Your customer has not paid after the final past due notice. It is now time to tackle a debt collection call to figure out when you will be receiving your money. While we often discuss best practice phone etiquette and provide sample call scripts, many clients have inquired about the best time of day to call their clients to get the best results.

While there is no specific time or magic solution for calling and reaching a happy client on the other end of the line, there are several best practices you should follow when calling.

Get to know the person you are calling

Not only do you need to know the specific person to call, but you should try to form a relationship with that person.  If and when the client encounters financial troubles, you will have a deeper insight into their schedule. Keep notes on what business hours the person works, if they only work on certain days and any upcoming vacation time they will be taking. This could all provide helpful insight if you are calling their direct line and continually reaching their voicemail.

Call time can be influenced by business size

If your customer is a very small business, there is a potential that you could be in contact with the business owner instead of an accounts payable employee. If this is the case, try to call concerning collections early in the morning, around 7 a.m. Most business owners get to the office early to take care of business matters before being pulled into meetings. Remember, 7 a.m. is not a firm call time. It is always important to develop a relationship with the person you will be calling and use your judgment on whether a call before work hours is necessary.

First thing in the morning is better than end of the day

Collection calling is probably not the first thing on your to-do list that you want to do. Nevertheless, it is important to call early in the morning to reach people before they become busy with anticipated tasks and meetings. By calling in the morning you are more likely to get a same-day decision on a payment schedule, even if the client needs to contact you back later in the day.

What time of day is most successful for your business’s internal debt collection calls?