Jul 23, 2025
Chasing overdue invoices is never easy. For a recruitment company based in Portugal, the task became especially complicated when their unpaid debts stretched across three different countries, the UK, Portugal, and Germany. Despite multiple follow-ups, they faced continued delays, avoidance, and silence from clients who owed them a significant amount. Like many businesses trying to recover international debts, they were left stuck in a cycle of unanswered emails and fruitless calls.
Realising that their internal efforts were getting them nowhere, the company turned to Payfor, a specialist in cross-border commercial debt recovery. With an urgent need to recover outstanding balances without burning bridges, they needed a partner who understood the nuances of international collections and had the tools to take action fast.
Payfor responded immediately by launching its structured 30-day Chase Campaign. This approach combines daily phone calls with weekly email follow-ups to ensure consistent, high-touch communication with each debtor. The campaign was tailored to suit the countries involved, with language-appropriate outreach and cultural sensitivity built in.
More than just sending reminders, Payfor’s team focused on reaching the actual decision-makers, the people with the power to release funds and holding them accountable. Each message was carefully worded to prompt action without alienating the client relationship.
The results spoke for themselves. In just a few weeks, Payfor helped the recruitment firm recover 80% of the outstanding debt. Debtors from Portugal and the UK responded positively to the professional, persistent approach. Funds began to arrive, restoring the company’s cash flow and allowing them to move forward with confidence.
However, one German client remained resistant. After multiple collection attempts without progress, Payfor escalated the matter through its legal recovery channel. Thanks to its established network of international legal partners, the case was handed over to a local German lawyer who understood the intricacies of German commercial law.
The success of this case came down to three key factors:
Persistence: Daily engagement keeps the pressure on and the debt top of mind.
Multilingual communication: Language should never be a barrier to collection. Payfor’s team is equipped to communicate effectively with clients around the world.
Legal backup: When negotiation fails, legal escalation is seamlessly initiated, with no need for the client to manage the process themselves.
Thanks to Payfor’s expert handling of the case, the Portuguese recruitment company avoided the cost and stress of chasing debts on their own. More importantly, they saw real results — without losing time, reputation, or client relationships.
Whether your clients are based in London, Lisbon, or Berlin, Payfor offers the experience, tools, and legal reach to recover your debts. Our 30-day Chase Campaign combines persistent follow-up with international know-how. If collection efforts stall, our global legal partners are ready to escalate swiftly and professionally.
Ready to recover what's yours? Work with Payfor and take the stress out of international debt collection.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information provided in this post is based on general principles and may not apply to specific legal situations. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and can change over time. Readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel before making any decisions based on the information provided in this blog post. Payfor Ltd is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. The company disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the contents of this blog post.
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