No cure no pay incasso means that the opdrachtgever pays the collection provider only when the provider achieves the agreed result. That can reduce the upfront risk, but it does not automatically mean that every dossier is free or that court action is included.
The exact conditions matter more than the label. Read what happens when the debtor disputes the invoice, pays you directly, starts a payment plan, or when the amicable phase ends without payment.
What should be clear before you submit a case?
Ask these questions in writing:
- Is the model limited to amicable collection?
- What happens if the debtor disputes the invoice?
- Are court, bailiff and service costs excluded?
- Is there a success fee, and is it calculated on the principal, interest or collection costs?
- Who receives the statutory collection costs?
- What happens if the debtor pays the creditor directly?
- Can the creditor pause or withdraw the case?
- Which party is responsible for complaints and debtor communication?
The Dutch government describes the normal route from reminder to collection agency and, if necessary, bailiff. Review the official consumer explanation before choosing a workflow.
No cure no pay versus a fixed recovery workflow
| Model | Best when | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| No cure no pay partner | You have a clear, older claim and want to outsource contact | Conditions and escalation control vary |
| Fixed-fee online collection | You want a predictable cost per case | You pay even when the case fails |
| Billing recovery software | You want to recover earlier and keep the relationship | Your team still owns the claim and decisions |
The best route is often sequential: use reminders and a payment link first, offer a plan when appropriate, and send only unresolved eligible cases to a registered collection partner. That prevents every late payment from becoming an external collection case.
When no cure no pay is a poor fit
Avoid sending a case immediately when the amount, agreement, delivery or customer identity is unclear. A collection provider cannot turn weak evidence into a valid claim. It can also be the wrong choice when you want to preserve a high-value relationship through a personal conversation.
Consumer cases require special care. A valid 14-day notice may be required before collection costs can be added, and collection costs are subject to statutory limits. The Inspectorate's FAQ explains the notice and maximum-cost principles for the Netherlands.
Use software before escalation
PayRequest Recover is designed for the part before formal handoff: invoices, payment links, reminders, payment plans, portal access and a complete case history. Business includes this recovery workflow rather than charging a separate €24.50 case fee.
That does not make PayRequest a court, bailiff or universal incassobureau. It gives your team a controlled recovery layer and a cleaner dossier for a qualified partner when escalation is appropriate. See PayRequest Recover and Business pricing.
A practical decision rule
Use this sequence:
- Is the invoice correct and supported by the agreement and delivery record?
- Has the customer received a clear reminder and an easy payment route?
- Has the customer disputed the balance or requested time?
- Is the case eligible for the next legally appropriate notice?
- If payment still fails, do you want a fixed-fee workflow or a qualified no-cure-no-pay partner?
This makes no cure no pay one option in a recovery system, not the entire strategy. Check PayRequest pricing and start with the earliest step you can automate responsibly.
