A direct and cost-effective approach to unpaid debts, from initial assessment and formal demand through to personal service and practical escalation support.

Australian Commercial Investigators provides professional debt recovery services throughout Australia for businesses and private clients. We regularly assist small businesses and sole traders seeking decisive action on unpaid invoices, as well as private clients pursuing other outstanding debts. Each matter is assessed individually, taking into account the available records, previous communication, debtor information and the amount being pursued.

Depending on the circumstances, our service may include preparation of a formal letter of demand based on information supplied by the client, debtor location or address verification, personal service of the demand and clear reporting following attendance. Where the debtor’s location is known but their broader financial position remains uncertain, ACI can also undertake an asset investigation to identify available property, business, corporate and insolvency indicators before further recovery or enforcement expenditure is committed. Any response received from the debtor can be promptly communicated to the client so that an informed decision can be made about the next step.

Personal attendance by a licensed field agent gives a formal demand considerably greater practical impact than an email or standard letter. Direct service confirms that the document has reached the debtor or an appropriate recipient and makes it clear that the creditor has moved beyond routine reminders and is actively pursuing the outstanding amount. Every attendance is handled professionally and discreetly, with the outcome clearly documented and reported to the client.

Where payment is not made, ACI can provide practical support with the next stage. This may include serving QCAT, tribunal or court documents and, where filing-ready material has been prepared by the client or their solicitor, attending the relevant registry for court filing. This creates a clear pathway from the initial demand through to formal escalation, while allowing the client to retain control of the matter and any money recovered.

Each letter of demand is prepared using the information and supporting records supplied by the client. The document clearly outlines the debt, the amount being pursued, the basis of the claim and the date by which payment or a response is required.

• Creditor and debtor details
• Amount outstanding
• Relevant invoices or agreements
• Previous payment requests
• Required payment date
• Client nominated payment instructions
• Intended next steps if the matter remains unresolved

Accurate information is essential before a demand can be personally served. ACI reviews the available debtor details and can undertake address verification or skip tracing services where the debtor has moved, stopped responding or cannot be located using the information already available.

• Identity and contact detail checks
• Residential address verification
• Business and workplace enquiries
• ABN and company information
• Historical address research
• Further location enquiries where required

ACI draws on its professional process serving capability to arrange direct attendance by a licensed field agent. The demand is delivered to the debtor or an appropriate recipient wherever practicable, with the outcome clearly documented and reported.

• Attendance at residential or business addresses
• Professional and discreet personal delivery
• Date, time and location recorded
• Recipient details documented
• Relevant responses or observations noted
• Written report provided to the client

Every debt recovery matter follows a clear process, beginning with a review of the available information and continuing through demand preparation, personal service and reporting. The service is tailored to the debt, the debtor’s circumstances and the outcome the client is seeking.

We review the creditor and debtor details, the amount being pursued and the information supplied about how the debt arose. Supporting material may include invoices, agreements, account statements and previous correspondence. We also confirm the debtor’s known address and the client’s instructions before work begins.

ACI prepares a formal letter of demand using the information and supporting records supplied by the client. The demand identifies the outstanding amount, the required payment date, the client’s nominated payment instructions and the intended next step if payment is not made. The document is provided to the client for approval before service.

A licensed field agent attends the nominated residential or business address and attempts to deliver the demand directly to the debtor or an appropriate recipient. Relevant recipient details, responses and observations are recorded to provide a clear account of the attendance.

Following attendance, the client receives a written report confirming the outcome, together with any relevant response received from the debtor. Payment is made directly to the client. If the debt remains unresolved, further document service or the service of QCAT, tribunal or court documents can be arranged where appropriate.

Below are answers to common questions about ACI’s fixed fee debt recovery services, letters of demand, personal service and what happens when a debt remains unpaid.

What does ACI’s debt recovery service include?

The service can include reviewing the information supplied by the client, preparing a formal letter of demand, verifying the debtor’s address, arranging personal service and providing a written report. The exact scope is confirmed before work begins and can be tailored to the circumstances of the debt.

Who can use ACI’s debt recovery services?

ACI assists small businesses, sole traders, commercial organisations and private clients pursuing unpaid invoices or other outstanding debts. The service is particularly suitable where reminders have been ignored and the creditor wants to take a more formal step before commencing legal proceedings.

What information do I need to provide?

Clients should provide the creditor and debtor details, the amount outstanding, an explanation of how the debt arose and any available supporting records. These may include invoices, agreements, account statements, emails and previous requests for payment. Accurate information helps ensure the demand clearly reflects the client’s claim.

Is the letter of demand personally served?

Personal service can be arranged by a licensed field agent at the debtor’s residential or business address. Direct attendance confirms the delivery outcome and gives the demand greater practical impact than an ordinary email or posted letter. The client receives a written report following attendance.

What if I do not know the debtor’s current address?

ACI can undertake address verification or skip tracing enquiries before arranging service. Available identity details, historical addresses, business information and other lawful investigative sources may be examined to identify a current or probable location.

Can ACI assist with debt recovery anywhere in Australia?

Yes. ACI provides debt recovery services for matters throughout Australia. Letter of demand preparation can be completed from our Sunshine Coast office, with personal service arranged according to the debtor’s location and the requirements of the matter.

Does ACI charge a percentage of the money recovered?

No. ACI charges an agreed service fee and does not deduct a recovery commission from any payment received. The debtor pays the client directly, and ACI does not receive or hold recovered funds. This allows the client to retain control of the debt and the full amount paid.

What happens if the debtor does not pay?

The client will have a formally issued demand and a documented service outcome to assist with deciding the next step. Further action may include additional correspondence, negotiations conducted directly by the client, legal advice or commencement of the relevant QCAT, tribunal or court process. ACI can also arrange service of any subsequent documents.

Does ACI guarantee that the debt will be paid?

No debt recovery service can guarantee payment. The outcome will depend on factors including whether the debt is disputed, the debtor’s financial position and their willingness to respond. ACI provides a professional and accountable recovery process designed to encourage action and give the client clear information for any further escalation.

Does ACI provide legal advice or court representation?

ACI provides debt recovery support, investigative enquiries, demand preparation, personal service and reporting. We do not provide legal advice or represent clients in court. Where legal advice or representation is required, the client should engage a qualified solicitor.