Distinguish intention from a practical commitment
A debtor may say the balance is not disputed and payment will be made “as soon as possible”, but an open phrase cannot anchor follow-up. Ask what amount will be paid, on what date, by which method and who will arrange the transfer. Do not add terms the debtor did not state, and retain the original wording in the claim record.
Send written confirmation after a call
If the promise was made by phone, send a message summarising your understanding: the balance, proposed date and any first payment. Ask the debtor to confirm or correct the details. This reduces disagreement about the conversation and gives your team one follow-up point, but it does not by itself determine the promise’s legal effect.
Request a proposal that can be performed
Rather than only asking “when will you pay?”, request a specific date or realistic schedule. If full payment is not possible, ask for a proposal stating each amount and date. For instalments, review what to check before accepting a payment plan, and do not treat a proposal as accepted until it has been reviewed clearly.
Do not let the promise automatically stop follow-up
Set a short date to verify performance and record the next step if payment is not made. Repeated general statements without a transfer or new date indicate that the approach needs reassessment. If the delay is linked to money expected from the debtor’s customer, see how to handle a promise dependent on a third-party payment.
A practical follow-up message
“Thank you for confirming your intention to pay the outstanding balance of [amount]. To keep the file clear, please state the proposed payment amount and transfer date. If payment will be made in instalments, please send a schedule showing each amount and date for review.” Use accurate data and do not describe an intention as a final agreement.
When should you request a claim assessment?
Request an assessment if promises recur without a date, a proposed date passes, amounts change on every follow-up, or the debtor stops responding. Prepare the balance statement, invoices, correspondence and promise record using the claim document checklist. THIQA specialises in debt collection and receivables recovery inside Oman. Creditors outside Oman may request assistance against a company or individual inside Oman. Request an assessment and send the latest promise and outstanding balance.
General information, not legal advice or a guarantee of recovery. The appropriate course depends on the claim records and circumstances.