Debt collectors can be a pain in the butt, we all know that.  If you’re the unfortunate one that has had to deal with them, it seems like they are bugging you around the clock.  When it seems like there’s no end in sight, I have a few tips you can use when you’re looking to negotiate with debt collectors.

Stay calm – Never let a collector know you’re falling apart.  This means that you should keep your cool at all time.  Don’t cry or whine to the collector.  Instead, make it sound like you’re going to pay the debt collector back.  If it sounds like you’re going to fall apart, you’re going to lose focus on the whole situation.

Get little details – The collector needs to know nothing about you.  Don’t let them know where you work, where you hang out, how much you owe to others, etc.  They are a stranger to you and keep it that way.  If you tell them some of these personal things, they are just going to bug you more.

Try and tape the conversation – Let the debt collector know that you’re going to record for your own personal record.  If they don’t like it, too bad!  Tell them to hang up and they can call back when they are willing to let you record.  They are the ones calling you.  This not only great to keep them in line, it’s great for your own record as well for more evidence if you need it.

Keep it simple – Don’t tell them your life story on how you can’t pay your bill, they don’t care.  Instead tell them that you can’t pay and keep it at that.  If they want more details, tell them that this is all they need to know.

Get everything in writing – When you finally reach a deal with the debt collectors, you’re going to want to get everything in writing.  This way, if something does happen in the long haul, you’ll have the physical evidence to show them that you agreed on a term.

Negotiate at the end of the month – According to MSN.com and some collector insiders, debt collectors work on commissions and when they want to pad their paycheck, they are willing to do just about anything toward the end of the month.  What does this mean for you?  If you negotiate at the end of the month, you’ll be able to most likely get the best deal as compared to the beginning of the month.

Every debt collection agency varies with their own company policy, etc.  Make sure you try and follow some of these pointers because it will help you when you’re looking to get a better deal on your debt.  You don’t need to pay your debt back in full!  There are always ways to cut it in half.  Work hard, treat it like a job and you’ll slowly see your debt float away.