Reviewing Contracts: Like Assembling Toys with a Million Tiny PiecesĀ 

Have you ever bought a toy in a big, impressive box, thinking itā€™s ready to go, only to open it and find a million tiny pieces and overly complicated instructions? My approach? Grab some superglue, glance at the pictures, and call it a day. My husband, on the other hand, reads every single word of the directions, studies the diagrams, and meticulously checks if all the parts are accounted for. Itā€™s a classic case of two minds tackling the same task differently. This isnā€™t too far off from what happens when people interpret contracts with collection agencies and repossession forwarders or agents. Different perspectives can lead to vastly different understandings of whatā€™s required, and thatā€™s where the funā€”and sometimes the frustrationā€”begins! 

Here are some key considerations when reviewing contracts with collection agencies and repossession forwarders or agents: 

Make It More Than an Annual Event

Contracts are living documents. Changes in management, operational processes, or industry regulations can all affect how agreements are interpreted and executed. Anytime there is a significant shiftā€”whether on your end or your vendorā€™sā€”itā€™s time to take another look.Ā 

Avoid Handshake Agreements

While verbal understandings might feel convenient, they often lead to misunderstandings. Any changes or updates to the contract must be documented in writing. This ensures that all parties have a clear, enforceable record of the agreed terms.Ā 

Address Interpretation Gaps

Different people may interpret the same contract language differently. To avoid misalignment, document these differing interpretations and seek clarification from your attorney. A legal ruling can provide the definitive guidance needed to ensure compliance and mutual understanding.Ā 

Keep Communication Open

Your vendors are your partners, and clear communication is critical to the success of those partnerships. Use the contract review process as an opportunity to strengthen your working relationship, clarify expectations, and address any potential issues proactively.Ā 

Why Reviewing Contracts Is Worth the Effort (Even If Itā€™s Not Exciting)Ā 

Reviewing contracts might not be the most thrilling item on your New Year to-do list, but itā€™s one of the most importantā€”kind of like assembling that toy with a million tiny pieces. Sure, itā€™s tempting to wing it, but letā€™s face it: the end product is always better (and a lot sturdier) when it matches the directions.Ā 

Author: Bev Evancic

Bev.Evancic@ResourceManagement.com

Bev Evancic is a Senior Vice President at Resource Management Services, Inc.Ā  Prior to employment at RMS, Bev worked as the Collection and Recovery Manager at AT&T Universal Card,Ā Citi,Ā and Federated Department Stores. Bev started in the collection industry as a collector at an upscale clothing store in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a returned check and private label credit card collector, Bev gained a basic understanding of the collection industry that has not changed with the introduction of regulations. Her collection philosophy begins with the idea that businesses and customersĀ benefitĀ from preserving the customer relationship. First, collectors need toĀ attemptĀ to contact customers when it is convenient for the customer to discuss his/her financial condition and willingness/ability to pay.Ā Second,Ā you never collect money by intimidating or threatening customers. Third, businesses must make sure the debt is valid.Ā 

She has managed all phases of collection and recovery operations, including automatedĀ dialer units,Ā bankruptcy,Ā and legal units, skip tracing units, internal collections, outside collection agency networks, and Consumer Credit Counseling. As a Consultant for ResourceĀ Management Services, Inc., Bev has spearheaded collection and recovery best practices reviews for many top credit grantors. Her articles on dialer operations, agency management and bankruptcy best practices have been widely publicized.Ā 

She is well known and regarded as a specialty expert in the areas of: Repossession, Bankruptcy, Estate, Litigation, as well as Pre- and Post- Charge-off.Ā Prior to joining Resource Management Services, Inc. in 1995, Bev managed the Recovery Department for AT&T Universal Card Services where she developed the bankruptcy, probate, internal and litigation processes.Ā 

She is the author of ā€œRecovery Management: Collecting the Uncollectible Account.ā€Ā 

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