Have you ever had someone say “hey, I’ll take care of that next week”? Or “Sure, I put the payment in the mail”? If you have open receivables, I am sure the answer is yes. Getting someone to act the way you expect is never easy and let’s face it 7 out of 10 times people will tell you what you want to hear to get you off the phone.

This is where the tie down comes into play, it helps bring all the pieces together and allows you the ability to catch and fix the issue without having to wait for the result to fall apart. For example, the customer says “I will send the check overnight mail next week”. In itself, that seems like a pretty good tie down, however it can be better.

Break down the promise “I will send the check overnight mail next week”. First is the “I” you are talking to the person who has the ability to commit payment to the debt? Second, what is going to change from this week to next that will allow the payment to occur? Ask questions since you have earned that right by having a debt owed to you. Third, what day next week are you overnighting the payment? Once the check is sent can you call me with the tracking number?  This action alone will help you confirm the promise is real since it requires a deliverable from the customer. Finally, confirm the address and amount of the payment that is to be made.

The devil is in the details, the better your upfront work on the promise the better the chance you will receive the payment and more importantly the check will clear. Another option to the scenario above would be to ask for a postdate to represent the customers intent to pay in the future and if you have the ability securing the payment via ACH or Check by Phone.

Remember, it’s your money and you want it now