Hmm..can you bargain with collection companies?

[ullyeus]

So I recently found out I owe $600 to a collection agency. The amount is relatively legite ($200 service + cancellation fee on a cell phone).

I don't have any trouble paying this amount, it was a complete oversight on my part that caused this to go to collections (though I do wonder why said company didn't try harder to contact me).

I was just about to pay it but I've heard of collection agencies talking half payments or discounts for things like this? This something I should "bargain" down to a minimum balance or should I just suck it up and pay?

I'd want to pay at least half as I believe that's fair.

[mirek]

You can settle for a lower amount, however it will show up as SETTLED on your credit report, rather than PAID.

Also, if you decide to pay the full amount, I suggest you find out what your old Account number was with the Cell company, and go make a full payment on that. When I switched cities, I forgot about 2 accounts, and 4 years later, I found out I had 2 outstandings that were sent to collections. I got the acct numbers for both of these, and paid directly to the company, they then tell the collection that it's been paid.

I will never give money to a collection agency, they're scum. :)