Brokerage firms attempting to profit from buying bad debt have to consider the consequences as well as the possible benefits of the investment. Often, the more lucrative means of investing in older credit card charge offs is the way to go because a greater percentage can be collected. When a debt collection agency attempts to collect fresh debt, the circumstances surrounding the charge off are still a factor in the debtor’s ability to pay, leading to reduced success in debt collection.
When a debtor allows a credit card to be charged off, it is typically because he or she is truly unable to make even a small payment to the credit agency. Due to unemployment, illness, or other extenuating circumstances, the issuer of the credit is unable to collect even a small percentage of the debt owed, sometimes not even collecting $0.15 on the dollar.
If the issuing creditor, who is close to the fresh debt, cannot collect these funds, how can a debt collector expect to do so? The answer is simple - the debtor won’t pay it.
In many cases, it is highly likely that the debtor will file bankruptcy during this early period. Therefore, buying bad debt that has been around for over a year can lead to a greater return on investment for the purchasing firm.
At this point, the original creditor has likely reduced or completely stopped pursuit of bad debt, conserving their resources. Instead, a purchasing firm has a greater opportunity to purchase bad debt portfolios for a smaller percentage of the total debt, with the banks and creditors pleased to simply remove the bad debt from their finances.
In addition, 12-18 months typically allows enough time for a debtor to resolve the issues that caused them financial trouble in the first place. In most cases, they will have recovered from any illness and found employment during this time, making it possible for them to make good on at least a portion of their debt owed. This means the firm buying bad debt will be able to recover a larger percentage of the debt they purchased for a greater profit margin.
In contrast, fresh charge offs are more difficult to turn into a profit. Banks are looking for a greater percentage in order to sell the bad debt portfolios, and debtors have fewer resources with which to repay their debt. Also, with the issuing creditor and possibly other agencies having been in pursuit of the debt for a greater amount of time makes the debtor more likely to want to end collection calls.
Logically speaking, it seems that newer, fresher debt would be easier to pursue and turn a larger profit. However, the issuing creditor may be able to achieve good results, but a brokerage firm buying bad debt will turn a greater profit by investing in older charge offs and debt portfolios.
Next, discover more important facts and resources on buying bad debt services, in addition to collection agencies solutions.