Peter's Answers to the Most Asked Questions
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Q. Is this business easy?
Peter: No business is easy. Every business takes the time, energy, the right information and resources. And every business has it's frustrations. This one too. Please don't be led by glowing websites that tell you how easy it is. It's a profession. If that's what you want, then read further on.
Q. What do I have to know to be successful?
Peter: You have to know 4 things...
- How to locate judgments efficiently (There are 4 ways)
- How to screen out worthless judgments so you're not wasting time and money
- How to actually enforce the judgments -Step by Step- by placing liens, levying or garnishing property & wages.
- How to handle complications. (Yes there are complications.)
Oh, and you also need a friendly online Forum where you can ask questions and get good answers from long-time professionals. See below about the support I offer.
Q. Why is your Course the best?
Peter: Courses are not equal, just as a bicycle is not equal to a car. Some people who have my course tell me it's like the difference between riding to work in a nice car compared to a bicycle. Me, I prefer a car. And I'm a straight-shooter about what this business takes. Here's a look.
1. My Judgment Tracking course really is step-by-step. It says, to garnish wages - Step one: Do this. Step two: Do this. Next step: Do this. People love it. The JR business is knowledge-intensive. If you don't have the knowledge it becomes frustrating and labor-intensive. You don't want that.
Just as this website you are on is the most informative one about the business, so is my course!
2. I also provide the latest and most effect business model. Others are still using the model from the '90s. Also, I try to anticipate all the questions new people may have, and problems they may encounter. It's really the course I wish I had when I started.
3. And the support is the best as well. My Yahoo Support Forum has top people on it from across the country. Again, if you come into this business, you want it to be knowledge-intensive, not labor intensive. Worker smarter, not harder. That's so important. You want to have the knowledge to make the work so much easier. I provide the most comprehensive course anywhere.
4. Oh, and I'm actually in this business. Me. I'm not a marketeer. Others claim to be in the business, or suggest that they are, but have never been, or haven't been in the business for more than a decade. They are marketeers. So, if someone else with a course claims to be in this business, ask them to email you a copy of their last court paperwork. It's a public record, so it shouldn't be a problem. And you'll see if he or she is just a marketeer. (I'll add that probably 50% of people who by my course already have another. That's all I'll say about that.)
Q. How do you do the mentoring? Can people call you for help?
Peter: Yes of course. But first I ask that everyone put their question out on the Support Group Email. Everyone can learn then. Besides myself, I have about a dozen of the top JR people in the country helping others. It's not "beginners helping beginners" like I had when I started, and like there is today on other support groups.
It's a great group,
with friendly and very experienced people.
Q. Is Judgment Recovery hard to do?
Peter: You can set up this business from your home, and easily get judgments into your name. I will show you how. My first year in business, I had over 50 judgments in my name between $1000 and $70,000. And remember, this is not "collections." You have a court judgment. That means you have available to you all the legal tools provided by the State. I'll show you those too.
Q. I heard that the rules for judgment recovery is changing. Is that true?
Peter: No it's not. I know of no state that has changed it's rules or is planning to.
I called the person who has been saying this and spoke to him about it. I also told him to take my name of his website. He wouldn't. It's just a marketing strategy for him, I guess. What is true, though, is that because of the recession people have fewer assets. So, that means we must be doubly careful about which judgments we accept.
Q. Are some judgments easier to collect than others?
Peter: Yes, of course. You want the judgments that are doable. And I'll show you how to screen through them even before you accept them. You want your business to be efficient and effective.
Q. Can anybody be a good Judgment Recovery Specialist?
Peter: No, not just anybody. Some people still believe that it’s easy to have a business. They believe the Internet hype. Also, every business has its frustrations and headaches. If you can find a businessperson who doesn’t have weekly or daily frustrations, then I want to know what business that is. Being in business is hard. It’s not for everybody. But I make it as easy as possible with my course. And, you must have the right start up money to get the databases and other things that are our best tools.
Q. What are the databases you mentioned? Is this how I find out information about the judgment debtors?
Peter:. I'll show you the best "Private Investigator" databases available, which have a terrific compilation of public records and more. I'll explain each, and give you the pluses and minuses of them, as well as which ones I use, and why. You'll also be able to pull credit reports on the judgment debtor after you take assignment. That will have information about cars, jobs, banks, and much more. You cannot be in this business with out these! Please believe me on that.
