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Debt collection for SMEs. Four colleagues in conversation at a conference table in a modern office space, with workstations visible in the background.

Debt collection for SMEs

Professional debt collection without worries

As an SME, you cannot afford to wait too long for your money. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to collect an outstanding debt. Timely payments are crucial to healthy cash flow and the continuity of your business. By following up on overdue payments quickly, you prevent payment problems and maintain your financial stability. A structural accounts receivable management process and an efficient collection process ensure that invoices are paid faster and you avoid unnecessary costs.

Submit your collection files in 4 steps

Submit claim online
Submit claim online



Submit your claim easily through our digital platform.
Confirmation of registration
Confirmation of registration


After your application, you will receive immediate confirmation of your submission.

Receipt of account information
Receipt of account information

Within a short time you will receive access to your personal account so you can track your files.
247 access wherever you are
24/7 access wherever you are

With our online environment, you have complete insight into the status of your receivables anytime, anywhere.

If you choose debt collection from BVCM, you will enjoy the following benefits:

First contact within 24 hours

After you submit your collection files, we contact the debtor within 24 hours. The faster the contact, the greater the chance of clarity and payment.

Always a fixed contact person

You have an assigned collection specialist who is responsible for your file(s). If desired, you can count on regular contact moments to discuss progress.

Only pay for results

 

We work on the principle of no cure, no pay debt collection. If BVCM fails to collect the outstanding debt amicably, no fees will be charged.

Focus on your core business

Outsourcing your receivables allows you to focus on your core business. Our experienced professionals strive to maximize results while retaining your client.

Calculating collection costs

The Collection Costs Act (WIK) stipulates how much collection costs you may charge on top of the invoice amount if the debtor is a consumer (natural person). Calculate your collection costs with our collection costs calculator.

As a result of the introduction of the WIK, specific consideration is given to installment payments (monthly) arising from long-term contracts, the individual installment amounts of which are lower than €266.67.

Invoice amount

Are you creditor liable for VAT?

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Collection costs:
VAT 21%:
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Getting unpaid invoices paid immediately?

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References

Mihaela Ungur

Vos Logistics

Our Romanian employees at Vos Logistics in Cluj-Napoca have successfully completed the English language trainings, Communication with Customers and Colleagues, and Telephone Collections.

Najim El Akhssassi

Mobilize Financial Services

Over the course of the year, we have established a great partnership with BVCM for both our Credit Management and Customer Service activities.

Rick Dijkers

PreZero

Traditionally, we worked with one debt collection agency. However, we needed a reliable benchmark to evaluate the quality and results of their services. Therefore, we decided to partner with a second agency, which turned out to be BVCM.

Etienne Spaarwater

Motrac Linde

The pleasant thing about BVCM Collections is that they advocate direct contact with the debtor, calling instead of writing.

Peter van Dijk

Kuehne Nagel

After visiting several collection agencies, we chose BVCM as our preferred partner. It became clear from our conversations that we were dealing with a well-organized collection agency that complemented our collection process.

Elvira de Rijk

Brunel

For years, Brunel has been utilizing BVCM's credit management services with complete satisfaction, including pre-collection, collection, secondment, and recruitment & selection. BVCM is considered an extension of Brunel's own activities, providing solutions to almost all situations.

Marcel van Beek

Volkswagen Pon Financial Services

In addition to being an excellent collection agency with very good results, BVCM has also proven to be a solid partner for us in the areas of credit management, training, and recruitment & selection.

ENG-Joris ten Westenend

Sligro Food Group

Continuously asking what the customer needs, listening carefully, and then responding to our needs.

Erik Prins

Sogeti

For the past 4 years, we have been bringing our regular and complex collection cases to BVCM. The collection professionals at BVCM do not stay behind their desks, but go to the client.

Erik Prins

Capgemini

We can therefore rightly conclude that BVCM is not a standard collection agency, but a true collection partner! Capgemini Nederland B.V. has been bringing both its regular and complex collection files to BVCM for the past 2 years.

Kevin Jonkman

Pontmeyer

Over 6 years ago, PontMeyer made the decision to transfer collection files to BVCM. The reason for choosing BVCM was the flexibility and how BVCM went along with our requirements and wishes.

Atilla Aytekin

OrangeGames

Recruitment really is a profession in its own right, that much has become clear to me. Very nice to know that there are parties who have built up a network in a niche and can add value.

