FAQ · Invoice Collection

How do small businesses collect money owed to them?

Small businesses typically use a combination of email reminders, phone calls, and — as a last resort — collections agencies or small-claims court. The most effective first step is a direct phone call from the business (or its AI agent) referencing the specific invoice. Collections agencies typically charge 25–50% of the recovered amount and damage client relationships permanently. Small-claims court works for amounts under the state limit but requires filing fees and court time. A first-party AI voice agent sits between email reminders and the agency escalation path: it costs nothing if unsuccessful, recovers at a 10% success fee, and maintains the client relationship because the call comes from the business, not a third party.