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Accounts Payable & Receivable › Collections & Bad Debts

What is the collections process in accounts receivable?

Beginner

Answer

Collections is the structured effort to recover overdue customer payments: reminders before and after due dates, calls and emails, statements, escalation to final demands, and, if needed, holds, collection agencies, or legal action. A defined dunning cadence keeps DSO down and reduces the amount that becomes bad debt.
Real-world example Overdue accounts move through a set cadence—reminder at day 3, call at day 15, final demand at day 45—until paid or escalated.

Common follow-ups: What is a dunning cadence? | When does an account get escalated?