Collect Like a Pro – Best Business Debt Collection Services for 2025

Protect Your Cash Flow: Why Businesses Need Professional Debt Collection

Business debt collection services are specialized agencies that help companies recover unpaid invoices when customers fail to pay on time. These services use legal and negotiation tactics to retrieve money owed to businesses while maintaining professional relationships.

"The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to get paid." - Allianz Trade

Quick Answer: Top Business Debt Collection Services in 2025

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. When customers don't pay their invoices on time, it creates a ripple effect that can damage your ability to pay employees, suppliers, and meet other financial obligations.

For businesses in Dubai and globally, the challenge is significant – unpaid B2B invoices can quickly accumulate, creating serious financial strain. Most business invoices come with terms of 30 days, and those unpaid beyond 60 days are typically considered problematic.

Professional debt collection agencies offer specialized expertise that's difficult to match in-house. They:

• Handle the time-consuming process of pursuing overdue payments
• Provide legal expertise within specific jurisdictions
• Reduce operational costs compared to in-house collection
• Maintain customer relationships through diplomatic approaches
• Allow you to focus on core business operations

The longer an invoice remains outstanding, the harder it becomes to collect. Data shows that addressing overdue invoices within the first 45 days following the due date significantly improves recovery outcomes.

Understanding Business Debt Collection Services in 2025

The world of business debt collection services has changed dramatically in recent years. New technology, updated regulations, and evolving business practices have transformed how collection agencies operate. If you're running a business in 2025, understanding these services isn't just helpful—it's essential for protecting your financial health.

When we talk about business debt collection, we're referring to the process of recovering money that one business owes to another. This requires specialized knowledge and strategic approaches that are quite different from collecting debts from consumers.

At Collection Agency Dubai, we've seen countless businesses struggle to recover payments simply because they lack the necessary resources, expertise, or time to chase down what they're owed. Our two decades of experience has consistently shown that professional debt collection services can significantly boost recovery rates while freeing up your time to focus on what you do best—running your business.

Business Debt Collection Services vs. Consumer Debt Collection

The differences between collecting from businesses versus consumers are substantial and affect every aspect of the collection process.

When dealing with business debt collection, you're typically working with larger amounts—often thousands or even millions of dollars. The relationships are more complex, built on detailed contracts and business-to-business agreements. The legal frameworks are different, and there's usually more formal documentation involved. Both parties have more at stake, which can make negotiations more intricate but also potentially more productive.

Consumer debt collection, by contrast, involves smaller amounts owed by individuals. It's governed by strict consumer protection laws that limit how and when collectors can communicate with debtors. While consumer collection might involve higher volumes of accounts, the average values are typically much lower.

"The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to get paid." - Allianz Trade

This simple truth captures what we've learned over years of experience: timing is absolutely critical in business debt recovery. Unlike consumer debt, where regulations often require waiting periods, business debt should be addressed promptly. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to recover what you're owed.

Commercial collection agencies operate under different regulatory frameworks than their consumer-focused counterparts. In the United States, for example, commercial collection agencies follow different statutes than those collecting consumer debt. Florida regulates commercial collection agencies under Chapter 559 Part V of the Florida Statutes, specifically authorizing these agencies to handle commercial claims.

While the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) primarily governs consumer debt collection in the US with strict rules about collector-debtor communication, business debt collection allows for more direct and persistent strategies while still maintaining professional standards.

Here in the UAE, where Collection Agency Dubai operates, commercial debt collection follows specific legal frameworks distinct from consumer collection. Our multilingual team steers these regulations with expertise, ensuring full compliance while maximizing your chances of recovery.

The compliance landscape for business debt collection continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on data protection, privacy, and ethical practices. Professional collection agencies stay current with these changes, providing an additional layer of protection for businesses that might not have the resources to monitor regulatory shifts.

Working with professional business debt collection services isn't just about recovering money—it's about doing so in a way that preserves business relationships where possible, protects your reputation, and ensures full legal compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Key Features of the Best Business Debt Collection Services

Looking for the right business debt collection services can feel overwhelming. After all, you're trusting someone else with an essential part of your business—getting paid what you're owed. Let's walk through what truly matters when choosing a collection partner who'll get results while respecting your business relationships.

