From placement to payment, and everything in between.
No black box. Here is exactly what happens when you place a debt with us, what we need from you, how long each stage takes, and what it costs.
One escalation path, from first reminder to enforcement.
We start soft and stay commercial — most debts settle early. When they don't, we escalate within the group, so nothing gets dropped in a handover.
Placement & validation
Within 24 hoursYou send us the debt. We validate the paperwork, confirm what's owed and whether it's enforceable, and agree the approach with you.
Contact & reminders
Days 1–14Structured contact by phone, email, SMS and our portal, with letters where required. Firm, professional, and protective of your commercial relationship where it matters. You approve every escalation before it happens.
Commercial recovery & negotiation
Most claims resolve hereWe negotiate settlement in full, or a payment plan you've approved, and secure the money.
Legal escalation
Your decisionIf the debtor still won't pay, our solicitors at STA Legal can issue proceedings. The full case history goes with it, and nothing happens without your written instruction. Legal costs are agreed with you first, on STA Legal's published tariff.
Enforcement
Once judgment is obtained, STA Legal enforces it through the appropriate route (High Court enforcement, charging orders or winding-up) until the debt is recovered.
Recovered
Recovered funds are paid to you weekly by BACS, with a clear account of what was recovered, what it cost, and what we learned about the debtor.
What we need from you
Five things, and we can start.
- ◆The debtor's details: name, address and company number if it's a business
- ◆Copies of the unpaid invoices and statements
- ◆Your terms of business or signed contract
- ◆Any correspondence with the debtor so far
- ◆A note of anything disputed or already part-paid
What it costs
Nothing until we recover.
Commission is charged on what we recover and quoted before you commit. For UK debtors, commission and late payment interest can usually be claimed from the debtor. Discounted rates are available for high-value or bulk placements. Overseas agent referrals, with your consent, carry a higher rate. If a case goes legal, STA Legal's costs are agreed with you first.
Ready to place a debt?
Answer four questions and see what you'd receive, what we'd charge, and what we'd chase on your behalf.