Every business owner looks forward to the "sale of a lifetime". When the big order hits, extraordinarily large quantities or raw materials may be needed. Over-time, to fill the order may be required special or extra packing materials, containers and other things ... all of which add unplanned expense.

After the goods are manufactured or acquired and are shipped, invoiced, delivered, and accepted, what happens if the related receivables cannot be collected on time, or, worse yet what happens if they become a real collection problem? Because of cash flow circumstances, it may be impossible to pay the related payables to suppliers, vendors, transportation companies and others on time. Consequently, trade credit may be curtailed or withdrawn, relations may become strained, and as things get worse, collection agencies may be hired and even litigation may be threatened or started.

All may not be lost. Even under extremely strained relations, a trained professional mediator may be brought in and successfully negotiate and settle the various claims. All involved parties salvage something, over-all collection cost is reduced, and in many cases, the debtor and creditor companies continue to trade with each other.

The price for this service typically is a percentage of the amount by which the debt(s) is reduced. Since the work is taken on a contigency fee basis (plus a small retainer fee to cover initial expenses), if there is no settlement, there is no fee. So, the mediator has it in his or her best interest to negotiate the best possible settlement for both parties. Make sure your initial consultation is free.

Also, the non-refundable retainer can be used as a credit against any contigency fees paid to the mediator. Settlements of from 30% to 70% of the amount of the amount of the debt(s) are usually possible. Best of all, the cost of litigation is avoided.