The instinct is to wait and keep trying. But recovery odds drop the longer a debt ages, so the better question is: what signals mean it's already time? Here are the clearest ones.
The signals it's time
Place the account when the customer stops responding, breaks a payment promise, disputes a clearly valid invoice to stall, is rumored to be closing or selling, or the balance is simply too large to write off. Any one of these means your own efforts have run their course.
The 60–90 day rule of thumb
As a general guide, a commercial account that's 60–90 days past due with no credible payment plan is a candidate for placement. Beyond that, you're mostly spending your team's time to watch the odds fall.
What to have ready
When you place an account, send the invoice, the contract or purchase order, proof of delivery or completed work, the payment history, and anything you know about the debtor. The stronger the file, the faster we can move.
This article is general information for Texas commercial creditors, not legal advice. Statutes and deadlines change and depend on the facts — confirm specifics with qualified counsel.