Shining a Light on Debt Recovery: Dispelling Misconceptions

In recent social media conversations—particularly on platforms like TikTok—many myths swirl around what debt recovery agencies do. Comments on a recent McVicar Collections video captured common misunderstandings: people believe agencies mostly chase rent, bills, tax, or parking fines, or that debt collectors are immoral. Let's set the record straight.

1. Myth: Debt Recovery Agencies Only Chase Household Debts

One commenter wrote, “People are struggling to pay their taxes, the cheek to go after these people.” This is a common mistake, but not true for McVicar Collections. Our main clients are small businesses and sole traders, hard-working people delivering services or goods who, unfortunately, haven’t been paid.

These businesses may provide:

• Trades or maintenance services

• Consultancy or creative work

• Wholesale goods

• Specialized business-to-business services

They complete the work, expect payment, and when funds don’t arrive, they turn to us; not chasing domestic debts like parking tickets or tax liabilities. Our mission is to recover commercial debts, supporting livelihoods and local economies.

2. Myth: Debt Collectors Are Immoral or Predatory

Another commenter observed: “Debt recovery feels like bullying.” Yet, that perception is often fostered by sensational media depicting aggressive tactics. The reality is:

• We act within legal frameworks, including UK regulations like the Consumer Credit Act and FCA guidelines. In most cases, debts McVicar encounter are business debts which sit outside FCA guidelines. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t chase debs in a professional manner as expected of these organisations.

• We approach every case with professionalism, respect, and empathy.

• We’re often the practical bridge that helps businesses and debtors find a compromise.

We challenge the notion that all collectors use intimidation or threats, emphasising instead regulatory compliance and ethical communication. McVicar Debt Collections believe in helping both parties reach fair outcomes, not bullying anyone into submission. Our teams make consistent contact but ensure communication is productive and outcome orientated.

Why We Exist: Supporting Small Businesses and Sole Traders

Let’s start by clarifying McVicar's core purpose:

1. Businesses deliver a product; services, goods, expertise. They invest time, effort, and resources.

2. When clients delay payment, it has cascading consequences; cash flow shortages, tax implications, mileage on personal guarantees, and damaged credit profiles.

3. McVicar Debt Collection steps in to represent these rightful creditors, pursuing what they’ve earned, to keep their business engines running.

Contrary to popular belief, debt recovery isn’t about profit, it’s about preserving justice for individuals who’ve already done the hard work. Put yourself in the shoes of a McVicar client. A good case study is an average tradesperson. A joiner has completed work on a couple of projects. One client has had new windows on their whole house, another has had a new kitchen fitted by them. Both projects require the joiner to front the costs of materials up front. This could go into the tens of thousands depending on scope. If both of these clients delay payment after the project completion, or worse, just keep avoiding payment altogether, the tradesperson will be considerably out of pocket. We do not believe it fair for them to have to write these off. They have done the work, in good faith. They deserve payment.

Good Debt Agencies vs. Bad Stereotypes

Media tropes often paint collectors as sinister. We're viewed as large men dressed in black, with stab vests, bodycams, folded arms, zero empathy and a short temper. This is not the case. In truth, reputable agencies like McVicar adhere to:

• Clear, regulated communication: no early morning calls; no threats to take someone to court without legitimate cause or after exhausting all attempts at finding a solution through mediation. Both parties suffer should the matter escalate to court. We aim to resolve the matter well before.

• Transparency of process: explaining each step, the debtor’s rights, and available remedies. We seek to let debtors know we aim to resolve the matter before requiring messy and lengthy court proceedings.

• Focus on resolution, not punishment—helping debtors avoid escalation, court action, or other consequences. Payment is not punishment; it is part of process of resolution. Good debt collection agencies offer solutions, such as repayment plans tailored to debtor circumstances. We always prefer to get the debt paid at once. But we (and often the creditor) want to see payments being made over none. The benefit of payment plans is a guarantee that over time, the money is being repaid.

The Reality: Service-Oriented, Not Predatory

The work of McVicar Debt Collection is:

• Customer-focused: we treat debtors with dignity, understand their situations, and offer solutions. We encourage payment and communicate with clients to keep them fully informed.

• Legally sound: we don't act independently without an original, legitimate contract, documentation or strong supporting evidence.

• Ethical: we’re transparent, driven by professional standards. Rather than aggressive pressure tactics, we provide firm but fair communication. Debtors know where they stand, what rights they have and the consequences of non payment. They also know we are reasonable to speak to and are looking to help mediate the matter.

One commenter on Trustpilot expressed gratitude, saying: “I had an excellent experience with McVicar; they listened to my cause and were flexible to cater to my needs, even though it contravened my contract”. That speaks louder than any negative stereotype.

Bridging the Gap: Helping Both Sides

McVicar debt collection are a preventative step in the process of resolving a debt. Usually after the initial debt has fallen due and often before escalating the matter to court. When we usually step in:

1. Businesses regain their cash flow, enabling them to pay staff, invest, or expand.

2. Debtors gain clarity; we explain the debt, amount, and offer options to settle.

3. We often avoid court, aiming for an agreement beneficial to all — saving time and expense.

4. If court is unavoidable, we pursue it lawfully, and only as a last resort.

The public image of debt recovery is often very negative. This comes from several factors which fuel misunderstandings:

• Media Bias: News and entertainment exaggerate conflict around debt collection, particularly reality television shows like can’t pay? We’ll take it away.

• Consumer Debt Focus: Many people only see agencies chasing parking fines or consumer arrears.

• Lack of Transparency: Companies may avoid publicising recovery—not wanting to appear aggressive.

McVicar is changing that—sharing real-world insights to show how we genuinely support small businesses, not villains.

Let’s Talk

If you're a small business or sole trader with unpaid invoices, or if you're a debtor who wants a fair resolution, McVicar Collections is here to help. We strike a balance—recovering what's owed, preserving relationships, and promoting financial fairness.

➡️ Contact us today for a transparent conversation about your case. Together, we can clear misunderstandings and work toward an outcome that respects everyone involved.