Arie Zwartewaalsloot

Ingram Micro

Flexibility, commitment, drive and thinking along are among the core values why we have chosen and continue to choose BVCM as a partner.

Fabio Viskovich

G4S Nederland

We have been working with BVCM to our complete satisfaction since January 2017.

Vincent Nikkels

Vincent Nikkels

We do not see BVCM as a regular collection agency, but as a professional sparring partner and also part of our debtor management.

Fonny Grasman

De Haan Westerhoff

A relationship alerted us to the potential added value and professionalism of BVCM.

Astrid van Kampen

Balder Leimuiden

What was our surprise: BVCM achieved a positive result, fantastic!

Catherine Vermeiren

Tyco

Already during our first meeting, we became acquainted with BVCM's professional approach.

FAQ
How can I submit a debit file?

You can submit a collection order online at BVCM through the order form. You can also submit the collection order by email, hereby submit the debtor data and the outstanding invoices. BVCM will confirm the receipt of your collection order and your debtor will be approached the same day, to pay as soon as possible.

I received a notice from BVCM, what should I do?

If you received a notice from BVCM, we have sent this by order of a creditor. To prevent a legal procedure, we highly recommend you to pay as soon as possible, preferably before the expiration date of the letter. We offer you the ability to pay the demand in several easy, and safe ways.

What is no cure no pay?

BVCM works in the amicable collection process based on a No Cure No Pay principle. This means that you do not have to pay any costs for the service if it turns out that in the event of a lack of redress that the claim cannot be collected. We will recover the cost incurred to collect your claim from your debtor through the collection costs. 

How can I pay?

BVCM offers multiple different payment solutions. Below you can find the available payment possibilities. 

Transfer:
You can transfer the outstanding amount (under the reference of your case number) to the bank account of BVCM. Please refer to the payment details below:
IBAN: NL17ABNA0624668517
BIC: ABNANL2A
ATTN: Stichting Derdengelden BVCM B.V.
 
iDeal:
You can pay BVCM through iDeal in several ways. You can use the iDeal link in the notice you have received or via the iDeal form on our website. In case you prefer receiving an iDeal link by e-mail or text message please call us.
 
GWK Travelex:
You can pay the open amount in a GWK office either by cash or card. GWK Travelex has 51 offices throughout the Netherlands, mainly located on the bigger train stations and city centers. Find an office near you on: www.gwktravelex.nl.

NOTE: You always have to do payments yourself. We do not withdraw fund from your account.

What should I do if I really cannot pay?

If you are not in the financial situation to pay the demand at once you can request a payment plan. Instruction on how to request this can be found below.
 
If you have structural financial problems we advise you to contact a debt counselor. We advise you to visit this website: www.zelfjeschuldenregelen.nl (Dutch). This website provides information about debts, how you can resolve this on your own and organizations that can help and assist you getting out of your debts.

​What is the difference between a collection agency and a bailiff?

BVCM tries to collect an invoice on your behalf, without any legal proceedings being involved. This process is also called the amicable collection process. BVCM strives to collect all collection files in the amicable process. Should it eventually turn out that a legal procedure is required for the collection of your claim, you are still at the right address at BVCM.

I want a payment plan, how should I go about this?

If you are not able to pay the demand at once it is, under strict conditions, possible to make a payment plan. The amount of installments depends on the outstanding amount and your financial situation. Contact BVCM by phone or email to discuss the possibilities, together with you, we will then look for a suitable solution. After an agreement has been reached, we will send you a confirmation of the payment plan by e-mail or post.
 
NOTE: The terms of payment plan are set up under strict conditions. If BVCM does not receive the payment, then the payment plan will be canceled. 

I want to know the current outstanding amount of the claim

If you want to know what the current outstanding claim is, you can always contact BVCM by phone, e-mail, or post. We kindly ask you to always have your case number ready while contacting our office.

What happens if I don’t pay?
If you refuse to pay after multiple notices from BVCM, then we reserve the rights to start the legal procedure on behalf of our client. If you receive a subpoena, and the court comes to a verdict that you need to pay, it is most likely that you are being charged with the legal fees. When payment not occurs after the notification of judgment, we can requisition your salary, bank accounts or assets. We strive to prevent a legal procedure, unfortunately, there are cases in which this situation is impossible to avoid. 
I have paid to BVCM but I am receiving a notice again

There is a possibility that you have fulfilled your payment whilst the notice has already been sent to you. It is also possible that you only paid a part of the demand. To check if BVCM received your payment, you can get in touch with us.

