There is an ancient Chinese saying: “A wise dentist collects his fee while the patient’s tooth is still aching.” The longer you wait, the less likely the debtor will respond. Accounts are delinquent when they have not been paid in accordance with your terms. Up to 30 days past due is your prime collection period and early contacts will give you the maximum chance of return. After that, the most productive efforts take place during the period between 30­90 days past due. Beyond 90 days, recovery percentages start dropping dramatically. Turn over an account to a professional agency once you feel your own reasonable collection efforts are producing no results ­­ as a general rule of thumb, no later than 60 days past due.