How a debt referral works
Walk through the referral from first conversation to recovered funds, step by step.
What this play helps you do
- Understand each stage of the referral from submission to outcome
- Know what the adviser does and what Merion handles
- See how commission-only pricing keeps the process risk-free for clients
- Be able to explain the journey confidently to a client
- Recognise where your involvement is needed and where it is not
6 min
How it works
A debt referral follows a simple, predictable path. As the adviser, you start it and stay informed — Merion does the recovery work.
- You flag the debt. With the client's agreement, you submit the basics through the refer a debt form.
- Merion reviews and contacts the debtor. A specialist makes professional contact on the creditor's behalf to seek payment or arrange terms.
- Funds are recovered. The debtor pays, and the recovered amount is remitted to your client.
- You stay in the loop. Merion keeps you updated so you can reassure your client at each stage.
What Merion needs
To start, Merion needs only the essentials: the creditor (your client) and debtor details, the amount owed, copies of the unpaid invoices, and any record of contact already made. The more complete the paperwork, the faster the first contact can go out.
You do not need to chase missing documents to perfection — Merion will tell you if anything material is missing. The aim is a clean starting position, not a forensic file.
What to tell the client
Clients want to know three things: what it costs, who does the work, and whether it puts the relationship at risk. The answers are reassuring on all three.
- Cost: Merion works commission-only — no recovery, no fee. The client pays nothing up front.
- Effort: Merion handles the contact, follow-up and negotiation. The client's team stops chasing.
- Tone: Recovery is firm but professional, protecting the client's commercial reputation.
What happens next
Most matters resolve once a specialist makes contact — many debtors simply prioritise an account once a recovery firm is involved. Where a debtor needs time, Merion can negotiate a payment arrangement. You receive updates throughout, and the recovered funds flow to your client.
If you want to test the process on a single account first, a free debt appraisal is a low-stakes way to see how Merion handles a matter.
Key takeaways
- The path is simple: flag, review, contact, recover, report.
- You start and monitor; Merion does the recovery legwork.
- Commission-only pricing means the client carries no upfront cost.
FAQ
How long does a typical referral take to resolve?
It varies with the debtor's circumstances, but many commercial matters move quickly once a specialist makes professional contact. Merion keeps you posted on progress throughout.
Do I have to manage the recovery once I refer?
No. Your job is to flag the debt and keep your client reassured. Merion handles contact, negotiation and follow-up.
What happens if the debt cannot be recovered?
Because the arrangement is commission-only, there is no fee where nothing is collected. Merion will give you and the client an honest read on the prospects.
Run the play — we'll handle recovery
Commission-only recovery your clients can trust. No recovery, no fee.