Straightforward matters often resolve in 2–6 weeks at demand and negotiation stage. Legal escalation adds time depending on court lists and debtor response.
Debt Collection Melbourne | No Collection, No Charge
A 60-day overdue invoice is already costing you more than its face value, in chased hours, delayed supplier payments and the relationship you're trying to protect. eCollect runs recovery and our in-house law firm, E C Legal, from the same Bourke Street floor, so escalation doesn't mean handing your file to a stranger. No collection, no fee. You know the model works in your favour before you've spent a cent.
The Recovery Process
A statutory demand works when the debtor has assets or reputation to protect, since the 21-day deadline creates real pressure. Against a shell company, it's filing fees with no upside. We tell you which one you've got before recommending a path.
Debts We Recover
We cover all of Victoria, every Australian state, and New Zealand, backed by our wider debt collectors Australia network. Locally, that includes our debt collectors Sydney and debt collectors Brisbane teams.
What It Costs
No upfront cost, no membership, no monthly minimums. We charge commission only on money recovered. If a matter escalates to E C Legal, legal costs are quoted in writing before any work starts, so you decide on the next step with real numbers, not a surprise bill. The free appraisal is exactly that: free.
Why Melbourne Businesses Choose eCollect
20+ years operating. Over $120M recovered across 10,000+ clients (self-reported)
In-house law firm. Our legal escalation team, E C Legal, handles statutory demands, proceedings and enforcement, with nothing outsourced.
Dedicated account manager. Industry-specific, not a call centre rotation
24/7 portal. Upload debts, track every action, see the file live
Fully licensed. Commercial Agent licences, Australian Credit Licence, AFCA membership, ISO9001, trust account, PI and fidelity insurance
Recovering Debt Under Victorian Law
VCAT handles certain consumer and trader disputes within set monetary thresholds. The Magistrates' Court handles civil debt claims up to its cap, with County and Supreme Courts taking larger matters. Court limits and filing requirements change over time and should be checked before filing.
Statutory demands under the Corporations Act are separate: company debtors only, a 21-day response window, and a presumption of insolvency if ignored. Effective against a debtor with something to lose, pointless against an empty shell.
Personal guarantees change the calculus too. Most businesses chase the company and stop. With a guarantee, you can pursue the director personally, which matters when the company is asset-light or winding down. That's where corporate debt recovery against directors does the real work.
When to Push, Settle, or Write Off
Not every debt is worth chasing, and we'll say so when it isn't.
Twenty hours of staff time chasing a $5,000 invoice often costs more than writing it off, once you count the billable work it displaced. A statutory demand is only as strong as the debtor's balance sheet; we check before recommending one. In cross-border matters, enforcement is the real wall, not the judgment; an early settlement at a haircut usually beats a year of international enforcement. If a debtor threatens your reputation to dodge payment, calling the bluff almost always works; the threat only succeeds on businesses that don't push back.
Frequently asked questions
A letter of demand is a formal payment request for any debt. A statutory demand is a Corporations Act instrument against company debtors only, with a 21-day window and a presumption of insolvency if ignored.
Yes, across Australia and New Zealand. NSW matters run through our Sydney office; international matters are assessed for enforcement viability first.
Invoices, statements and correspondence usually establish the debt. A signed contract or terms of trade strengthens the file, especially with a guarantee or interest clause.
A genuine dispute changes the strategy; we assess substance and decide whether negotiation, tribunal or court fits. A stall tactic gets handled differently to a real dispute.
None for standard recovery. Commission only on success. Legal escalation costs are quoted in writing first.
VCAT is a tribunal with set limits, generally faster and less formal. The Magistrates' Court handles civil claims within its cap. The right forum depends on debt size, parties and dispute nature.
Trusted in Australia, New Zealand & Beyond
Melbourne
03 8611 2600
Level 9, 461 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Sydney
02 9191 9699
Level 6, 115 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
Brisbane
07 3123 4031
Level 38/71 Eagle Street Brisbane QLD 4000
Auckland
+64 9 951 8000
27E/16 Gore Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
UK - eRecoveries
erecoveries.co.uk
Our eRecoveries service based in UK applying high-end technology to cover the full receivables management process for you
Your Partners in Recovery
eCollect
Our core debt recovery and collection service, operating across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland.
E C Legal
Specialist legal support for debt and credit matters, based in Australia.
eclegal.com.aueReceivables
Designed for Australian receivables management and credit operations, uniting intelligent software with real operational expertise.
ereceivables.com.aueRecoveries
Expanding our debt recovery expertise across the United Kingdom market, supported by advanced systems, industry trained specialists and a proven no-recovery, no-charge model.
erecoveries.co.uk