Commercial Debt Collection Placements Increase in Q3, But Still Down Significantly in 2013

Annette Waggoner, Executive Director of the Commercial Collection Agency Association of the Commercial Law League of America, reports that in the third quarter of 2013, the number of commercial (B2B) accounts placed with CCAA members increased by 14.49% when compared to the second quarter 2013. The dollars placed for collection decreased slightly by 1.7% for the same period. Members report that their average-sized account dropped by approximately 14%.

For the twelve month period ending September 2013, when compared to the twelve month period ending September 2012, the number of accounts placed decreased over 32%, and dollars placed for collection declined over 27%. The average-sized account slightly rose in the twelve month period ending 2013 versus the same time period in 2012–the increase was 7.28%.

The CCAA also tracked third quarter placements from 2007 to 2013. While in the initial years of the span, the number and dollar amount of accounts placed increased, the later years exhibited attrition in both number and dollar amount. Of note: When comparing 2013 to 2007, there is only a 5% variance in dollar amount of accounts received, yet a 32% variance in number of accounts received.

CCAA members also were surveyed regarding collectability of account placed year to date.

Ms. Waggoner stated that the CCAA’s comprehensive report on Account Placement and Collectability may be requested by contacting the Association office.

The Commercial Collection Agency Association (CCAA) is an association of commercial collection agencies that have been CERTIFIED by the Commercial Law League of America. They represent the leaders in the commercial collection or business to business collection industry, handling about sixty-five percent of the commercial accounts placed for collection. The Commercial Law League of America is the nation’s oldest creditors’ rights organization, founded in 1895.

Members of the CCAA subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and undergo an intensive and continuing certification process. For more information on CCAA, the certification process and its members, go to the Website: www.ccaacollect.com or call Annette Waggoner at (847) 907-4670.