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You can recognize a good debt collection agency by five things: a transparent pricing model, an NVI quality mark or comparable quality assurance, demonstrable experience in your industry, decent treatment of debtors, and a clear handover to the judicial phase if necessary. Anything below that will cost you money or damage your relationship later on. Below is the checklist plus the red flags.
Piet the plasterer was once tempted by “the cheapest no cure no pay in the Netherlands.” After a few cases, it turned out that the agency treated clients so harshly that two debtors—admittedly prompt payers with a temporary problem—worse off with him for good. It didn't cost him any commission on those cases, but it did cost him annual revenue. Cheap debt collection is expensive in the long run if the relationship is ruined.
The short answer: 5 things a good debt collection agency has
- Transparent pricing model. Clear rates, no hidden administrative fees, and clarity on who pays what.
- Accreditation or quality mark. NVI quality mark (Dutch Association of Certified Collection Agencies) or similar. Provides supervision and rules of conduct.
- Industry or case type experience. An agency that has handled your type of claims a thousand times knows the shortcuts.
- Professional, non-intimidating handling of debtors. A good agency persists without letting clients leave.
- Clear referral to the judicial phase. Collaborates with a lawyer and bailiff in case out-of-court settlements are unsuccessful.
The questions you ask in advance
Before you sign, check these ten questions off your desk. Hesitating on even one answer is already a signal.
- What is the exact pricing model — no cure no pay, fixed rate, subscription? And what are the rates in figures?
- What are the administrative or file costs if collection is unsuccessful?
- Does the agency have an NVI quality mark or similar certification?
- Who will be my dedicated contact person and how can I reach them?
- What experience does the agency have in my industry (construction, e-commerce, hospitality, rentals, etc.)?
- What is the average success rate for cases like mine?
- How does the agency handle debtors — in writing, by telephone, how often, and in what tone?
- What are the steps and time limits in the out-of-court process?
- What happens if out-of-court settlement fails — does the agency work with a lawyer and/or bailiff?
- Will I receive interim reports, and how often?
A good agency answers these questions clearly and directly. Vague answers, “that depends” without further explanation, or refusing to put rates in writing — all red flags.
Red flags: avoid these agencies
Five signs that make you choose another agency:
- No clear pricing model. “We’ll work that out” is not a rate. Do you want to know where you stand beforehand, not just on the invoice?
- Unrealistic promises. “100% success rate” or “collected within 48 hours” says nothing except that the agency does marketing, not debt collection.
- Unprofessional communication. Spelling errors in quotations, no designated contact person, no written record of agreements.
- No cooperation with a lawyer and bailiff. If out-of-court settlement does not work, you are left with a file and no recourse.
- File complaints with other business owners. Google reviews, industry forums, Trustpilot — take a look around. If there are multiple serious complaints about aggression or sloppiness: don't do it.
The soft side: how does the agency treat your clients?
Often overlooked, often expensive: how the agency treats your debtors determines whether those debtors ever return — or go complain to a colleague who knows your potential client. Good agencies push through without being intimidating. Sentences to look out for in their standard correspondence:
- Is the tone kept professional and businesslike?
- Are legal deadlines properly provided (no “pay within 24 hours or seizure”)?
- Is a payment arrangement seriously considered or rejected as a matter of course?
- Are false legal threats avoided (no “we will come to your door tomorrow”)?
The NVI code of conduct is a good indicator. Disciplinary law even applies to bailiffs — see disciplinary law for bailiffs. For statutory rules and bailiff fees: the Btag on wetten.overheid.nl.
Specialization versus generalists
Two models on the market:
- Broad-based debt collection agencies. Do everything for everyone. Good at volume, sometimes less polished for specific industries.
- Specialized agencies. Focus on, for example, rent collection, international cases, or B2B IT. Often more expensive per case, but a higher success rate for specialized work. For rental matters: rent collection.
For the average SME entrepreneur, a general agency works just fine. For large claims or complex situations, a specialist is sometimes worth the extra cost.
Local or national?
For most SME debt collection, it makes little difference — everything is handled via post, telephone, and email. A national agency has greater scale and often better systems. A local agency may have advantages regarding specific regional knowledge (for example, with local industry agreements or rent collection).
The legal backing
The best debt collection agency is the one with a lawyer or legal expert on standby. If the out-of-court process fails, a quick, legally strong next step (summons, summary proceedings, bankruptcy application) is crucial. Ask who the legal partner is during your initial consultation.
At MKB Juristen, debt collection and legal expertise work together as standard — see the debt collection expertise page for the complete range of services.
Honest recommendation
Don't choose an agency based on price alone. A no-cure-no-pay of 10% at a disastrous agency is more expensive than 18% at an agency that takes professional action the same day. Evaluate based on transparency, quality certification, experience, interpersonal skills, and legal backing. And read at least five independent reviews.
For the complete step-by-step plan: engage a collection agency. For the direct offer from MKB Juristen: start collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Five things: a transparent pricing model, the NVI quality mark or comparable certification, demonstrable experience in your industry, professional handling of debtors, and a clear referral to the judicial phase. Is anything missing? Choose another agency.
The quality mark of the Dutch Association of Certified Collection Agencies. It guarantees that an agency complies with codes of conduct and quality requirements regarding financial stability, and the treatment of clients and debtors. Not all agencies are affiliated, but a quality mark is a strong signal.
What is the exact rate, are there administrative costs in the event of an unsuccessful outcome, what certifications does the agency hold, who will be my contact person, what experience do they have in my industry, what is the chance of success, how are debtors handled, how does the referral to court proceed, and what reports will I receive?
No clear pricing model, unrealistic promises (100% success rate, 48 hours), unprofessional communication, no collaboration with a lawyer or bailiff for next steps, and serious complaints in reviews or industry channels. When in doubt: choose another one.
It depends on your situation. For the average SME debt, a general agency works fine. For large or complex claims, international cases, or very specific industries (rent collection, IT contracts), a specialist is often worthwhile, despite their higher rates.
Professional and businesslike, without intimidation or misleading threats. A good agency is persistent without destroying relationships — think of a realistic payment plan where necessary and clear legal deadlines where possible. Tough enough to achieve results, gentle enough not to lose clients.
At a good agency, it is. If out-of-court collection does not work, a smooth transition to summons and execution is crucial. During your initial consultation, explicitly ask who the legal partner is and how the transfer works.
