Kathy wrote:
“As a bondsman, if I do all of the research, then show up or send another agent for the apprehension, and only need backup or a local agent, I don't think I should have to pay a substantial amount for every agent that is involved. By the time I pay each of them the standard 10% plus expenses, I may as well have paid the bond. That doesn't mean that I won't pay for work performed, but that everyone needs to understand and accept the work involved, and charge accordingly.”
Here in Missouri, you can hold either a bail bond agent license or a surety recovery agent license. As a bail bond agent, you’re licensed to write bonds and perform surety recovery services, where as a surety recovery agent, you may not write bonds.
Most of the agents in Missouri are bail bond agents, and because our licenses allow us to perform both functions, most BBA’s run their own skips (at least in our company).
However, should I require the services of a surety recovery agent I would sign the contract with a single recovery agent or agency for the standard ten percent. First and foremost, it would made clear, up front and in writing, that no one gets paid unless there’s an apprehension made, and it’s made within the time frame specified by the court of jurisdiction. Secondly, if the contracted agent or agency spends more than they stand to make, then they just operated at a loss, unless the agreement clearly stipulates the coverage of certain expenses. And those expenses would be clearly defined in the contract.
All in all, it’s a lot cheaper and less hassle if I go get ‘em myself. Not to mention more fun!
