Not all debt collection reviews tell the full story. In fact, many online ratings are skewed by angry debtors - not the businesses who actually hired the agency. So how do you separate the noise from the genuine insight?
If you’re thinking of appointing a debt collection agency to recover unpaid invoices, here’s what to look for (and what to avoid) when checking reviews.
1. Look for Reviews From Creditors, Not Debtors
Many low-rated reviews are from individuals on the receiving end of enforcement - not the businesses owed money. Their frustration is understandable, but it doesn’t reflect the service provided to you, the creditor.
Instead, look for reviews from business owners or accounts teams that mention terms like:
- "Recovered my unpaid invoice"
- "Very professional service for my business"
- "Helped us recover commercial debt"
2. Focus on Outcomes and Communication
Positive reviews should tell you more than just "Great service!" - look for feedback that highlights results and responsiveness. Key things to look for:
- Successful recoveries – ideally with mention of timelines
- Clear updates and transparency during the process
- Professional conduct – especially when handling sensitive matters
If you’re trusting someone else to protect your cashflow and reputation, strong communication and results are everything.
3. Watch Out for Review Red Flags
While one or two negative reviews aren’t unusual, repeated patterns should raise concern. Watch for reviews that mention:
- "Hidden fees" or surprise charges
- "No contact after I signed up"
- "Took payment but didn’t do anything"
Also beware of agencies with only glowing, generic reviews and no detail. A natural mix of specific feedback - both good and constructive - is more trustworthy.
4. Check for Industry Experience
The best agencies don’t just chase debts - they understand your sector. Look for reviews from businesses similar to yours:
- Freelancers and sole traders
- Commercial landlords
- Construction or trade suppliers
- Professional services (accountants, solicitors, consultants)
This helps ensure the agency knows how to approach your debtor professionally - and increases the likelihood of success.
Want a Safer Way to Choose?
At Collect Compare, we take the guesswork out of choosing a debt recovery partner.
You can compare agencies online or get matched based on your needs - and we’re building a review system that only accepts feedback from verified creditors who’ve used the platform.
No more gambling on Google reviews. Just clear results, real feedback, and the confidence you deserve.
Can I trust online reviews of debt collection agencies?
Online reviews can be useful, but many are written by debtors rather than paying clients. For a more accurate view, focus on feedback from verified businesses and look for outcomes, communication, and sector experience.
Why are some debt collection agencies rated poorly online?
Because many reviews come from individuals being chased for debts, not businesses using the service. These reviews reflect emotional responses, not service quality for creditors. It’s important to dig deeper than star ratings alone.
How does Collect Compare handle agency reviews?
We’re building a review system that only accepts feedback from verified creditors who’ve used the platform. That means no fake reviews, no noise from debtors, and a much clearer picture of how each agency performs.
