How GetBill compares to traditional debt recovery
Manual processes, outsourced agencies, or AI powered software: three approaches, very different results. See how they stack up across the criteria that matter most.
Every criterion, compared objectively
| Criteria | Manual Process | Outsourced Agency | GetBill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reminder speed | 5 to 15 days | 30+ days | Immediate |
| Cost per case | High (internal FTE time) | 10 to 25% of the recovered amount | Pay as you go credits |
| Available channels | Phone + email only | Postal mail only | 5 AI channels (email, SMS, RCS, voicemail, AI call) |
| Availability | Business hours only | Business hours only | 24/7 automated |
| Personalisation | Depends on the agent | Low, generic scripts | Adaptive AI tailored to each debtor |
| Reporting | Manual, spreadsheet based | Monthly PDF report | Real time dashboard with full analytics |
| GDPR compliance | Relies on internal discipline | Shared responsibility, low visibility | Built in, automated, auditable |
| Scalability | Requires proportional headcount | Limited by agency capacity | Unlimited, elastic |
| Debtor experience | Inconsistent, depends on the agent | Often aggressive or impersonal | Respectful, personalised, multichannel |
| Message control | Varies by agent | No visibility | Scenarios configured and approved by you |
Three ways to handle debt recovery
Manual process
Many companies still handle debt recovery internally, relying on accounting teams or dedicated credit controllers. This approach gives full control over messaging and debtor relationships.
However, it is time intensive and difficult to scale. Each case requires individual attention, and follow ups often slip through the cracks during busy periods. Recovery rates tend to decrease as volumes grow.
The real cost is hidden in FTE time, missed opportunities, and the operational burden placed on teams that should focus on core business activities.
Outsourced agency
Outsourcing debt collection to a specialised agency removes the operational burden from internal teams. Agencies bring expertise in legal procedures and persistent follow up.
The trade off is loss of control. You rarely see the messages sent to your debtors, and the agency's tone may not reflect your brand values. Fees typically range from 10 to 25% of the recovered amount.
Delays are another concern: agencies often batch process cases monthly, meaning your outstanding invoices sit idle for weeks before the first contact is made.
GetBill
GetBill combines the control of an internal process with the scalability of automation. AI driven scenarios trigger personalised reminders across five channels the moment an invoice becomes overdue.
You configure every message, choose the tone, set the escalation rules, and monitor results in real time. The debtor portal lets customers pay, set up instalment plans, or explain their situation on their own terms.
Compliance is built in: every interaction is logged, GDPR and AI Act requirements are enforced automatically, and you retain complete audit trail visibility at all times.
Choosing the right recovery approach
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