SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 15, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, August 15, 2006
First, the amount of $300. Was the service canceled with T-Mobile before your contract expired? I ask because the Early Termination fee is $200. Many people have their contract extended by doing an upgrade or a rate plan change. They are supposed to be told when any contract changes are made, although I know that does not always happen.
Now a collection agency comment. Agents are taught an "order of business". First step is to try for payment in full(PIF). If you can't get that, then a settlement in full. The last option is payment arrangements. Obviously PIF is good becuase it gets the most money, and usually with secure payments (check or credit card). A SIF, while less money than the PIF, brings in some money, usually also with secure payments. The payment arrangements is the least attractive option to a collector, becuase you are trusting that people will do what they say. Not to say that they won't take arrangements though.
Also, the check processing fee is a standard fee charged by some collection agencies. You can get around it by mailing in a check.