Collectors realize that they need to help such consumers find solutions for their financial difficulties and assist them in making plans to meet their financial obligations. Many people like working with other people, and that's exactly what a collector does, work with people. Collectors become experts in communication, especially in listening. Their work requires an understanding of human motivation and behavior. Because many credit grantors deal with large volumes of accounts receivable, often the collector is the first person to engage the consumer in a problem-solving dialogue about his or her unpaid bill.
Collectors also enjoy the challenges and rewards of their job.
A paid account represents success for the collector, recovery for his client and peace of mind and self-respect for the consumer. Collection practices are well-regulated by federal and state laws. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, administered by the Federal Trade Commission, prohibits abusive, misleading and unfair debt collection practices. The biggest changes in the collection industry have resulted from increasing automation. Twenty years ago, most collection offices kept track of accounts by using paper cards.