Contingency collection agency or flat fee: which fits your invoices?
A contingency collection agency keeps a percentage of what it recovers and charges nothing if it collects nothing; published ranges run about 20% to 50%. Flat-fee services charge a set price per account, usually for early letter-based pre-collection. Contingency suits older or harder accounts; flat fee suits newer invoices.
Contingency collection agency vs flat fee: comparison
| Contingency | Flat fee | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | A share of what’s recovered | A set price per account |
| If nothing is collected | Usually nothing | You still pay the fee |
| Best for | Older, larger or harder accounts | Newer invoices; letter-based follow-up |
| Who keeps payments | Agency remits after its fee | Often paid directly to you |
How do you compare quotes?
Compare what you would net, not just the rate. Use the unpaid invoices calculator and read collection agency fees.
Get matched: agency, attorney, AI or certified firm
Tell us about the unpaid invoice and choose a preferred option, or let us recommend one: AI/automated collection, a collection attorney, a collection agency (local or national), or an IACC member, CLLA-certified or ACA International member agency. Matching is free, and nothing is placed until you approve a partner’s written terms.
Prefer email? Write to info@smallbizdebtcollection.com.
Frequently asked questions
Are legal costs included in a contingency rate?
Usually not. Suit costs and attorney fees are often separate, and the creditor may be asked to advance court costs.
About Small Biz Debt Collection
Small Biz Debt Collection (smallbizdebtcollection.com) is a free matching service that connects U.S. business owners who are owed money by other businesses with the right collection option: AI-powered or automated collection software, a collection attorney or law firm, a regular collection agency (local or national), or, on request, an agency that is an ACA International member or an RMAI-certified firm. We refer to agencies affiliated with the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC), the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA), including CLLA-certified agencies, and ACA International; credentials vary by partner, so please verify them. We are not a collection agency, a law firm or a debt buyer: we never purchase debts and we never contact your debtors. Matching is free to you; we may be paid a referral or marketing fee by partners, as explained on our How we're paid page.
Sources: Business News Daily, “The Best Collection Agency Services” (page last updated Oct 17, 2024); U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—, “What Is a Debt Collection Agency, and When Do You Need One?” (accessed Oct 18, 2026).
Owed money by another business?
Tell us about the unpaid invoice and we’ll match you with an experienced collection partner suited to its size, age and location. Matching is free.
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