Quick Facts & Common Questions About Attorney-Led Commercial Debt Collection
Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Debt Collection Services, Collection Attorneys for Commercial Debt Collections, and Legal services.
Our customer service manager, Gina Scott, works closely with the attorneys and collectors and will provide account statuses as your case progresses towards payment. Feel free to contact Gina for updates at any time. Gina’s email is
Why Am I Not Getting Paid?
Many businesses today operate on “quick to collect, slow to pay” using their vendors as short-term, interest-free lenders. As a result, your Net 30 terms turn into “Net Whenever.” Your customer becomes a debtor, and you unintentionally become a Vendor Lender.
The most common reasons include:
- Cash flow problems
- Internal delays or disorganization
- Contract disputes or perceived value issues
- Attempts to stretch payment cycles
- Strategic non-payment
When this happens, you’re forced to fight for cash that should already be in your bank account. That’s where attorney-led B2B recovery becomes essential.
FAQ Section Quick Links:
Getting Started
What types of debts does Stevens & Ricci handle?
We collect commercial B2B debts of $10,000 or more. These are unpaid invoices owed by one business to another.
Please note – We do not handle consumer debt, loans, business/personal disputes, or accounts under $10K as our legal pressure and attorney processes are not effective under $10k.
Do you collect in all 50 states?
Yes. We recover debt in all 50 states and in select international jurisdictions working with top collection attorneys as legal team partners. Everything is handled on a 100% contingency basis. If we don’t collect, you pay nothing.
Do I need a contract to start using your services?
Yes. We use a standard Collection Agreement that:
- Confirms contingent rates
- Outlines how and when you’re paid
- Ensures no lawsuit is filed without your approval (less than 5% of our cases require suit)
- Requires compliance with all federal and state laws
- Defines cancellation and communication policies
The same terms and conditions are included in every formal account confirmation email. Our Collection Agreement is available upon request.
How to Assign an Account
How do I place an account for collection?
Choose one of the following:
- Online Placement: Submit everything through our secure online form → Place an Account
- Manual Placement: Print the Account Placement Form and send it with supporting documents:
Email:
Fax: 520-546-1062
Mail: 7739 E Broadway Blvd Suite 220, Tucson AZ 85710
Or call our Legal Desk: 888-722-1611
What documents are required?
- Contract or purchase order
- Account ledger or statement
- Unpaid invoices
- Last communication between the parties
- Contact info for key individuals (Work phone/Cell/Email)
- Delivery proof, usage reports, or other supporting evidence
- Brief summary of the situation
How quickly will someone contact me after submitting a claim?
Most claims receive a response same-day or the next business day. If we need additional documents, we’ll reach out immediately.
Requirements & Qualifications
What are your minimum requirements?
You must meet all three criteria:
- Debt is $10,000 or more
- Business-to-business transaction
- Supporting documentation available (invoices, statements, contract, etc.)
Do you accept disputed accounts?
Yes. Our attorneys frequently resolve disputed invoices if you have solid proof to refute the allegations, especially in sectors like:
- Tech/SaaS
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Manufacturing
- Professional services
- Distribution
Can you pursue out-of-state debtors?
Yes. We have attorneys in all 50 states, allowing us to pursue the debtor in their jurisdiction.
Process & Timeline
How does your attorney-based collection process work?
Our process uses legal leverage from day one:
- File reviewed by our legal desk
- Attorney Demand Letter issued
- Direct attorney-driven negotiation
- Litigation considered only when strategically beneficial
Most cases resolve before litigation is required (less than 5% of our cases).
How long does recovery usually take?
Typical timeline: 30–45 days, depending on debtor responsiveness and documentation quality.
What if the debtor doesn’t respond to the Attorney Demand Letter?
Your assigned attorney will assess assets, viability of litigation, and best next steps. You’ll always receive a recommendation before any legal action begins. You make final approval.
What is The Legal Escalation Process?
Level 1: In-House Collection Attorney (Pre-Litigation Recovery Division)
Your case may be assigned to one or more of the following:
- In-house collection attorney
- Legal coordinator
- Paralegal collector
- Negotiator
- Field investigator
- Asset locator
Actions include:
- A formal attorney demand letter
- Verification of assets
- Negotiation and pressure strategies
Contingent rates start at 20% contingency. Full schedule: https://stevensricci.com/fee-schedule/
Level 2: Pre-Suit Attorney (Debtor’s Venue)
Handled by a licensed and specialized collection attorney in the debtor’s jurisdiction.
