Suggest an Alternate Plan or Schedule For Payments • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

Sometimes the only way to collect payment on an account is to offer the customer a different way to make payments. Be sure that any new arrangement is one that the customer can handle and you can feel comfortable about.

How to write this collection letter:

  1. Express your gratitude for the customer's business.
  2. Acknowledge the customer's difficulty in making current payments.
  3. Suggest an alternate plan or schedule for payments.
  4. Ask for a reply.

Example Letter #1

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I am writing to express my appreciation for your business over the past ten years and to voice my concern over your overdue account. Our original agreement was for a payment of $450 on the first of each month. You have apparently had difficulty making that payment, so we are wondering whether a new payment schedule may be in order. Please call for an appointment to discuss other options.

Example Letter #2

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Thank you for you patronage. Judging from your inconsistent payment pattern, it seems you are having difficulty making your payments. Perhaps an alternate payment schedule would help you make your payments on time. Please contact me by June 10, to discuss your situation. I may be able to offer a solution to help you resolve your apparent problem.

Example Letter #3

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Your company has been a valuable customer over the years. Our business has grown with yours. I am concerned about your recent difficulty in making current and adequate payments on your account. I realize that every business experiences hard times and want to offer you payment arrangements more consistent with your ability to pay. Please give me a call and we can work out a plan agreeable to both of us. I look forward to working with you.

Example Letter #4

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We have always appreciated the way you have kept your account with us current over the years, always making your payments on time. Unfortunately, that changed a few months ago, and at this point there is a substantial amount- over $7,000- past due. Is there anything we can do to help?

Companies do sometimes experience cash flow problems, and if you find yourself in this situation right now, we will be happy to help you work out an alternate payment schedule. One of our representatives will call you early next week to set up an appointment, or if you prefer, you may call us at 555-5555.

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 Express your gratitude for the customer's business.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • We would like you to know how much we have appreciated serving you this past year.
  • We have enjoyed serving you for the past five years.
  • Over the past year you have been a valued customer.
  • I've had the pleasure of serving you for over two years.
  • We want all of our new customers to know how much we appreciate them. You are no exception.
  • We're glad that you have decided to keep your account with the Doe Corporation.
  • We have appreciated your cooperation in building a better business relationship.
  • We hope you realize how much we appreciate you as our customer.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
  • allowing us to serve you
  • appreciate your business
  • appreciate the orders you give us
  • appreciate being awarded this contract
  • appreciate you as our customer
  • appreciate your business
  • appreciated the opportunity to
  • are glad you have decided
  • enjoy hearing from our policyholders
  • enjoy being your electronics supplier
  • enjoy hearing from you
  • extremely valuable customer
  • for helping us stay on the cutting edge
  • have enjoyed serving you
  • have appreciated your cooperation
  • have always been thankful for the way
  • have genuinely enjoyed dealing with you
  • have had the pleasure
  • it's been a pleasure serving you
  • it's been my pleasure
  • just a letter of thanks
  • serving you this past year
  • thank you for your correspondence
  • thank you for trusting us with
  • the way you have paid your accounts
  • to build a firm business relationship
  • very valued customer
  • would like to express our gratitude

