The right debt collection partner turns aging receivables into recovered revenue instead of write-offs. For Denver businesses dealing with unpaid B2B invoices, the options range from nationally recognized commercial agencies to specialized firms with decades of local and industry-specific experience.
We compare the top three debt collection agencies serving Denver—Southwest Recovery Services, The Kaplan Group, and Empire Credit and Collections—analyzing fees, specialization, compliance, and transparency. We also cover commercial collection costs, expected contingency rates, and decision criteria beyond price.
|
Southwest Recovery Services: Get Your Money Back 20+ Years Experience | Texas-Based | Contingency Only – You Pay When We Collect
Built for Commercial Collections:
The Southwest Recovery Difference: ✓ Contingency only – no upfront costs ✓ Veteran collectors with respectful omnichannel outreach ✓ Priority sectors: trucking, logistics, contractors, oil & gas ✓ Clear reporting on account status and outcomes Trust & Results You Need: Nationally recognized ethical collections agency with 12 offices across six states. Compliance-first approach with no threats or guarantees. |

Southwest Recovery Services specializes in B2B invoice recovery for companies with $10M–$100M in revenue. With over 20 years of experience and 12 offices across seven states, we serve Denver businesses on a contingency-only basis—you pay nothing unless we collect.
Our approach combines veteran collectors and AI-guided tracking across phone, email, text, and mail channels. We focus heavily on industries like trucking, logistics, contractors, and oil and gas, though we serve all commercial sectors. Our compliance-first model ensures respectful, omnichannel outreach that recovers funds without damaging your business relationships.
Business clients frequently praise our persistence and professionalism. Reviewers highlight our staff’s long-term dedication to accounts and respectful communication. Clients also value the transparency of our portal for tracking account activity.

The Kaplan Group is a B2B-focused commercial collection agency founded in 1991 and based in California, serving Denver businesses nationwide. They specialize in large claims, typically with average claim sizes exceeding $10,000. Their collectors have significant executive-level negotiation experience. The Kaplan Group operates on a contingency basis with rates typically ranging from 10% to 50% depending on claim size, and maintains an in-house law firm for pre-litigation support.
Business clients describe the onboarding process as smooth and collections as efficient. Several reviewers mention strong email communication and clear fee structures. The agency handles complex claims, though its focus on larger debts may not suit businesses with smaller outstanding balances.

Empire Credit and Collections has been operating for over 40 years, serving Denver and Colorado businesses with commercial, medical, and consumer debt recovery. They utilize a network of more than 400 affiliate attorneys and agencies nationwide and employ multilingual collectors with international capabilities.
Empire works on a no-recovery, no-fee basis with contingency rates depending on account volume and complexity. Their process follows a structured three-phase approach: initial demand letters and collector outreach (Phase 1), escalation to affiliate attorneys (Phase 2), and litigation (Phase 3) when necessary. Empire also uses machine learning algorithms to analyze debtor behavior, helping prioritize accounts with the highest recovery likelihood.
Business clients cite Empire Credit and Collections for resolving account issues. Reviewers mention the team’s responsiveness and willingness to navigate complex cases.

Most Denver commercial agencies use a contingency fee model: you pay a percentage of recovered funds and owe nothing if we fail to collect. Contingency rates across the industry generally range from 10–25%, depending on factors like the age of the debt, the balance size, account volume, and industry type.
For B2B commercial collections, rates tend to fall on the lower end of that spectrum. At Southwest Recovery Services, for example, we operate within a 10–25% contingency range, which is competitive for the commercial space. The Kaplan Group advertises a similar 10–25% range for qualifying claims. Factors that push contingency rates higher include debts older than one year, smaller individual balances, and cases requiring legal action.
Some agencies also offer flat-fee models, charging a fixed fee per account regardless of the outcome. While this provides cost predictability, it removes the agency’s financial incentive to maximize recovery, an important consideration when significant revenue is at stake. For most Denver businesses dealing with substantial B2B receivables, contingency-based agencies tend to deliver better alignment of interests.