Transparent Fee Structures

Nobody likes surprises when it comes to fees. The best collection agencies understand this and offer straightforward pricing that aligns their success with yours.

Most reputable agencies work on contingency—meaning they only get paid when you get paid. This creates a natural incentive for them to work diligently on your behalf. For smaller claims under $1,000, expect fees between 25-50% of recovered amounts. Medium-sized claims ($1,000-$10,000) typically run 15-35%, while larger claims over $10,000 might only cost 10-25% of what's recovered.

Some agencies scale their fees based on claim size, dropping rates as low as 10% for claims exceeding $500,000. Others prefer a simpler approach with a fixed percentage recovery fee plus a modest setup charge.

At Collection Agency Dubai, we believe your collection partner should succeed only when you do—that's why our transparent pricing structure ensures our goals remain perfectly aligned with yours.

Comprehensive Process and Timeline

Ever wonder what actually happens after you hand over an unpaid invoice? The best collection agencies follow a clear, methodical approach that balances persistence with professionalism.

The journey typically begins with a thorough assessment of your documentation and claim validity—usually completed within 1-2 days. From there, the first 30 days focus on early intervention through friendly but firm calls, emails, and formal letters. If that doesn't produce results, days 31-60 bring an escalation phase with more formal demands.

By days 61-90, pre-legal actions come into play, including final demands and clear warnings about potential legal consequences. If all else fails, legal proceedings may begin after the 90-day mark, though most cases resolve before reaching this stage.

While this timeline serves as a general framework, every case is unique. Factors like claim complexity, debtor responsiveness, and jurisdiction can all affect how quickly your money returns to where it belongs—in your business account.

Advanced Technology Integration

Today's most effective business debt collection services have moved far beyond the outdated image of collectors with telephones and filing cabinets. Modern collection agencies leverage sophisticated technology to dramatically improve both efficiency and success rates.

Behind the scenes, automated communication systems ensure consistent follow-up without letting any account fall through the cracks. When debtors seem to disappear, powerful skip tracing tools help locate them, while asset verification systems identify what's actually recoverable. Data analytics help determine which strategies work best for different types of accounts, maximizing recovery chances.

For clients, secure online portals provide 24/7 visibility into case status and progress. When debtors are ready to pay, digital payment processing enables immediate settlements without delay.

Collection Agency Dubai accepts these technological advantages, giving our clients real-time insights while streamlining the collection process from start to finish.

Ethical Approaches and Relationship Preservation

The best collection agencies understand something crucial: how they treat your debtors directly reflects on your business reputation. This is especially important in B2B scenarios where today's debtor might be tomorrow's valuable customer.

As one of our clients puts it: "What I like best about Collection Agency Dubai is that it takes the stress off of the collection process allowing us time to do our other work." This highlights the value of finding a partner who handles the heavy lifting while maintaining professional standards.

Truly effective agencies treat debtors with dignity and respect, using non-confrontational negotiation techniques that focus on finding win-win solutions whenever possible. They recognize that maintaining your company's reputation and brand integrity is just as important as recovering the debt itself.

Effective Business Debt Collection Services Strategies

Different situations call for different approaches. The most successful collection agencies customize their strategies based on each unique case rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.

Skip tracing has evolved into a sophisticated process that combines traditional investigative techniques with digital tools to locate debtors who may have changed addresses or contact information. This critical capability ensures that even hard-to-find debtors can be reached.

Before pursuing costly legal action, smart collection agencies conduct thorough asset verification. This process helps identify what resources a debtor actually has available, informing decisions about whether to push for full payment or consider settlement negotiations.

By blending these various approaches based on the specific circumstances of each case, the best collection partners achieve significantly higher recovery rates while protecting your business relationships and reputation.

Choosing the Right Business Debt Collection Service

Finding the perfect business debt collection service is a bit like finding a business partner – you need someone who understands your goals, represents your values, and delivers results. With so many options available, how do you make the right choice?

Evaluation Criteria

When I talk to business owners about selecting a collection agency, I always recommend looking beyond just the fees. Yes, cost matters, but there's so much more to consider.

