From what I understand, the trick to call collections is in making the sucker on the other end think you're doing him a favor. Yelling, screaming, shaming, and intimidating is for saps; the good collectors know how to make their targets feel relieved. If they say they can only pay $100 a month, tops, find them a rate at $75. They'll feel less pressured that way, and they'll be more inclined to pay.