Procedures

By Kelly Baker
Vice President Operations

"Time is the enemy of collectibility." This old maxim applies with force in international collections, as the debtor (often correctly) assumes that the distance and creditor's unfamiliarity with the local legal system will defeat collection efforts.

In every country Gruman attorneys are locally in place, under contract, and most have worked with us for many years. The arrival of the claim in our associate office often will stimulate a prompt payment arrangement without litigation. In most cases, a demand letter from our associate office is issued within 7 days of receipt of the claim by our Tampa corporate office.

We are knowledgeable in dealing with differences between the many diverse legal systems and traditions, differences often relied upon by foreign debtors to attempt to avoid payment.

Our collection procedures are vigorous and continuous - designed to stimulate the debtor to make arrangements to pay.

Initial Submission
It is best to send everything initially, not only debt instruments and invoices, but credit applications, financial statements, and any other documents and correspondence signed by the debtor.

Reports and Remittances
We report in writing quarterly, or sooner, as information or collections come in. We remit immediately on receipt of clear funds. We are always available by phone or fax and I personally work closely with our institutional clients on their cases.