What is debt recovery through Debitura?
Debitura connects you with a local collection partner in your debtor's country. That partner handles all collection activities on your behalf, from initial contact through to negotiation or escalation. The relationship concerning the debt collection claim is directly between you and the collection partner, and Debitura facilitates the connection and provides the platform for tracking progress.
The process is governed by the Standard Debt Collection Agreement (SDCA), which defines the terms for pre-legal (amicable) debt collection of undisputed monetary claims.
How the process works
After you submit a case, it moves through several stages:
Verification - Debitura verifies that debtor and creditor details are correct, the claim amount and documentation appear genuine, and that a valid signature is on file. An automated check runs one hour after case creation. If it does not pass, manual review by the Debitura team typically takes 1 to 2 business days. The assigned collection partner then reviews the case and either accepts it, requests more documentation, or declines it.
Active collection - Once accepted, the partner begins pre-legal collection. This is where the main recovery work happens. For cases with standard terms, an exclusive collection period of 6 months begins.
Negotiation and payment - If the debtor engages, the partner may arrange a repayment plan or settlement. Progress is tracked in the platform.
Escalation or closure - When amicable attempts do not result in payment, the partner may recommend legal action (which falls outside the standard agreement and requires separate pricing) or close the case.
For a detailed explanation of each lifecycle state, see case lifecycle and case status definitions.
Timeline: how long does recovery take?
The standard collection period is 6 months from the time a case becomes active. During this period, the collection partner has exclusive rights to work on the case.
The period automatically extends by 12 months when any of these events occur:
The debtor provides a written promise to pay
The debtor signs a payment agreement (for example, an installment plan)
The debtor makes any payment
After the collection period ends without full payment, you may withdraw the case freely. For full details on exclusivity and what it means for your options, see collection period and exclusivity.
What your collection partner does
The exact mix, timing, and intensity of collection activities is determined by the collection partner based on local regulation, local best practices and cultural norms, available debtor contact data, and the expected return on investment relative to the claim size.
A typical structure (adapted by the partner for each case) includes:
Skip tracing and compliance review - verifying debtor details and assessing case validity
First contact - initial demand, often via letter and digital channels where possible
Persistent outreach - multiple touchpoints across letters, phone calls, email, SMS, or messaging apps (where lawful and effective)
Negotiation - working with the debtor to arrange payment or a payment plan
Final notice and escalation recommendation - the last opportunity before potential escalation
Debitura provides baseline effort guidelines to support consistent quality, but these are guidelines and not contractually enforceable checklists. The collection partner decides the final strategy for each case and may adjust based on legality, feasibility, debtor profile, and expected return. Debitura requires collection partners to operate lawfully and ethically, strictly following local regulations and debtor-rights protections.
For more detail on the pre-legal phase specifically, see what to expect during pre-legal collection.
What to expect in terms of outcomes
Recovery results vary. There is no universal recovery rate, and benchmarks are useful for planning but are not promises for any individual case.
Key factors that influence outcomes:
Age of the debt - one of the strongest predictors. After roughly 90 days overdue, recovery likelihood drops sharply over time.
Documentation quality - better documentation (invoices, contracts, proof of delivery, correct debtor identification) reduces disputes and enables faster action. The standard agreement targets undisputed monetary claims.
Debtor solvency - solvent debtors can often pay even if delayed. Insolvent debtors may limit recovery.
Claim size - larger claims can justify deeper investigation and escalation steps. Very small claims may not be economical to pursue through legal channels.
Country and legal environment - efficient courts and enforceable processes tend to increase settlements and recoveries.
What this means for you:
Expect ranges, not certainties. Recovery varies by your portfolio mix of debt age, countries, debtor quality, and documentation.
Earlier placement helps. Submitting cases sooner, before they go "cold," generally improves outcomes.
Pre-legal and legal collection are different tracks. The standard agreement covers pre-legal amicable recovery. Legal action (if needed) is handled separately and is optional, typically with quotes and separate terms.
Consider net results. Debitura operates on a "no cure, no pay" basis for pre-legal work, with success fees deducted only when recovery happens.
For detailed benchmarks by region and debt type, recommended KPIs, and a full analysis of factors affecting recovery, see collection success rates.
How a case can end
A case closes when the debt is fully paid, partially paid, or when collection efforts are concluded without payment. Common closure outcomes include:
Paid - the debtor paid the full outstanding amount.
Partially paid - the debtor paid some amount but not the full debt.
Pre-legal exhausted, no payment - all reasonable pre-legal collection attempts have been completed without payment.
Uneconomical to pursue - the cost of continued collection would exceed the realistic recovery amount.
Withdrawn by client - you requested to stop collection (for example, if the debtor becomes a customer again).
You can close or withdraw a case yourself. Note that during an active collection period, withdrawing a case means the full success fee is still owed per the standard agreement terms. After the collection period ends, you may withdraw freely.
If the debtor makes a payment directly to you (rather than to the collection partner), you should report the direct payment through the platform.
Staying informed during the process
You have full visibility of case transitions through the platform and are notified whenever your input is required. To monitor your cases:
View all your cases and their current status in the Cases section of the platform.
Track a case to see the timeline, statuses, and activity history.
Contact your collection partner directly through the in-platform chat whenever you have questions.
Expect periodic case updates from your collection partner on active cases.
Related resources
What to expect during pre-legal collection - detailed look at the amicable collection phase
Legal action - how it works and what it typically costs - if your case requires escalation beyond pre-legal
Billing, invoicing, and who you pay - how fees and payments work
Collection success rates - benchmarks, KPIs, and factors that influence recovery
Standard Debt Collection Agreement (SDCA) - the agreement that governs pre-legal collection terms