Selecting a debt collection partner involves more than comparing costs. Denver businesses must weigh several dimensions that directly impact recovery outcomes and brand reputation.
First, consider industry expertise. Agencies that know your sector navigate debtor relationships more effectively. Experience in your industry helps protect partnerships you want to maintain.
Second, assess the agency’s compliance infrastructure. Colorado enforces the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act alongside federal FDCPA requirements. Documented protocols, trained staff, and a clean regulatory record protect your business from potential liability.
Third, look at reporting and transparency. The best agencies provide real-time account updates, clear documentation of collection activities, and accessible client portals. This keeps you informed and enables better decision-making about your receivables.
Finally, prioritize the recovery track record over the lowest fee. An agency that charges a slightly higher contingency rate but recovers a substantially larger portion of your debt will net you more money than a discount agency with poor results.
| Company | Southwest Recovery Services | The Kaplan Group | Empire Credit and Collections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 20+ | 35+ | 40+ |
| Specialization | B2B commercial collections | B2B large claims ($10K+) | Commercial, consumer, medical |
| Fee Model | Contingency only | Contingency only | Contingency only |
| Offices | 12 offices across 7 states | California-based, nationwide service | New York-based, nationwide service |
| Key Strengths | AI-guided tracking, omnichannel outreach, and relationship preservation | In-house law firm, highly credentialed collectors | 400+ attorney/agency network, multilingual staff |
| Industry Focus | Trucking, logistics, contractors, oil & gas | General B2B | General commercial and consumer |

Southwest Recovery Services operates on one principle: recover your money while protecting your business relationships. For Denver companies dealing with unpaid B2B invoices, that balance makes all the difference.
Our contingency-only model means there are no upfront fees, retainers, or hidden charges. You pay us only when we successfully collect. With contingency rates between 10% and 25%, our pricing is among the most competitive in the commercial collections space.
Our proactive account management distinguishes us from competitors. Our AI-guided software tracks every promise to pay across phone, email, text, and mail, ensuring no account goes unattended. Our veteran collectors are trained in respectful, professional outreach that treats debtors with dignity, because your reputation depends on how your collection partner behaves on your behalf.
We serve priority sectors including trucking, logistics, contractors, and oil and gas, though our 20+ years of experience span nearly every commercial industry. With 12 offices across seven states and a compliance-first philosophy, we deliver transparent, ethical, and results-driven collections for Denver businesses ready to recover what they are owed.
Most agencies begin contact within days of account placement. For accounts 90 days or more past due, initial results typically appear within 30–45 days. Older debts may require longer timelines depending on the debtor’s responsiveness and complexity.
Industries with high-value B2B invoices and extended payment cycles benefit the most. This includes construction, oil and gas, trucking, logistics, and professional services. These sectors often involve complex debtor relationships, where professional collectors can recover funds more effectively than internal teams while preserving ongoing business partnerships.
Reputable agencies work as an extension of your business, maintaining professional communication that preserves your client relationships. You typically retain the ability to set boundaries on how your accounts are handled.
Yes. Most commercial collection agencies operate nationwide. Agencies like Southwest Recovery Services maintain multiple office locations and comply with collection laws in all states where they operate.
Southwest Recovery Services combines AI-guided tracking, omnichannel outreach, and daily founder involvement with a strict contingency-only model to provide efficient collection services. Our 20+ years of experience and compliance-first approach make us a trusted partner for B2B debt recovery across Denver and nationwide.
*Note: Recovery rates mentioned are for general reference only and not guaranteed. Actual results vary by account and industry. Contact Southwest Recovery Services for a customized quote.
We make it fast and easy to refer past due and delinquent accounts to our professional recovery agents. You decide the range on what you will accept on each case, and you ONLY pay a percentage of what we actually collect to resolve the case. Ready to get started, or want to learn more? Fill out this form and a dedicate account manager will call you to get started.