Published 2026-10-06 · 6 min
Collect debts yourself or outsource? An honest comparison for businesses (Netherlands 2026)
For most SMEs and freelancers with Dutch debtors, collecting yourself is the cheapest and fastest route as long as the claim is undisputed and the customer is reachable. You remain the creditor, keep the statutory collection costs and interest, and protect the relationship. Outsourcing makes sense when the customer disputes the invoice, cannot be reached, is abroad, or when you are heading to court and a bailiff.
Why the choice matters more in 2026
The statutory collection costs you are entitled to compensate your loss. Whether they end up with you or with an agency depends on the route you choose.
Since 1 October 2026 the last part of the Dutch Debt Collection Services Quality Act (Wki) applies: if an agency collecting from individuals, sole traders or partners is not listed in the Justis register, the debtor owes no collection costs or interest. The principal remains due. Collecting your own invoices falls outside the Wki.
What self-collection means
You send reminders, the demand letter and – for consumers – the mandatory 14-day letter yourself, calculate interest and costs, and agree payment plans. You have the same statutory rights as an agency: an agency has no extra legal powers, and only a court bailiff can seize assets, after a judgment.
What an agency costs
- Consumers: the agency usually charges the statutory (WIK) costs to the debtor and keeps them as its fee.
- Businesses: a percentage of the amount collected, a fixed fee per file or a subscription. Check what applies to payment plans, disputes and withdrawals.
Worked example: a €2,500 invoice paid 60 days late
| Item | Self-collection | Outsourced (often) |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | €2,500.00 | €2,500.00 |
| Collection costs per WIK scale (15%) | €375.00 to you | Usually to the agency |
| Commercial interest 10.4% for 60 days | €42.74 to you | Depends on terms |
| You receive | €2,917.74 | Often €2,500 at most |
For business debtors the WIK scale is a common guideline, not a binding rule; the statutory minimum is €40 and your terms may differ. For consumers the statutory rate is 4% (2026) and costs apply only after a valid 14-day letter.
When to collect yourself – and when to outsource
Collect yourself when the claim is clear and undisputed, you want to keep the customer, invoices are small, or you have software running the process. Outsource or get legal help when:
- The customer disputes the invoice on substance.
- The customer cannot be reached or has disappeared.
- The debtor is abroad.
- You are going to court (summons, judgment, seizure via a bailiff).
- The debtor is bankrupt: file your claim with the trustee.
The five most common self-collection mistakes
- Waiting too long to send reminders.
- Sending an invalid 14-day letter to consumers or sole traders.
- Using the wrong rate: 10.4% commercial vs 4% consumer.
- Charging consumers more than the WIK scale allows.
- Not building a file you can later use in court.
The third option: automated self-collection
With software you keep control, the relationship and the collection costs while the process runs automatically. Credimigo sends reminders on time, generates correctly worded letters, calculates applicable interest and costs, and builds a complete file. You stay the creditor: Credimigo is software, not a collection agency, and payments go straight to you.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge collection costs myself without an agency?
Yes. As the creditor you are entitled to extrajudicial collection costs. For Dutch consumers and sole traders you must first send a valid 14-day letter.
What changed on 1 October 2026?
If a collection service provider is not registered with Justis, the debtor owes no collection costs or accruing interest. The principal remains due.
Does self-collection fall under the Wki?
No. The Wki covers parties collecting on behalf of others or that bought claims, not creditors collecting their own invoices.
Can a collection agency seize assets?
No. Only a court bailiff can, after a judgment.
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