I have paid to BVCM's client already and now I am receiving a notice, what should I do?

It is possible that handing over the demand and your payment to our client have crossed each other. If you send a proof of payment, we will investigate what happened to the payment. You can send the proof of payment to BVCM by email.

I disagree with the notice BVCM is sending, what should I do?
If you disagree with the notice or the demand, we ask you to send us your defense, including supporting documents, by email or post. We kindly ask you to include the following:
  • Name and address
  • Case number
  • Reason why you disagree
  • Supporting documents to support your claim. E.g., proof of payment, proof of cancellation.
On behalf of who is BVCM sending me a demand?

We work for a wide variety of (inter)national clients. Our letters always contain the name of our client.

How long does it take before BVCM has received my payment?

This is depending on how you have done your payment. Generally speaking, your payment is processed within two working days. However, international transfers might take up more time. If you have doubts about your payment, please contact us.

I received a notice that was not intended for me, what should I do?
If you receive a letter or e-mail from BVCM that is not meant for you, we kindly ask you to return it to the sender. If you happen to know what the correct address is please mention this on the envelope. You can also notify BVCM by email about incorrect addresses.
Where can I find more information about debt counseling, WSNP or bankruptcy?
More information regarding this subject can be found on this Dutch website: www.zelfjeschuldenregelen.nl/alles-over-schulden/hoe-werkt-schuldhulpverlening 
​Why do I get a draft summons?
You have received a draft summons because we will initiate legal proceedings against you on behalf of our client. With this letter, we offer you the last opportunity to pay the claim extrajudicially. If you do not respond to this, we are unfortunately obliged to start the legal procedure. The costs for the procedure will be for your account after an awarding decision by the court.
There are collection costs that are charged over the principal sum, how does this work?
The amount in our notice is the amount you have to pay to BVCM. This amount includes the principal sum, legal interest and collection fees. The amount of collection costs differs between private persons and business.
 
Private person:
As of the 1st of July 2012, the collection costs are determined by law. The law provides a percentage scale for determining the collection fees. This percentage is based on the principial amount.

Scale of collection fees:
 
Principle amount up to €2500 15% with a minimum of €40
The next €2 500      10%
The next €5 000  5%
The next €190 000  1%
Everything above  0.5% with a maximum of € 6.775,00

For Business:
For the calculation of the extrajudicial collection costs of companies, the general terms and conditions of the creditor are decisive for the amount of the collection costs. Usually, a percentage of 15% with a minimum of € 75.00 is used. If nothing is laid down in the general terms and conditions about the amount of the collection costs, the collection costs will be calculated in accordance with the Direct Debit Act.
How does the collection procedure work through the courts?
If the debtor has not paid, after several notices, BVCM reserves the rights to start legal proceedings. Below you find the explanation of that procedure.

Subpoena
The collection procedure starts with a subpoena. A subpoena is an official legal document in which your debtor (in legal jargon “defendant”) can see what the demand is and when they have to appear in court in front of a judge. The subpoena has to be served on the defendant by a bailiff.

Statement of reply
In the subpoena, a time and date will be recorded (also known as docketed hearing date). The defendant can decide to respond (immediately or request to postpone) to the subpoena before the docketed hearing date. The response from the defendant on the subpoena is called statement of reply. In the statement of reply, the defendant can bring their defense on the claim forward. The defendant can do this verbally during the hearing. If the defendant decides on a verbal defense, then the defense is made official and a procès-verbal will be written, of which the plaintiff receives a transcript. 

In practice, a transcript of the statement of reply will be handed in. This is, in essence, a written response from the defendant on a claim as described in the subpoena. A situation can arise that a defendant feels that they also have the right to put down a claim on you. This is called a counterclaim. The judge will make a verdict in one case for both disputes.    

Judgment in absentia
If the defendant fails to show up at the hearing or send in a written response, then the judge will issue a judgment in absentia within a certain period. In the judgment in absentia, the judge will assign the claim to the plaintiff. Up until the moment of the judgment in absentia, the defendant has the opportunity to respond to the subpoena. This is called 'to cure a default'. This procedure will then proceed. It is also possible that the defendant will counter the judgment in absentia. The defendant has to send a resistance subpoena to the plaintiff through a bailiff. This subpoena will be recognized as the statement of reply and the procedure will be continued.

