Hi everyone!
My husband and I just started our own recovery business and have received our first order. We live approximately 55 miles from the debtor's address. We have located her home address and where she works. However, she has been driving a different car (not sure who this one belongs to...we're thinking a boyfriend??) and "our" car hasn't been seen anywhere. We have some addresses of family members but have not spoke to them, yet. (When we received the order, she was only 51 days behind and had just made a payment so we would hate to scare her away if she thinks she is safe for now.) Anyway, here is my question...
Our price list shows the first 150 miles are at no charge and .80 per mile after that. In a trip and a half, we had more than 150 miles into it. Do we start charging mileage from the time we leave our office or do we wait until we reach the city where the car is located. I'm just nervous that the bank will think we are overcharging them right off the bat. They have the potential to be a large account so we want to do it right.
Thanks for your advice!
Melody and Brad
Wow 150 miles free I sure hope you get good money for anything you pop in that area.
Hi Chip!
We give the first 150 miles free because we live in such a rural area. We are at least 30 miles from town and about 50 miles from any decent sized city. We decided because of that, we would give creditors a break. We haven't come close to losing any money on mileage, but if we ever do, we will definitely have to make some changes.
Thanks for your response!
Melody
I guess what I was trying to say was do you get the same money for 1 mile away from location as 150 miles away?If so do you get alot of local vs the 150 milers?
Hi Chip!
Yes...we do get the same fee if we find the car 1 mile away or if we have to travel 150 miles (round trip) to bring it home. It's not the ideal situation, but with our location, we felt it was fair.
Melody
so with that post your saying that its only a 75 mile radius and if so than that makes better sense and either add a fuel surcharge or add the extra money per mile. Fuel surcharge probally could be added to all accounts and your clients would more than likely understand why.
That's correct. I don't think I was explaining it very well to begin with. I also thought that was a common practice, but I guess not. I'm assuming you don't charge extra for mileage? Do you just tack it onto your regular fee?
Can you explain to me exactly what you mean about the fuel surcharge? I'm not sure I understand.
Thanks again for your responses.
Melody