First, think about industry specialization. Some agencies have deep expertise in specific sectors – healthcare providers understand medical billing nuances, while others excel in construction or manufacturing claims. Collection Agency Dubai brings specialized knowledge across multiple industries, with particularly strong experience handling international and cross-border collections.

The size of the agency matters too. Larger agencies might offer impressive resources but sometimes treat you like just another account number. Smaller boutique agencies often provide more personalized attention but might have limited reach. Finding that sweet spot is key.

Always ask about success rates – and don't just take their word for it! Request verifiable recovery statistics. For example, Collection Agency Dubai proudly shares their 85% success rate on viable large claims. That kind of transparency speaks volumes.

Checking compliance credentials is non-negotiable. Proper licensing, certifications, and industry association memberships tell you they're serious about following the rules. Did you know less than 5% of collection agencies belong to the International Association of Commercial Collectors? That membership can be a good sign of professionalism.

Don't overlook the agency's technology platform. In 2025, outdated systems simply won't cut it. A robust client portal and clear reporting systems make your life easier and often lead to better results.

How an agency communicates reflects directly on your business. Their communication style becomes your voice when they contact debtors on your behalf. A professional, respectful approach protects your reputation and often yields better results than aggressive tactics.

For businesses with international customers, global capabilities are essential. Collection Agency Dubai excels here, with multilingual staff and experience navigating the complex legal frameworks across different countries and jurisdictions.

Technology and Tools

The collection industry has come a long way from filing cabinets and sticky notes. Today's leading agencies leverage powerful technology that dramatically improves results.

AI-powered analytics have revolutionized the field, helping agencies predict which strategies will work best for different types of debtors. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they can tailor their efforts based on sophisticated data analysis.

When a debtor receives consistent, timely follow-up through automated communication systems, they're more likely to prioritize your invoice. These systems ensure nothing falls through the cracks – no forgotten follow-ups or missed opportunities.

Making payment easy increases recovery rates substantially. Modern agencies offer online payment portals that allow debtors to settle accounts 24/7 from anywhere in the world. The easier you make it to pay, the more likely you are to get paid.

The best agencies provide client dashboards that give you real-time visibility into collection efforts. No more wondering what's happening with your accounts – you can see progress, communications, and results whenever you want.

Secure digital document management ensures all your sensitive information and critical documentation remains protected while being accessible to those who need it.

Collection Agency Dubai has invested heavily in these technologies, creating a seamless experience for clients while maximizing recovery rates. Their multilingual capabilities and advanced tracking systems ensure comprehensive coverage for businesses operating across borders.

Reputation Protection

Your company's reputation is one of your most valuable assets – even when collecting debts. The best collection agencies understand this delicate balance.

A small business owner who works with Collection Agency Dubai puts it perfectly: "I love that they take the effort to collect on past-due debts at my store so that I can focus on current customers."

This highlights a crucial point – professional collection services handle those difficult conversations while you maintain positive relationships with current customers. When evaluating agencies, look for those that prioritize respectful, professional communication that represents your brand appropriately.

Compliance matters enormously here. Agencies that strictly follow all relevant laws and regulations protect not just their reputation but yours as well. Data security and confidentiality should be non-negotiable in today's digital environment.

The best agencies focus on finding amicable resolutions whenever possible. Sometimes, a payment plan or partial settlement serves everyone better than a scorched-earth approach that leaves relationships in ruins.

Collection Agency Dubai has built its reputation on diplomatic approaches that protect client brands while effectively recovering what they're owed. Their 20+ years of experience has shown that maintaining relationships often leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.

When to Use Third-Party Business Debt Collection Services

Deciding between handling collections in-house or bringing in the professionals isn't always straightforward. Both approaches have their place, depending on your situation.

In-house collection efforts give you direct control and save on commission fees. Your team knows your customers and has immediate access to all account information. This approach often works well for recently overdue accounts where relationships remain positive.

However, in-house collection has significant drawbacks. It pulls your staff away from what they do best – running your business. Most companies lack specialized collection expertise and legal knowledge. Without access to advanced skip tracing tools, finding reluctant debtors becomes challenging. Perhaps most importantly, amateur collection efforts can damage customer relationships if handled poorly.