2 Acknowledge the customer's difficulty in making current payments.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • We notice that you are two months behind in your payments and are wondering what the problem may be. Before letting the account become more delinquent, please let us know what the problem is. We may be able to help by offering an alternate payment plan.
  • Thank you for your letter explaining your company's financial difficulties. It clarified the matter for us, and we will be glad to help you in any way we can.
  • We appreciate your candor in helping us understand your difficulty in making payments at this time.
  • We understand how difficult it is to begin a new business. Sometimes funds run a little lower than expected. We assume that this is what your new business is experiencing, and we would like to help you through this difficult time.
  • Your account still registers a balance of $285.98 and has been that way for some time. Perhaps you believe that you must either make full payment or no payment at all. This is not the case. We are willing to provide a modified payment plan to protect your credit standing.
  • I am concerned about your lack of payment for two consecutive months. Perhaps we can work together to get you back on track. Please give me a call.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
  • able to help by offering
  • account is delinquent
  • acknowledge your difficulty
  • alternate method of payment
  • an alternate payment plan
  • apparent that there is a misunderstanding
  • appreciate the situation that you are in
  • appreciate your candor
  • are apparently having financial difficulties
  • assume that this is what your new business is experiencing
  • before you let the account become more delinquent
  • bring your account up to date
  • concerning your lack of payment
  • faces financial difficulties at one time or another
  • for explaining your financial straits
  • has been that way for some time
  • has come to my attention
  • have been notified by our billing department
  • help with financial challenges
  • in helping us understand
  • in making current payments
  • know how difficult it is to begin a new business
  • may be able to help
  • need to clarify the matter
  • payment schedule is not working out
  • realize it can be difficult
  • revised payment schedule
  • sure you know you are behind in your payments
  • thank you for your letter explaining
  • understand how difficult
  • what the problem is
  • wondering what the problem may be
  • your difficulty in making payments

3 Suggest an alternate plan or schedule for payments.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • If you would prefer, we can spread your present four monthly payments of $300.00 out to six monthly payments of $200.00.
  • We will accept partial payments until June 30, after which we will require full payments.
  • Sometimes it is easier to break a lump sum into several smaller payments, even if it means paying a little more interest. Perhaps this strategy would better suit your present financial needs.
  • We will accept a partial payment toward this account immediately. Next week a representative from our financial department will contact you to work out a permanent payment schedule.
  • Are you aware that we have a monthly payment plan? If you would like, I will be happy to switch your account over to this plan. It could ease the pressure of large payments.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
  • a representative from our financial department
  • able to help by offering
  • alternate method of payment
  • an alternate payment plan
  • are here to assist you
  • are you aware we have a monthly payment program
  • be aware of additional accrued interest
  • better meet your needs
  • can spread your present monthly payments
  • can lengthen the payment schedule
  • can afford to pay
  • can revert back to
  • can resume making full payments
  • can extend the payment period
  • could ease the pressure
  • each time you make a purchase
  • easier to break a lump sum into payments
  • extension on your loan
  • how we can resolve your outstanding balance
  • require a slightly higher interest rate
  • in the matter of a few months
  • know your own financial limitations better than
  • know how much you can afford every month
  • know what is within your budget
  • have a modified payment plan
  • restructuring your old account
  • once you have cleared this financial hurdle
  • once you are back on your feet
  • our representative will contact you soon
  • open to your suggestions, as well
  • when your current financial problem is resolved
  • will be happy to switch your account over
  • will apply partial payments
  • would like to help you through this difficult time

4 Ask for a reply.

Sample Sentences for Step 4
  • We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to ease the stress on your payment schedule. Give it some thought and call us by Tuesday, March 3.
  • Please inform us of your decision as soon as possible.
  • Carefully read through the enclosed material and choose the payment plan that best suits your circumstances. Then, give me a call and we will discuss your decision.
  • We are here to assist you in paying this debt. Our representative will contact you soon.
  • This is an urgent matter that requires an immediate reply.
  • May we expect your phone call by June 1?
  • We will expect your first payment under this new plan by next week.
Sample Phrases for Step 4
  • a fax would be best
  • approve your decision
  • are here to assist you
  • as soon as possible
  • call us within
  • carefully read through
  • choose the payment plan that
  • contemplate the opportunities
  • during the next week
  • expect your phone call by
  • give me a call
  • give it some thought
  • hope our program can
  • hope you take advantage of
  • hope you make use of
  • how we can resolve your outstanding balance
  • how you would like to handle
  • if you can suggest an alternative
  • if you can think of a more suitable
  • if you can think of a better
  • inform us of your decision
  • let us know by Friday what you have decided
  • or you can e-mail us
  • our representative will contact you soon
  • payment plan that best suits your circumstances
  • please reply within
  • take advantage of this opportunity
  • this is very urgent