In June, Darcey Quigley is proudly celebrating a major milestone – 18 years of business. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience, we have mastered the complexities of debt recovery, always delivering solutions that are effective, ethical, and professional. 

To celebrate this anniversary, we wanted to share something meaningful with you: 18 expert tips inspired by our years of success and insight. Whether you’re new to debt recovery or looking to sharpen your existing process, these practical tips are designed to help your business recover debts more efficiently, maintain strong relationships, and protect your business’s financial health. 

Here’s to 18 years of commitment – and to helping you keep your cash flow strong! 

1. Set Clear Payment Terms Upfront 

Many businesses naturally form trusting relationships with their clients, but it’s important to remember that clients are business partners, not personal friends. As a result, key contractual steps – like setting clear payment terms and consequences for late payments – are often overlooked. We recommend clearly defining due dates and payment terms from the start to set expectations and ensure you have the documentation needed if payment issues arise. 

2. Check Clients Beforehand 

It’s essential to know who you’re doing business with. While it doesn’t require a deep investigation, a few quick checks can help you avoid future problems. Start by looking at platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to get a sense of the client’s reputation. For a more thorough assessment, consider checking their credit score to better understand their financial reliability. Our partner company Know-it can aid in helping you check your business. 

3. Act Fast 

Speed is your biggest ally in debt recovery. The older the debt, the lower your chances of successful collection. A proactive approach from day one — with timely follow-ups — and not waiting too long to outsource keeps you at the top of your customer’s payment list and demonstrates you’re serious about getting paid. 

4. Keep Records of Communication 

Always keep a record of emails, phone calls, and payment promises. If you need to escalate to debt recovery or legal action, this documentation will be invaluable in proving your case and recovering your money. 

5. The Escalation Process 

Have a step-by-step escalation procedure: 

• Step 1: Gentle reminder. 

• Step 2: Firm follow-up. 

• Step 3: Formal demand letter. 

• Step 4: Debt collection agency or legal notice. 

6. Understand the Late Payment Legislation 

Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, UK businesses are legally entitled to charge interest and compensation on overdue invoices. This can help offset the cost of delays — and gives you added leverage during recovery. Read more about this here. 

7. Have a Clear Recovery Policy 

Create a documented recovery process that defines when to escalate debts, who approves the action, and what external partners you’ll use. Having a policy removes emotion from the equation and ensures swift, consistent action. 

8. Credit Check Regularly – Not Just Once 

Customer credit ratings can change quickly. Re-check key clients at least quarterly — especially those with high exposure. 

9. Know the Signs of a Struggling Debtor 

Partial payments, changing contact details, or sudden disputes can indicate trouble. These red flags should trigger urgent action. 

10. Monitor Industry Risk 

Stay informed about industry-wide issues affecting your clients (e.g., construction slowdowns, retail struggles). Adjust your credit policies accordingly. Follow Darcey Quigley & Co on social media to keep up to date with industry and economic announcements. 

11. Require Deposits or Partial Payments Upfront 

Asking for a percentage of the payment before work begins or before shipping goods can be a good preventative measure to avoid late payments. This reduces risk and shows your client’s commitment to payment. 

12. Legal Action as a Last Resort 

While it’s always preferable to resolve payment issues amicably or through professional debt recovery services, there are times when a debtor simply refuses to engage, acknowledge liability, or make payment. In such cases, legal action may be necessary — but it should always be used carefully and strategically as a last resort. 

13. Blacklist Chronic Offenders 

When a customer consistently pays late, disputes invoices without cause, or ignores agreed payment terms, they aren’t just a late payer — they’re a liability to your cash flow. At some point, you need to draw a line: repeat offenders should be blacklisted from further credit or trading relationships. 

14. Know When to Escalate  

If internal efforts aren’t working, don’t let the debt drag on. After a certain point — usually 30 days overdue — it’s time to escalate to a professional. Early intervention by experts like Darcey Quigley often results in payment within days. 

15. Use a Debt Recovery Timeline 

One of the most effective ways to stay in control of overdue invoices is by implementing a structured Debt Recovery Timeline — a predefined schedule of actions you’ll take when an invoice goes unpaid. This system ensures you act promptly, stay consistent, and apply pressure at the right time without damaging relationships. 

16. Build Strong Customer Relationships 

Regular communication helps you stay top of mind and encourages timely payments. Clients are also less likely to default with suppliers they value. 

17. Don’t Ignore International Debt Recovery 

If you trade internationally, ensure your recovery partner (like Darcey Quigley & Co) have a global reach. Cross-border debt recovery requires local knowledge and legal awareness. 

18. Utilise Commercial Debt Recovery 

Professional debt recovery services can preserve your customer relationships by acting as a neutral third party. Our 18 years’ experience and 93% success rate recovering overdue invoices display our expertise. 

Learn more about our Debt Recovery process

If you have outstanding invoices, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team of commercial debt experts today on +44 1698 821 468 or schedule a call for a time that suits you.