Professional business debt collection services shine in situations where specialized expertise matters. The psychological impact alone can make a difference – debtors often take third-party collectors more seriously than internal accounting departments. The contingency-based payment model (paying only when money is recovered) aligns the agency's interests with yours.

Working with professionals also provides legal protection through proper compliance with complex regulations. Their advanced resources, including sophisticated skip tracing and asset verification tools, often find debtors and assets that in-house teams miss. Perhaps most valuably, outsourcing collections lets your team concentrate on growing your business rather than chasing payments.

A client who has worked with Collection Agency Dubai for nearly a decade notes: "It has been a pleasure to work with them for almost 10 years. I feel as though I'm calling a friend." This highlights another benefit – building a relationship with a trusted collection partner who understands your business and acts as an extension of your team.

So when should you make the call to a professional? Consider reaching out when invoices remain unpaid 60-90 days past due, or when your in-house attempts haven't yielded results. If you're short on resources or expertise, or if the debt involves complex legal or international considerations, professionals can make all the difference.

The timing of your decision matters tremendously. The sooner you engage professional help, the higher your chances of recovery. Industry statistics show that collection probability drops dramatically after 90 days, declining roughly 1% per day after that point. When it comes to debt collection, procrastination is literally costly.

International Considerations in Business Debt Collection

Collecting debts across borders adds layers of complexity that can make even seasoned collection professionals pause. In today's interconnected business world, international transactions are common, but when those deals go south, recovering your money requires specialized knowledge and strategic approaches.

Cross-Border Collection Challenges

When pursuing international debts, you're not just dealing with a reluctant payer – you're navigating an obstacle course of varying legal systems, cultural differences, and practical problems.

Different legal systems present perhaps the biggest challenge. Civil law jurisdictions (like France or Germany) approach debt collection very differently than common law countries (like the UK or US). What works in one jurisdiction might be completely ineffective – or even illegal – in another.

Communication barriers can derail even the most straightforward collection efforts. It's not just about translating words; it's about conveying meaning and intent across cultures. When a Dubai-based company tries to collect from a Japanese debtor, for example, understanding the cultural nuances around business obligations and face-saving becomes crucial.

Currency fluctuations add another layer of uncertainty. A debt worth collecting today might be significantly less valuable tomorrow if exchange rates shift dramatically. This can complicate negotiations and settlement discussions, especially for longer-term collection efforts.

At Collection Agency Dubai, we steer these waters daily. Our offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, New York, Tokyo, and London give us the global reach needed to address international debts effectively. Our team speaks multiple languages and understands local business cultures, turning potential barriers into strategic advantages.

Regional Approaches and Considerations

Each region of the world has its own "debt collection personality" that smart collectors learn to work with rather than against.

In the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.), business is fundamentally relationship-based. Personal connections matter enormously, and having a local presence often makes the difference between success and failure. Formal demand letters carry significant weight in this region, particularly when they come from a respected local entity. Islamic finance principles may apply to certain transactions, requiring specialized knowledge.

European collections benefit from relatively strong legal frameworks, though procedures vary widely between countries. EU regulations provide some helpful standardization, but collection strategies that work in Germany might need significant adjustment in Italy or Spain. Court proceedings can be lengthy but often yield reliable results once completed. Many European countries also offer longer statutory limitation periods, giving collectors more time to pursue debts.

The Asia Pacific region presents perhaps the greatest diversity in approaches. Japan's collection environment differs dramatically from China's, which differs from India's. Throughout much of Asia, face-saving considerations play a crucial role in negotiations. Direct confrontation often backfires, while approaches that allow debtors to fulfill obligations without losing face tend to succeed. Building and preserving relationships frequently takes precedence over aggressive collection tactics.

In North America, collection practices operate within a highly regulated environment. Litigation is more common than in other regions, and the robust infrastructure for skip tracing and asset verification makes it harder for debtors to hide. However, state and provincial variations in collection laws require careful navigation, especially when pursuing debtors across internal borders.

International Collection Strategies

Successful international debt recovery requires a thoughtful, custom approach. At Collection Agency Dubai, we've refined our methods through over 20 years of cross-border collection experience.

