Sometimes it makes sense to try to collect a debt yourself, before hiring a collection agency.
  You may want to try this if the amount is low or if you have been doing business with this customer for a while.
  First-party collection agencies have more authority in the legal system than third-party agencies, which can make a difference when collecting consumer debts.
  Follow the list below and you will be well suited to collecting your debt.
1.
  Write a letter to the debtor requesting payment of the debt.
  Do not use any threats, simply write a letter as a reminder to the debtor and the outstanding debt they have not paid.
  Sometimes debtors forget to pay for a bill because it slips through the cracks.
2.
  Call the debtor and remind them of the outstanding payment.
  Do not be hostile or threatening, just simply remind them of the debt.
  The more you do this, the more likely you are to get paid.
  By all means avoid being hostile towards the debtor.
3.
  The larger the debt, the more aggressive you need to be with your pressure.
  With a larger debt, you can start calling to their personal numbers and home numbers if you have them.
  This amount of pressure will force them to act on the debt, because no one likes getting debt collection calls on their personal numbers.
These 3 steps are the best steps to take to collect your bad debts, whether business or personal debts.
  However, you may not be successful with collecting the debt, and this is when you need to call on a professional collection firm.
  Debt collection agencies specialize in collecting past due accounts and should be used at the first sign of having trouble with the debtor.
  This moves the file into a documented legal process that will give your bad debt a better chance of being collected.
  Best of luck with your debt collection.