Collecting with the Upside-Down Letter

This format collects money. Try it.

MR SMITH, YOU MUST ADMIT...

...that we have been most patient with you. We have written and phoned about your past-due balance of $567.89.

You have made excuses and you have made promises. But no check has been received.

Your credit with us no longer exists. But should, and it can. Clear the matter today. Mail your check in full.

When you do mail that check, your credit will again be in order. So, we look forward to receiving the check and (more important) serving you again.

Jill Q. Jones
MR JOHN SMITH
123 4TH STREET, GIZMO, ILLINOIS. 99999

The worst reaction for not trying a different approach is: "We never did it that way before." Or how about: "They'll never go for it."