Support for Potential or Current Clients

Columbia provides a partnership with clients which produce consistent and reliable services. Columbia follows the ACA International Code of Ethics, and adhere to Federal, State, and Local Laws and regulations surrounding third-party collections.

Becoming A Partner With Columbia

Columbia provides a partnership with clients which produces consistent and reliable services. Columbia follows the ACA International Code of Ethics, and adheres to Federal, State, and Local Laws and regulations surrounding third-party collections.

Columbia works accounts on a contingency (commission) basis only. Columbia Collection works on behalf of our clients and considers them partners we represent in the industry and community. Clients do NOT pay up-front costs or fees associated with accounts assigned. When a debt is collected by Columbia the client receives a trust check issued out by the 15th of the following month, less our agency’s commission rate. We monitor and assist our clients who have the ability and the right to recoup collection costs and or fees from a consumer per state law. 

It is imperative to have persistence and patience when it comes to debt collecting. Debt collection can be a roller coaster ride for which all parties must be prepared to handle ups, downs, and sometimes the unpredictable. At Columbia, successful collection steps are continually focused on and implemented, as it takes insight and experience to increase a client’s profit margin both in the short AND long term. Columbia operates on our morals, mission statement, vision, the expressed needs of our clients, the consumers, the staff, and our knowledge of handling different types of collections in a compliant manner.   

Columbia’s team understands how to recognize the difference between the inability to pay and a refusal to pay. We structure our teams, accounts, and debt types to seize opportunities surrounding changes in the economy and consumers, while continually calibrating our position to ensure all bases are covered. Columbia has many tools to utilize when the location of a consumer is unknown, and when searching for assets. Typically, consumers who “appear” to be hiding from their financial obligations are often unaware of the solutions available. Therefore, Columbia takes responsibility and the pride of educating, leading, and explaining those options and the benefits of paying to a consumer. 

Columbia knows, when it comes to recovering unpaid debts, the flexibility and time provided to accounts increase client revenue and improves our community. We service the collection needs of all, regardless of their size or volume. In addition to a diversified staff, we have a diversified client base. Columbia provides a friendly, but firm collection model following guidelines of Federal, State, and other regulatory entities to ensure compliance is upheld to the highest standard. We believe in building a long-lasting relationship with our clients and consumers, for the benefit of all parties.

For more information on becoming a client, please see the resources below and or contact us via email so we may assist you.

Columbia works on behalf of our clients; we are not a debt buyer. Columbia does not get paid until our client does. When funds are collected Columbia pays the client their portion of the recovered funds minus our collection fee (a percentage of the outstanding funds being collected plus 100% interest accrued post-assignment). We do not own the debt; we represent our clients.

Columbia Collection cannot provide legal advice to current or potential clients; therefore, a business should consult their in-house counsel for guidance.

Original creditors should assign accounts sooner than later, unless a state law exists where the debt was incurred restricting how soon a debt can be assigned*. A good rule of thumb is once an account reaches 90 days past due, this is a good time to assign for collections. If a recent payment arrangement fails, the original creditor should review for assignment once the account is 60 days past the arranged due date. *Medical debts incurred in the state of Washington must be retained until 160 days passed from the initial letter is issued out to the patient.

Columbia Collection cannot provide legal advice to current or potential clients; therefore, a business should consult their in-house counsel for guidance.

Original creditors do not need to send a final demand letter to the consumer/patient, unless a state law requiring one exits where the debt was incurred.  Because Columbia Collection Service cares about our reputation and our clients’, we encourage a final letter stating the original creditor/provider’s intention on assigning to a third-party agency if the balance is not resolved.  If a letter of intention is issued, it is a good idea to refer to fees, if any, being charged that were originally agreed to. In addition, if a business wants to recoup the fee for collections, it is a good idea to reference the % in the final letter as also indicated in the original agreement. Again, Columbia Collection is not an attorney, and is not providing legal advice – businesses need to consult their in-house attorney(s).

As a contingency agency, you do not pay until we get paid. Our commissionable rate is 30% for regular collections, 40% for litigation, and 40% for forwarding or outside litigation. Please contact our office via email at cs@columbiacsi.com if you have further questions regarding fees.

Columbia Collection cannot provide legal advice to current or potential clients; therefore, a business should consult their in-house counsel for guidance.

Unless a state law exists where the debt was incurred in, most states will allow an original client to recoup their collection expenses if the consumer signed and agreed to a specific calculation or percentage originally agreed to at the time of establishing a relationship with the provider or business.

If a business is charged 25% as a collection fee/cost, they should only charge and pursue this amount, rather than a flat fee which would exceed the 25%.  Again, Columbia Collection is not an attorney and is not providing legal advice – businesses need to consult their in-house attorney(s).

Once an account is assigned to Columbia Collection, per the Master Agreement, the original client agrees to not speak to the consumer, nor will they accept a payment or a promise to pay directly from the consumer. The client also agrees to refer the consumer back to Columbia Collection as this company has been retained to handle all aspects of the account.

Columbia accepts the assignment of accounts in a variety of ways:

CSV Import: Export table records as a comma-separated value text file. Use this option to export the currently displayed fields from your current platform being used as the original creditor/provider. There is no need to configure the list to add or remove fields, as Columbia’s IT will create Columbia’s import from your raw data. Save the file as a .csv file.

PDF Import: Export table records as a Portable Document Format file. Use this option to export the currently displayed fields in the list or form as a PDF file to be imported.

Download Columbia’s Excel: Once downloaded, input onto the spreadsheet the responsible party, their demographics, services provided, balances, and payments (if any) for each debt line item being assigned. Once completed and saved, email to Columbia at cs@columbiacsi.com.

Upload to your assigned Box account if you are a current client. If you are a new client, you can email cs@columbiacsi.com for access.

Email: cs@columbiacsi.com

Fax: 503-594-0458 – Please call or email to advise Client Services of the incoming fax.

Do you have questions not answered here or need more information? Feel free to contact our office at 503-635-9885/800-807-3476 or email at cs@columbiacsi.com.

Standing beside you, behind you, and in front of you to help overcome life’s challenges in business.

Types of Debt Recovery Serviced by Columbia Collection

  • Healthcare
  • Chiropractic Services
  • Dental/Ortho
  • Commercial/Business (B2B)
  • Promissory Notes
  • Assigned Judgments
  • Veterinary Services
  • Freight/Shipping Services
  • Dishonored Checks
  • Property Management
  • Storage Facilities
  • Landlord Tenant
  • Deficiency Balances
  • Child Daycare Invoices
  • Utilities
  • School Loans
  • Personal Loans
  • Health Club Memberships
  • Professional Services
  • Law Offices
  • Tax/Accountants
  • Retail
  • Drug & Rehab Services
  • Physical Therapy
  • Recycling/Garbage
  • Telecommunications
  • Credit Card
  • Charge Off Recovery
  • Student Loans
  • Parking Violations
  • Homeowner Associations
  • Optometry Services
  • ……etc.