Local expertise forms the foundation of effective international collection. Working with professionals who understand the specific market – its legal system, business culture, and collection practices – dramatically improves recovery rates. This is why we maintain offices in strategic locations worldwide and partner with local experts where needed.

Communication across borders must be both multilingual and culturally sensitive. We engage debtors in their preferred language, adapting our approach to local business norms. What might seem like a minor detail – the formality of address, the directness of demands, or the timing of follow-up – can significantly impact collection success.

Having a strong legal network in relevant jurisdictions provides crucial leverage. When a debtor knows you can easily escalate to legal action locally, they're often more motivated to resolve the debt amicably. Proper documentation preparation is equally important – ensuring all paperwork meets local requirements prevents costly delays and procedural dismissals.

Alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration often prove valuable in international cases. These approaches can circumvent lengthy court proceedings while providing a structured framework for resolution. They're particularly useful when both parties wish to preserve the possibility of future business relationships.

While most domestic collection efforts wrap up within 30-90 days, international cases typically take longer due to these added complexities. Patience and persistence pay dividends in cross-border collection. At Collection Agency Dubai, our global network enables us to pursue international debts effectively, adapting our strategies to each unique situation while maintaining consistent pressure toward resolution.

Our multilingual team doesn't just translate demands – we translate effectiveness across borders. Whether you're pursuing payment from a company in Tokyo, London, or anywhere in between, we bring local knowledge and global capabilities to your recovery efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Debt Collection Services

What Legal Regulations Should Businesses Be Aware Of When Using Debt Collection Services?

When working with business debt collection services, it's important to understand that they operate under different rules than consumer collection agencies. This legal landscape can seem complicated, but knowing the basics will help protect your business.

In the United States, commercial collection follows different guidelines than consumer debt collection. For example, in Florida, commercial collection agencies operate under Chapter 559 Part V of the Florida Statutes, which specifically addresses business debt. While the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) creates strict rules for consumer debt collection, it generally doesn't apply to business debts – giving commercial collectors more flexibility in their approach.

The situation in the UAE and Middle East has its own unique considerations. Here at Collection Agency Dubai, we steer local commercial laws daily, understanding how Sharia principles might influence certain aspects of debt recovery. We're particularly mindful of how civil transactions laws govern commercial debt and the potential criminal penalties that can apply in cases like bounced checks – which can actually work in creditors' favor when pursuing payment.

International debt collection adds another layer of complexity. When pursuing cross-border debts, collection efforts must comply with regulations in both the creditor's and debtor's countries. Data protection laws like Europe's GDPR affect how we handle debtor information, and anti-money laundering regulations impact payment processing.

When choosing a collection partner, make sure they maintain proper licensing, follow ethical practices, document all collection efforts, understand applicable laws, and regularly train their staff on compliance issues. At Collection Agency Dubai, we pride ourselves on maintaining strict compliance across all jurisdictions while still delivering exceptional recovery results.

How Can Technology Improve Recovery Rates in Modern Business Debt Collection Services?

Technology has completely transformed how business debt collection services operate, making the process more efficient and successful than ever before.

Today's most effective collection agencies use data analytics and AI to work smarter. These tools help predict which accounts are most likely to pay, determine the best times to contact debtors, identify potential fraud, and continuously refine collection strategies through machine learning. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, technology allows us to tailor our efforts to each specific situation.

Communication technology has also revolutionized how we connect with debtors. Automated multi-channel outreach ensures consistent follow-up without overwhelming your internal team. Interactive payment portals make it easy for debtors to settle their accounts online, while voice analytics software helps us understand debtor responses and adjust our approach accordingly.

One of the most valuable technological advances is in skip tracing and asset location. When debtors seem to disappear, advanced search algorithms and digital footprint analysis help us find them. Automated property and asset searches identify potential recovery sources, giving us leverage in negotiations and a clearer picture of collection potential.

For our clients, technology creates unprecedented transparency. Our client portals provide 24/7 access to case status, real-time reporting on recovery progress, and document sharing tools. You'll always know exactly what's happening with your accounts.

At Collection Agency Dubai, we've invested heavily in cutting-edge technology that maximizes recovery while streamlining the entire process. Our integrated systems ensure no collection opportunity is missed, while giving our clients complete visibility into our efforts.

