collection – Done Right

This journey of recovery in the UAE showcases the impact of a disciplined, client-focused approach to international debt collection. It’s an achievement that reinforces our commitment to excellence.

For organizations facing complex debt recovery scenarios, let this success be an example of what’s possible with the right expertise and approach.

Request a Quote to resolve international debt collections with our expertise and experience.