Debt collectors and former debt collection agency employees offer up an inside look at what its like to collect your dues.

6. A lot of agencies buy debt for pennies on the dollar,so always start your settlement offer low, maybe 25 cents on the dollar. Say something like “I have $200 that I can apply toward this debt. Will you accept that as payment in full?” If I say no, ask what I’m willing to accept as a settlement and negotiate from there.