How Can Businesses Protect Their Reputation While Pursuing Debt Collection?

Collecting debt without damaging your business relationships requires a delicate balance – something we've perfected over our 20+ years in the industry.

Choosing the right collection partner is your first and most important step. Look for an agency that shares your values and understands your industry. Before partnering with any collection agency, verify their reputation and complaint history. At Collection Agency Dubai, we invite potential clients to review our communication protocols and scripts to ensure they align with your company's tone and values.

A diplomatic approach always yields better results than aggressive tactics. We begin with professional, non-confrontational communications that offer reasonable payment options. Our focus remains on finding solutions that work for both parties while maintaining respectful dialogue throughout the process. This approach not only protects your reputation but often results in higher recovery rates.

Many businesses find it helpful to separate collection from customer service. Using a dedicated team or third party for collections allows your customer service team to continue addressing non-payment issues without awkwardness. As one of our clients, a small business owner, shared: "I love that they take the effort to collect on past-due debts at my store so that I can focus on current customers."

Clear policies also help protect your reputation during the collection process. Establish and communicate your credit and collection policies upfront, and apply them consistently to avoid claims of discrimination. Provide multiple warning notices before escalating collection efforts, and offer early resolution options that preserve the debtor's dignity.

At Collection Agency Dubai, we've helped thousands of businesses recover outstanding debts while maintaining their professional reputation. Our experience shows that respectful, persistent collection efforts not only protect your brand but also yield better financial results than aggressive tactics that burn bridges.

For more information about debt collection best practices, you can visit the Commercial Collection Agency Association, which provides valuable resources for businesses dealing with unpaid invoices.

Conclusion

Effective business debt collection services are essential for maintaining healthy cash flow and financial stability in today's complex business environment. As we've explored throughout this guide, the right collection partner can make a significant difference in your recovery rates while protecting your business relationships and reputation.

When it comes to recovering what your business is owed, timing is everything. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to see that money. Recovery rates drop dramatically after 90 days, which is why acting quickly when invoices become overdue is crucial to your success.

Understanding the fundamental differences between business and consumer debt collection puts you at an advantage. The legal frameworks, communication approaches, and strategies differ significantly, and knowing these distinctions helps you steer the collection process more effectively.

Choosing the right collection partner makes all the difference. Look for agencies with specific expertise in your industry who understand your customers and can communicate effectively in relevant languages and jurisdictions. Their experience in your sector means they'll know exactly how to approach your unique collection challenges.

Technology has transformed debt collection, making it more efficient and successful than ever. From sophisticated skip tracing to automated communication systems, the right technological tools can dramatically improve your recovery rates while reducing the time and resources you need to invest.

Throughout the collection process, maintaining professional relationships should remain a priority. Diplomatic approaches not only preserve potential future business opportunities but often lead to better recovery outcomes. The best collection agencies understand this balance and handle your debtors with respect while still getting results.

For businesses operating internationally, cross-border expertise is invaluable. Collection challenges multiply when dealing with different legal systems, languages, and business cultures. Partners with global experience can steer these complexities successfully.

At Collection Agency Dubai, we've spent over 20 years perfecting our approach to B2B debt recovery. Our cutting-edge technology, multilingual capabilities, and strategic global presence enable us to deliver exceptional results for clients across diverse industries and jurisdictions.

We create custom collection strategies based on each unique situation, considering debt age, amount, and debtor profile. Our multilingual team breaks through language barriers that often stall collection efforts. When debtors are difficult to locate, our sophisticated skip tracing and asset verification tools help us find them and assess their ability to pay.

Our legal expertise spans multiple jurisdictions, giving you confidence that we're following all applicable regulations while maximizing recovery potential. Throughout the process, we provide transparent reporting so you always know exactly where your collection efforts stand.

The landscape of business debt collection continues to evolve, with technological advancements and changing regulatory frameworks creating both challenges and opportunities. By partnering with experienced professionals who understand these dynamics, you can maximize recovery while minimizing the resources devoted to collection efforts.

Professional debt collection isn't just about recovering money – it's about maintaining cash flow, preserving relationships, and protecting your company's financial health for the long term. The decision to engage professional help shouldn't be delayed. As the industry saying goes, "The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to get paid."