According to the survey results, the probability of full collection on a delinquent account drops dramatically with the length of delinquency. For example, even after only three months, the probability is that you will collect only $.72 of each dollar delinquent. After six months, only $.56 of every dollar will be collected. And after one year, the best expectation is that only $.28 of every delinquent dollar will ever be collected.

(Source: Commercial Collection Agency Section, Commercial Law League of America)