Question 1

What does INTERCOL do?

Accepted Answer

INTERCOL is an international B2B debt collection agency network. We recover outstanding commercial debts owed to businesses by debtors in other countries. Our network spans 40+ jurisdictions across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond — with operational headquarters in London.

Question 2

How do I submit a case?

Accepted Answer

Through our free online case assessment form. Provide the debtor details, outstanding amount, jurisdiction, and any supporting documentation. A recovery specialist reviews your case within 24 hours and responds with a written strategy — at no cost and no obligation.

Question 3

Is there a minimum debt amount?

Accepted Answer

We handle cases from €5,000 upward for international collections. For domestic UK collections, we consider cases from €2,500. Smaller amounts can sometimes be grouped if they involve the same debtor.

Question 4

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

The debtor's company name and country, the outstanding amount and currency, the original invoice date and payment terms, and any previous collection attempts. Supporting documents (invoices, contracts, correspondence) strengthen the case but aren't required to begin.

Question 5

How quickly can you start?

Accepted Answer

Assessment within 24 hours. If you approve the proposed strategy, active collection begins within 48 hours of case acceptance. Legal actions have additional preparation time depending on the jurisdiction.

Question 6

Do you handle B2C (consumer) debts?

Accepted Answer

No. INTERCOL specialises exclusively in B2B (business-to-business) commercial debt recovery. We do not collect consumer debts, personal loans, or retail arrears.

Question 7

Can I submit multiple cases at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle portfolio submissions — multiple debts from the same creditor across different debtors and jurisdictions. Contact us with a summary and we'll structure a portfolio recovery plan.

Question 8

What languages do you operate in?

Accepted Answer

Our network operates in all major European languages plus Arabic, Turkish, Japanese, and Mandarin. All communication with you is in English (or your preferred language), while debtor engagement is conducted in the debtor's local language.

Question 9

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Case assessment is always free. Collection fees are primarily success-based — you pay a percentage of the recovered amount only when we successfully collect. The percentage varies by jurisdiction, debt age, and complexity. You'll receive a clear fee proposal before any work begins.

Question 10

Are there any upfront costs?

Accepted Answer

For amicable (pre-legal) collection: no upfront costs. For legal actions, there may be court filing fees and legal costs which are quoted in advance and require your approval. We never proceed with paid actions without your written consent.

Question 11

What is your success fee percentage?

Accepted Answer

Typically between 10% and 25% of the recovered amount, depending on factors including jurisdiction, debt age, amount, and whether legal action is required. Older debts and complex jurisdictions command higher rates. The exact percentage is confirmed in writing before we begin.

Question 12

What if you don't recover anything?

Accepted Answer

If amicable collection is unsuccessful and you choose not to proceed with legal action, you owe nothing. Our no-recovery, no-fee principle applies to the collection service. Court and legal fees (if incurred with your approval) are separate and non-refundable.

Question 13

Are there hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No. Every cost is disclosed upfront in your recovery proposal. The fee structure covers the collection commission, any applicable court fees, and legal costs — all itemised and approved before work begins.

Question 14

Can I get a fee estimate before submitting a case?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Provide the debtor jurisdiction, debt amount, and age, and we'll give you an indicative fee range. The formal proposal comes after full case assessment.

Question 15

What legal instruments do you use?

Accepted Answer

Each jurisdiction has specific legal mechanisms for debt enforcement. Examples include Mahnbescheid (Germany), Injonction de Payer (France), Decreto Ingiuntivo (Italy), Monitorio (Spain), Statutory Demand (UK), Dagvaarding (Netherlands), and Betreibung (Switzerland). We select the fastest and most cost-effective route for each case.

Question 16

Do I need to hire a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

No. Our network includes local legal partners in each jurisdiction. When legal escalation is needed, we coordinate the entire process — court filings, documentation, enforcement — through our established legal network. You don't need to engage separate counsel.

Question 17

What happens if the debtor disputes the debt?

Accepted Answer

If a debtor contests the claim, the case may move to contested litigation. We assess the strength of your position, advise on likely outcomes and costs, and proceed only with your approval. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation before reaching trial.

Question 18

Can you enforce judgments across borders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Within the EU, regulations like the European Enforcement Order and Brussels I Recast facilitate cross-border judgment enforcement. Outside the EU, enforcement depends on bilateral treaties and local recognition procedures. We advise on enforceability before pursuing legal action.

Question 19

How long do legal proceedings take?

Accepted Answer

Uncontested payment orders (Mahnbescheid, Injonction, Decreto) typically take 30-90 days. Contested litigation can take 6-18 months depending on jurisdiction and complexity. We always provide timeline estimates before proceeding.

Question 20

What if the debtor is insolvent?

Accepted Answer

If the debtor is formally insolvent (bankruptcy, administration, liquidation), recovery options are limited to the insolvency proceedings. We can file claims on your behalf in insolvency processes and monitor for distributions. We advise you honestly if recovery prospects are poor.

Question 21

How long does the whole process take?

Accepted Answer

From submission to recovery, typical cases resolve in 30-90 days through amicable collection. Cases requiring legal action take 60-180 days depending on jurisdiction and whether the claim is contested. We provide timeline estimates specific to your case in the initial assessment.

Question 22

How quickly do you make first contact with the debtor?

Accepted Answer

Within 48 hours of case acceptance. Initial contact is typically a formal demand letter in the debtor's language, followed by direct telephone contact within the first week.

Question 23

How often will I receive updates?

Accepted Answer

Weekly progress reports during active collection. Immediate notification of any significant developments (debtor response, payment, legal filing). You'll have a dedicated case manager you can contact directly at any time.

Question 24

When do I receive recovered funds?

Accepted Answer

Recovered funds are transferred to your nominated account within 5-10 business days of receipt from the debtor, depending on the payment method and jurisdiction. Large recoveries may be transferred in stages if the debtor is paying in instalments.

Question 25

Is there a point where you recommend stopping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If after exhausting amicable options and assessing legal prospects, we believe further action is unlikely to produce results, we'll tell you honestly. We don't pursue cases beyond the point of reasonable return — your money shouldn't chase bad money.

Question 26

Which countries do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We operate across 40+ jurisdictions including all major EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Romania, Portugal, Ireland), the UK, Switzerland, UAE (including DIFC), Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, Australia, India, and the United States. For unlisted jurisdictions, contact us — we likely have a solution.

Question 27

How do you handle different legal systems?

Accepted Answer

Through local specialist agents in each jurisdiction. Our network partners are licensed, regulated debt collection professionals who understand local laws, court procedures, business culture, and language. INTERCOL coordinates the strategy; local partners execute on the ground.

Question 28

What about currency differences?

Accepted Answer

We handle multi-currency recovery. Debts can be denominated in any currency. Recovered funds are converted and transferred in your preferred currency. Exchange rates are applied at the time of transfer with full transparency.

Question 29

Do cultural differences affect recovery?

Accepted Answer

Significantly. Debt collection approaches that work in Germany (formal, procedural) differ from what works in the UAE (relationship-based, reputation-sensitive) or Italy (legal-pressure-responsive). Our local agents understand these nuances and adapt their approach accordingly.

Question 30

Can you collect from government entities or state-owned companies?

Accepted Answer

In most jurisdictions, yes — though the process differs from private commercial collection. Government entities often have specific procedural requirements and longer payment cycles. We advise on feasibility and approach during the initial assessment.

Information desk

Our information desk is always open