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No one likes to think it will happen to them, but when you run your own business it is only a matter of time before it does; someone will write you a rubber check. Disputably the most economical and time efficient way to collect on your worthless check is to submit it to a collection agency. There are many collection agencies out there, and their fees range from agency to agency. Most collection agencies do not charge anything to process bad checks. They usually give you the full amount of the check plus your bank fee. Of course, the agency charges the writer of the worthless check a hefty service fee (usually between $20 and $35), and that is where they make their money. However, you usually have to sign some sort of contract, which outlines the services they promise to provide and explains their fees. Sometimes these contracts or service agreements may require you to sign for an indefinite period of time or require that all of your bad checks be sent directly to the collection agency from the bank, rather than from you. According to Jean Plale of the Department of Financial Institutions in Madison, WI, these policies are certainly permissible and not uncommon. However, collection agencies are required to return all of your bad check accounts upon your request within 30 days, except those accounts which have already begun the collecting process. Jean went further in saying that in the end, it is you who are the customer. Collection agency policies vary from agency to agency, so if you are uncomfortable with the arrangements of one agency, shop around! For more information about collection agencies visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website at www.wdfi.org. | 