Actions include:
- Local attorney demand letter
- Phone negotiation
- Draft suit and settlement proposals
- Payment plan structuring
Contingent rate is 35%. No costs or fees unless we collect. Client approval required before moving to Level 2.
Level 3: Lawsuit Filing (Commercial Claims Division)
Recommended only if litigation is economically viable.
Additional Costs: for court filing + process service
Contingent rate is 35%. Includes post-judgment remedies if necessary. Client approval required.
Demand Letters & Pre-Legal Steps
Do I need to send a Final Demand Letter before placing an account?
In many states, yes. A written final demand is required before legal action. You can meet this requirement in one of two ways:
- Send your own Final Demand Letter (we provide guidance and approved language).
- Have our legal team send an Attorney Demand Letter, which carries greater urgency and higher response rates.
What is the difference between a Final Demand Letter and an Attorney Demand Letter?
- Final Demand Letter (sent by you): Required in many states before litigation and serves as your official last warning.
- Attorney Demand Letter (sent by us): Carries legal weight, triggers urgency, and results in significantly higher response rates.
Which should I use?
Either option satisfies the “final notice” requirement, but attorney letters typically produce faster and more consistent results.
Are attorney letters effective for SaaS, staffing, or manufacturing disputes?
Extremely. These industries respond quickly to legal pressure because delays threaten operations, licensing, or customer retention.
What happens if the debtor contacts me directly after hiring Stevens & Ricci?
Do not negotiate with the debtor once the account is placed.
Reasons:
- You may unintentionally waive fees or interest
- It may weaken enforceability
- It may interfere with legal strategy
- Costs already incurred may become unrecoverable
Recommended response:
- “The matter is in the hands of Stevens & Ricci. Please contact them directly.”
If a check arrives:
- Do not deposit.
- Email or fax a copy to us so we can process it properly.
Fees and Rates
How does your pricing work?
We work with a fixed contingent rate – no fee until we collect. You only pay if money is recovered. There are:
- No retainers
- No setup fees
- No collection fee unless we succeed
Our standard rates apply to pre-suit collections. Client approval is required to escalate as needed to the next level Pre-Suit Attorney or Collection Lawsuit.
What are your contingency rates?
- 20% – U.S. accounts > $10,000 assigned up to 120 days from oldest invoice date
- 25% – U.S. accounts > $10,000 assigned up to 121 – 180 days from oldest invoice
- 30% – U.S. accounts > $10,000 assigned up to 181 – 730 days from oldest invoice
- 35% – International accounts > $10,000
In some situations (about 5%) complex cases requiring litigation may incur upfront fees for required court costs and process service (state-specific).
Can your attorneys recover collection fees and interest?
Often, yes — if your contract includes proper clauses. If not, we still pursue interest where state law permits. We can also review your existing contract and recommend language that improves your recovery position going forward. Learn more about debt collection attorney fees at: https://stevensricci.com/recovering-debt-collection-attorney-fees-in-your-commercial-lawsuit-the-facts/
Updates, Communication & Case Management
How will I receive updates on my account?
The typical communication flow includes:
- Confirmation email upon account placement
- Notice when investigator or attorney contact begins
- Updates on negotiation and payment offers
- Payment notifications
- Payment detail and remittance reports
- Closure recommendations when accounts are uncollectible
- Suit recommendation letters for Level 3
- Ongoing litigation updates when applicable
Your case is also supported by our Customer Service Manager, Gina Scott, who monitors activity with your assigned attorneys.
What is your success rate?
Our attorney-driven model recovers up to 72%, compared to the industry’s 28% average for collection agencies.
When do I receive money after the debtor pays?
We pay clients once a month (or sooner) on the 1st for the prior month’s collection receipts. For expedited client remittance, simply request an immediate manual payment and we’ll remit funds to you after verifying funds have cleared the debtor’s bank.
Fit Check — Is Stevens & Ricci Right for You?
What type of businesses does your approach work best for?
Companies that:
- Are owed $10,000 or more
- Sell to other businesses
- Want legal leverage rather than call-center activity
- Need fast, professional recovery
Who should look for other approaches to debt collection?
Those seeking:
- Collection on debts under $10,000
- Consumer/individual debt collection
- DIY templates or small-claims advice
These fall outside our service model.
Why choose attorney-led recovery over a collection agency?
The short answer – because it’s the most effective method. Standard collection agencies rely on phone calls and emails. At the end of the day, this approach rarely motivates the debtor to take action. We use attorney pressure, jurisdiction-specific expertise, and enforceable legal remedies that compel payment.
