FAQ's

What is Validate?

Validate is a Consumer Credit Reporting Agency. We are not a Debt Collection Agency since we do not directly attempt to collect debt as a third party. We do however maintain a database of consumer credit reports that have been supplied by service professionals, like yourself, for the purpose of evaluating a consumer's credit worthiness. The power of Validate lies in the ability for you to put a real, and meaningful consequence on the consumer for defaulting on your invoice. 

Who should use Validate?

Any service professional that provides goods or services to a consumer should subscribe to Validate. Validate is used by a large variety of businesses in diverse industries throughout the United States; this is what gives Validate its unique power to hold consumers accountable for nonpayment.

How much does a Validate Membership cost?

Validate is 100% pro-business, making our service affordable to even the smallest business. Validate is only $420.00 a year for unlimited use, that's only $35.00 per month! This will be the most powerful tool your business will ever own. There are no limits on how much you can use Validate and no hidden fees.

What are my payment options?

Validate accepts most major credit cards. If you do not have one, you can set up your membership as an ACH withdrawal from your business checking account. Both are done on our secure site, with secure servers. We never save bank account or credit card information so your business information can never be compromised.

Can I lose my Validate Membership?

Yes. Validate is a Credit Reporting Agency, and as such we are bound by the laws governing credit reporting as defined in the FCRA. The accuracy of the information provided by Validate to our customers is our highest concern. If you are found to be in default of any section of your user agreement with Validate, which references the FCRA, you may be removed with no refund of your membership dues. Validate takes the integrity of our service, the fairness to the consumer, and the compliance with the law extremely seriously.

What do I need to report  a customer?

Simple: You will need the customers full and correct address, phone number, a valid email, and basic information about the debt you are reporting such as amount due, and days past due.  This information will be entered into a short form and then VALIDATE will automatically generate the demand letters for you.

How long does it take to report a customer?

It takes about 30 seconds to report a customer if you have the information in front of you. Any information you need will be readily available in Quickbooks or whatever financial software you are using.

What happens after I report a customer as delinquent?

Most customers do not want to be listed on a national database that other business in a vast spectrum of industries can see.  Therefore, most customers contact the business within 14 days to settle the account.  Your customer settles the debt directly with you, so you can be assured you get 100% of your money with no middle man.  Just update the customers account as "paid" to halt further action. 

How to chase late payments professionally?

• Sending an email or calling someone promptly is a nice way to remind them to pay their bills on time.

• If you don't get a response, follow up strongly.

• Send a letter of demand with a specific deadline.

• If your contract lets you, charge late fees.

If payments are still not made, you might want to think about getting help from a collection agency like ValidateNow.com.

How to recover unpaid invoices?

To recover unpaid invoices, start by sending polite payment reminders to your customer through email, SMS, or automated reminder letters. Clearly mention the due date, amount, and payment options. If the invoice remains unpaid, follow up with a formal demand letter before escalating to a debt collection agency or legal process. Automating reminders helps reduce delays and ensures faster recovery without straining client relationships.

How to collect debt from customers?

To collect debt from customers:

1. Send friendly reminders for overdue payments.

2. Offer flexible payment plans if the client is struggling financially.

3. Escalate with a demand letter or legal notice.

4. As a last resort, use small claims court or professional debt recovery services.
   Always document communication and maintain professionalism to protect your business reputation.

Client not paying invoice – what can I do?

If a client refuses to pay your invoice, you should:

• Double-check the contract and invoice details.

• Communicate with the client to resolve disputes.

• Send a written payment reminder, followed by a demand letter.

• If ignored, consider hiring a debt recovery agency or filing a claim in court.
  Legal action should be the last option, but it’s sometimes necessary for persistent non-payers.

How to Recover bad debt from a customer?

Recovering bad debt involves persistent follow-ups and a structured process. Start with multiple reminder notices, then issue a final demand letter. If the customer still doesn’t pay, escalate to a collections agency or legal action. Keep detailed records of all communication this documentation will support your case if you pursue litigation.

How to chase late payments professionally?

Chasing late payments requires a professional and polite approach:

• Use automated reminder emails with clear deadlines.

• Offer multiple payment options.

• Escalate gradually from friendly reminders to firm demand letters.

• Avoid emotional or threatening language focus on facts.
  Maintaining professionalism increases the chances of payment while preserving customer relationships.

What is the Legal process for recovering debt?

The legal debt recovery process typically includes:

1. Sending a legal notice/demand letter.

2. Filing a claim in small claims court or civil court, depending on the amount.

3. Presenting your case with contracts, invoices, and communication records.

4. The court may issue a judgment ordering the debtor to pay.
   In some cases, enforcement measures like wage garnishment or asset seizure can be used.

How to file a claim for unpaid debt?

To file a claim for unpaid debt:

• Gather evidence (contract, invoice, proof of delivery, communication records).

• Send a final demand letter before filing.

• Submit your claim to the appropriate court (small claims for smaller amounts).

• Attend the hearing and present your evidence.
  A court judgment in your favor makes the debt legally enforceable.

How to take someone to court for unpaid loan/debt?

To take legal action for an unpaid loan:

1. Send a demand letter outlining the debt and final deadline.

2. File a lawsuit in civil or small claims court, depending on the debt size.

3. Provide evidence such as contracts, bank transfers, and correspondence.

4. If you win, the court may order repayment or enforce collections.
   Always seek legal advice before initiating court action.

Debt recovery through small claims court

Small claims court is a cost-effective way to recover unpaid debts without hiring expensive lawyers. It’s ideal for smaller debts (limits vary by jurisdiction). You’ll need to file a claim, attend a hearing, and present evidence. If the court rules in your favor, the debtor is legally obligated to pay.

How toSend legal notice for unpaid debt?

A legal notice is a formal letter sent to the debtor before filing a case in court. It includes:

• Details of the debt.

• Payment deadline.

• Consequences of non-payment (court action).
  Sending a legal notice often motivates customers to settle debts quickly without litigation.

Send demand letter for unpaid invoice

A demand letter is the first legal step in debt recovery. It should include:

• Invoice details (amount, due date, services/products provided).

• A final deadline for payment.

• A warning that legal action will follow if ignored.
  Well-written demand letters show professionalism and often lead to faster payments.

Small claims court for debt collection

Small claims court is designed to handle debt collection disputes quickly and affordably. You don’t always need a lawyer, and the process is straightforward. Filing fees are low, and judgments are enforceable, making it a practical option for recovering unpaid invoices.

Legal way to collect bad debt

The legal way to collect bad debt includes sending a demand letter, filing a claim in small claims or civil court, and obtaining a court judgment. You can then enforce the judgment through wage garnishment, bank account seizure, or property liens. Always document everything and follow local debt collection laws.

How to handle non-paying customers?

To handle non-paying customers:

• Stay calm and professional.

• Send reminder notices and follow-up calls.

• Issue a final demand letter if they continue ignoring invoices.

• Offer settlement or payment plans where possible.

• If they still refuse, use debt recovery agencies or legal action.
  Balancing firmness with professionalism helps recover payment while protecting your business image.