B2B debt collection
B2B debt collection for unpaid business invoices.
When another business owes you money, you need a commercial collector that knows how to reach decision-makers, trace business assets and escalate to local counsel. We match you with B2B specialists.
How B2B collection differs from consumer collection
The federal FDCPA generally covers debts incurred for personal, family or household purposes, so business-to-business debts are mostly outside it. That doesn't mean anything goes. Commercial collectors still face contract law, general fraud and unfair-practices rules, and in some states licensing or registration requirements. In practice, B2B collection focuses on negotiating with owners and finance teams, reviewing personal guaranties, and moving quickly when a debtor shows signs of insolvency.
The typical escalation path
- Internal follow-up (0–60 days): reminders, statements and calls from your AR team.
- Final notice: a firm deadline before outside placement. Use our final notice template.
- Commercial agency: demand letters, calls, skip tracing and negotiated settlements or payment plans.
- Attorney forwarding: a lawyer in the debtor's jurisdiction sends a demand and, if needed, files suit.
- Judgment enforcement: levies, liens and garnishment. See judgment collection.
Documentation that strengthens a B2B claim
- Signed credit application and terms and conditions, including any interest, late-fee, attorney-fee and venue clauses
- Purchase orders, invoices and proof of delivery or acceptance
- Statements of account and payment history
- Personal guaranties, if any
- Emails acknowledging the debt or promising payment
Costs
Commercial agencies usually work on contingency, with rates that vary by age, size and volume. Forwarding to an attorney may involve separate suit fees and court costs. See collection agency fees and our commercial debt placement page.
Industries we commonly see
Manufacturing and wholesale distribution, logistics and freight (see freight and trucking collections), staffing, construction and trades, marketing and creative agencies, IT and SaaS, and professional services.
Not legal advice. This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws vary by state and change over time. CollectionPlacement is a referral service, not a law firm or collection agency. Consult a licensed attorney about your situation.
How it works
Three steps to placement
One short form replaces calling a dozen agencies.
Tell us about the debt
Debt type, total balance, age, number of accounts and location. Takes about two minutes.
We match you
We review your file and introduce you to agencies or collection attorneys that handle your debt type, size and jurisdiction.
You choose and place
Compare terms (contingency rates, fees, reporting) directly with the partner and place only if it's a fit. No obligation.
Trust & compliance
How we approach compliance
FDCPA-aware
Consumer and medical accounts are only referred to partners that represent they comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Regulation F and applicable state law.
Vetted partners
We check licensing/bonding where required, attorney bar status, and complaint history before adding a partner to our network.
No pressure, no obligation
Matching is free for creditors. You negotiate terms directly and decide whether to place.
Your data, handled carefully
We only share your file with the partners we introduce you to.
Frequently asked questions
Does the FDCPA apply to B2B debt collection?
Generally no. The FDCPA covers consumer debts. Commercial collectors may still be subject to state licensing or registration, contract law and general business-conduct laws.
What is a typical B2B collection rate?
Commercial agencies commonly charge a contingency fee that varies with the age, size and volume of accounts. Confirm the rate schedule in writing before placing.
When should I place a B2B account?
Many credit managers place at 60–120 days past due, or immediately if the debtor stops communicating or shows signs of insolvency.
Can I collect from the owner personally?
Usually only if there is a personal guaranty or another legal basis such as fraud or alter-ego liability. An attorney can review this.
Can you help with international B2B debts?
We can try to match you with agencies that collect cross-border, often through partner firms in the debtor's country.
Free, no obligation
Get matched with a collection partner
Tell us about your receivables. We'll review and introduce you to vetted agencies or collection attorneys suited to your debt type, size and state.