Top 5 Debtor Excuses We Hear All the Time—And How We Handle Them Professionally
May 20, 2025
In the world of debt collection, excuses are nothing new. Whether it’s a small business debtor or a multinational client, there’s often a reason—valid or not—for why an invoice remains unpaid. At PayFor, we’ve heard just about every excuse in the book. The difference lies in how we handle them.
Understanding the psychology and patterns behind these delays is vital. More importantly, knowing how to respond with professionalism and persistence makes all the difference when it comes to successful recovery.
Top #5 “We’ll Pay Next Week”—But They Never Do
Empty promises are a key sign the debtor is hoping you’ll simply go away. When a debtor keeps pushing back payment dates without action, we log every commitment and follow up relentlessly.
Our 30-day Chase Campaign is built for this. With daily phone calls and weekly emails, we maintain a structured and escalating presence. We make it clear that non-payment will not be overlooked—and that legal action is a real possibility if the account remains unsettled.
Top #4 “The Person Responsible Is Unavailable”
This is the classic brush-off: “The finance manager is on leave,” or “Our director is travelling.” It’s designed to delay without outright refusal.
In these cases, we insist on an alternative contact who can take responsibility. If one isn’t provided, we escalate the matter internally and inform the debtor that the account will be moved to formal recovery processes if it remains unresolved.
Top #3 “We’re Having Cash Flow Problems”
This is where diplomacy is essential. A business in financial difficulty may genuinely want to pay, but lacks the immediate resources. Rather than dismissing the claim, we explore options.
At PayFor, we negotiate realistic repayment schedules without compromising the interests of our client. We set clear expectations, track progress, and keep the pressure on with regular communication. The key is to balance empathy with accountability.
Top #2 “There’s a Dispute About the Goods or Services”
Sometimes the debtor claims the goods were faulty or the service incomplete. While disputes must be taken seriously, they’re also occasionally used as a stalling tactic.
Our team’s approach is to calmly assess whether the dispute is genuine or a smokescreen. We ask for specific evidence or details. If the debtor cannot provide this, we guide the conversation back to the contractual obligation. By staying firm yet courteous, we ensure the dialogue remains productive—and legally defensible.
Top #1 “The Invoice Was Never Received”
This the most common defence, particularly in the early stages of collection. The debtor claims they’ve never seen the invoice and, as a result, feel no obligation to pay.
We always verify that the invoice was sent, when it was sent, and to whom. If necessary, we resend the invoice and confirm receipt in writing. More often than not, the conversation moves forward once there’s no room left for ambiguity. With consistent follow-up, it’s difficult for the debtor to rely on this excuse more than once.
Keeping It Professional, Every Step of the Way
Excuses may vary, but the principles behind debt recovery remain constant: be fair, be firm, and never lose focus. At PayFor, we maintain professionalism in every interaction, ensuring your business reputation is protected while still recovering what’s owed to you.
If your business is facing any of these delaying tactics, it’s time to bring in the experts. PayFor’s Commercial Debt Collection Service is built to cut through excuses with our proven 30-day Chase Campaign. We begin with weekly email communications and follow up with daily phone calls—creating structured, persistent engagement. If the debtor still doesn’t pay, we can help you escalate to legal action with confidence.
Don’t let unpaid invoices linger—contact PayFor today and let us take it from here.
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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