Amicable negotiation first
To recover a debt from a foreign debtor, an amicable negotiation is essential in first intention. Indeed, local habits and practices in terms of commercial relations and payment differ according to the country. This is why it is important to qualify the nature and source of the unpaid debt before initiating proceedings. However, communication with a foreign client can sometimes be difficult and the room for maneuver is not necessarily identical to that which one might have for receivables in France.
Parameters that change depending on the country and that directly affect international debt collection:
- Local trade practices,
- Habits and methods of payment,
- Language,
- The legislation in force (rights of creditors, protection of debtors, limitation periods for claims, etc.),
- The efficiency of the legal sphere,
- The level of business failure.