So, I owed this company $120 and they try to threaten me with going to the collections. But the thing is, the collection agencies buy companies’ depth for less than half of what it is worth. If they would have sold my dept to a collection agency, they probably would have gotten $40, maybe $50 the most.

This is not a problem for them as much as it is for you. The collection agencies put the record on your credit report in no time and as you all know, it take very long time to get rid of it -even if you pay it off. So the best thing to do is to settle with the company directly. Here is an example of emails I went back and forth with a company until we resolved it without the collection agency.

—————————————————-

in sirri

TheCenter fitness center membership

Sarah M.Giller     Thu, Nov 15, 2007 at 11:31 AM
To: myemailatgmail@gmail.com
Hi Ty, I am writing you concerning your membership with OurFacility at the TheCenter fitness center. I need you to contact me within ten business days to clear up your past membership dues. Your total is $90.00  If I do not hear from you in those ten days I will have to turn your information over to collections.  Please fell free to contact me at this address or call 555.555.2110 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you. In good health, Sarah M.Giller

in sirri     Thu, Nov 15, 2007 at 2:35 PM
To: Sarah M.Giller
Hell Sarah,Thanks for contacting me. I had contract with the previous management,but I never renewed it once your company took over. I am not sure howthe $90 stacked up while I never attended the center afterwards.Thanks.ty

Sarah M.Giller     Thu, Nov 15, 2007 at 3:10 PM
To: in sirri
ty-Here is the problem:, because there was no cancellation form in your filefrom TheCenter that means you are still a member and  liable for the monthlydues, September, October and November. I did contact you on Monday 9/28/07and you said that you would be in to fill out the membership packet onTuesday 10/02/07. The only thing that I can do for you is to have you fillout a cancellation form and write us a letter stating you are giving your 30day cancellation notice. Along with all that you will still have to pay the$90.00 and December’s dues totaling $120.00. The reason we are charging youfor December’s dues is your 30 day notice for cancellation from now is themiddle of December. If you have any questions or concerns please let meknow. Thank you!In good health,Sarah M.GillerProgram DirectorOurFacility Wellness NetworkTheCenter Fitness CentersM.Giller@OurFacility.net555.5555.2110

in sirri     Thu, Nov 15, 2007 at 4:25 PM
To: Sarah M.Giller
Sarah,Since your company has taken over the TheCenter, I have never once attendeda class nor have come to the center to use any of the facilities. I donot see how you can charge me $120 for months that I was never there.My contract was with TheCenter, and never with OurFacility. It seems veryunreasonable to anyone to pay a company which they have no contractwith.Thanks.ty

Sarah M.Giller     Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 2:58 PM
To: in sirri
Ty, I apologize it has taken me so long to get back with you about this matter.Every member was carried over from TheCenter if they did not have a cancellationform in their file. TheCenter knew this and should have told you. I did contactyou on several occasions to rectify this. If you would like I can have myregional manager contact you concerning your payment of $120.00. Let me knowif you would like to talk with him. If not please contact me at this e-mailaddress or the number below. Thank you.In good health,Sarah M.GillerProgram DirecTyOurFacility Wellness NetworkTheCenter Fitness CentersM.Giller@OurFacility.net555.555.2110—– Original Message —–From: “in sirri” To: “Sarah M.Giller”

T     Fri, Dec 7, 2007 at 10:12 AM
To: Sarah M.Giller
Sarah,Ok, I was never informed by Pop about any of this. Regardless, it seems that if we go back and forth, it will get no where except frustration for the both of us. I do not wish to talk to your superior as I feel that you are absolutely capable of handling the issue yourself. What I do wish for us is to reach a compromise. Since I have not visited the facility, not even once, in the last four months, I would not forgive myself for giving the $120 -so to remedy this issue and compensate you for as well, I am welling to settle this and put it behind us for $60. If you agree, I will bring the money myself to the facility Monday lunch time (12noonish). Please let me know if this works for you.Thanks.ty

Sarah M.Giller     Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 10:23 AM
To: T
Ty, I will accept your offer of the $60. I am sorry that this had to happen but thank you for taking care of it. Feel free to come in at  noon today, I will be leaving at 1pm today. If you would like you can come down tomorrow I will be here from 7am - 3pm.  Just let me know thank you once again. In good health, Sarah M.GillerProgram DirectorOurFacility Wellness NetworkTheCenter Fitness CentersM.Giller@OurFacility.net555.555.2110