Reply to defense/rejoinder/ appearance of the parties
If the defendant has a statement of reply (in other words: they responded verbally or in written form), then the procedure can continue in the following options described below. The judge decides which option is going to be used to continue. Following this decision, the procedure will continue in written form. You, as a plaintiff, can respond to the statement of reply in written form. This is called a 'reply to defense'. After this 'reply to defense' the defendant can decide to respond in written form. This is called a 'rejoinder'. The judge will study these pieces and will make a notification whether it is enough information for the case to come to a verdict or if he is going to send a request to both parties to explain their case. What follows is an 'appearance of parties'. This is a hearing in which both parties have to appear in front of the judge to explain their case further or come to a settlement. If parties come to a settlement, then this is going to be written in a procès-verbal. If the agreements made are not fulfilled by either party, the report will have the same effect (the same weight) as a judgment. When a settlement is not being reached, then the judge will make a verdict. In many cases, this will be the final verdict, but an interlocutory is within the possibilities. In an interlocutory, a judge can, for example, ask for more evidence. After the execution of delivering the evidence, the judge will decide upon the final verdict.  

Final verdict
At the end of the procedure, the judge will reach a conclusion. This conclusion will be recorded in the final verdict. The verdict will be sent in writing to both parties, so you don't have to show up in court again. 

Appeal
Should one of the parties disagree with the final judgment, then that party can appeal to the council against the decision of the judge. Appealing to the council is only possible if the claim is higher than €1.750. An appeal can only be applied for within three months after the judge made the final verdict. According to the law, the appeal can only be handled by a lawyer. 
How long does a legal procedure take?
The time it takes to go through the legal procedures is dependent on different factors. A complex case will take up much more time than a procedure in which the defendant is not responding to the subpoena.
Can I start legal proceedings on my own or do I need a lawyer?

If the demand is lower than €25.000 you are not required to have a lawyer, you could, therefore, try to do the litigation yourself. However, it is usually advised to hire a specialist for these cases. The legal experts of BVCM are always ready to assist you in getting a positive result in the proceedings.

Can I recover all legal costs from the debtor?

The answer to that is 'no'. It is a misunderstanding that the winning party can fully put the actual costs of the proceedings to the losing party. In the Netherlands, the winning party is only awarded a part of the litigation costs and can only try to recover that part from the losing party.

The legal costs usually consist of court fees, bailiff's fees and a contribution towards the costs of your jurist (or lawyer). The amount that the judge will allocate depends on the type of case, the number of procedural actions and the court where the case is served. The process costs are determined on the basis of a 'lump sum system'. These amounts are almost always (much) lower than the actual costs you incurred.
 
Furthermore, it regularly occurs that the court decides that each party must bear its own costs. This is also customary when making settlements.

​Will I receive my money immediately after a final award has been issued?

After the judge has pronounced a final award, the losing party must comply as soon as possible with what has been determined in the judgment. If the losing party does not comply with this, the verdict will be forwarded to the bailiff. The bailiff can ensure that the losing party does what the judge has decided. The bailiff can make use of various means for this, such as seizure of wages and (un)movable property.

The costs of the bailiff are recovered from the defendant as much as possible. Does the defendant have no recourse (so they have no or little income, no valuables, if they are in the debt repayment or have they been declared bankrupt) then the costs of the proceedings and bailiffs are charged to the plaintiff. Even after a final verdict, it can, therefore, unfortunately, take some time before you receive your money.

What if my debtor can not pay?

The judgment has been rendered, but the bailiff has failed to collect the claim because your debtor at that time, for example, has disappeared or has no recourse (cannot pay).

Fortunately, a sentence remains valid 20 years after the date of the judgment. The situation of your debtor can of course change during those years. BVCM, therefore, offers the so-called storage service for this type of business. The case is then monitored and executed at the moment that your debtor reappears, has a job, buys a car, et cetera. This service will give your uncollected case a second chance, and you can be sure that your debtor - for which you have already spent so much money - will be exerted pressure for years to pay.

Would you like more information?

Do not hesitate to contact us without obligation. We will be happy to look with you at the best way to deploy debt collection within your organization.