Q. So, how much could I make the first year?
Peter: Everyone asks this question. The truthful answer is that you could make a lot, or you could make zero. It all depends on the quality of the judgments you accept, and how hard you work. Yes, it's a fact that 80% of the judgments out there are never collected. But you don't want just any of these judgments. I'll show you which judgments to look for and which to avoid. You won't waste your time or money.
Consider this: If someone was thinking of opening a restaurant and asked you how much they might make in the first year, you would probably tell them that it depends on the quality of the food, the location of the restaurant, the atmosphere, and so on.
It's the same with the JR business. How much you make depends on the quality of the judgments you accept, your knowledge of the business, the good or bad rules in your state and how hard you work. Now, let's say you are only working part-time as a Judgment Recovery Specialist. You have used the information and resources I provide in this Course to locate the debtors, locate most of their places of employment or their banks, and other assets. Here is a low estimate of what your monthly income might be:
Case #1:
Judgment for $4,000. 5 years old. Interest is $2,003.29 for total of $6003.29. Debtor James W. makes $2500.00 a month. You garnish 25% ($625) and pay 45%-50% to creditor. * You make $250 to $312 a month for 20 months on this one case alone.
Case #2:
Judgment for $5,000. 1 year old. Interest is $500, for total of $5500.00. Debtor Sara L. has a bank account with $3000.00. You have the sheriff perform a bank levy. * You make $1200 to $1500 in one month on this case, and still have $2500 more you can collect.
Case #3:
Judgment for $7,900. 5 years old. Total judgment is now $11,856.49. Debtor is a real estate broker. You do an "assignment order" (I'll show you how) so that his clients have to pay you instead of him.. * You make $2000 per month until it is paid in full.
*You can see how, with 4 to 12 cases going simultaneously, you can have a good stream of income, even part time. And it can be continuous. The more cases you want to work, the more streams of income will be coming in simultaneously.
But please remember: Unless you are set up correctly (I’ll explain that) and have the ongoing monthly costs for databases and advertising, you will spin your wheels. I don’t want that.
Q. It sounds so easy.
Peter: Well, it's not. Definitely not. Ask anyone actually in the business, and not a marketeer who offers a course. Every case has it's hiccups and frustrations. The debtor can try to frustrate us too in certain ways --such as filing a "claim of exemption." There are really only about 4 or 5 ways to frustrate us, and I cover all of those in the course. Other times it's smoother, and you can reach a settlement.
Q. Are there larger cases out there?
Peter: Yes, much, much larger. But you should first learn the ropes in small claims, and then move on to the civil court if you like. The judgment recovery rules are the same, but the strategies are more complex. So don't worry about the larger ones yet. Once you become established and effective, larger judgments will be offered to you as well.
Q. I heard that states are changing their laws and making it harder to collect judgments.
Peter: The state laws are pretty much the same as they were decades ago. What is different is that the economy makes our business and every business harder now. That's all. But with the right judgments, you can still do very, very well. And my course tells you how.
Q. Okay, I'm thinking of getting into this business. But do I ever have to meet the debtor face to face?
Peter: Sometimes, yes. It is possible that there will be a court appearance under certain circumstances, and the debtor will likely appear. I've also met debtors, at their request, at Starbucks and places like that to work out a settlement. Mostly they are just embarrassed about the judgment. But if you don't feel comfortable with this, then this is not the business for you. It's not for everyone.
Q. I was told by a guy at a web-seminar that I can do business in any state, and from home. He said I can do it all through the mail. Is that true?
Peter: No, It's not true. Some states are much better than others for this business, and some have strict limitations on the JR business. Email me about the state you want to do business in, and I'll respond right away. petergilboy@gmail.com But generally, the worst states for this business, in my view, are Florida, Texas, Virginia, Iowa, and Michigan. New Jersey too has some problems. Also, in Nevada, you have to have 2 years collections experience just to get a collections license, which prohibits most people from starting up. If I moved to those states, I would not continue in this business, even with my experience.
As for the best states, in my view those would include Georgia, New York, Ohio, California, Missouri and Oregon. There are some others too. The best states have all the enforcement measures (liens, levies, garnishments, etc.) and they have no separate collection agency requirements. Other states are in between, but still quite good. They may be great for this business, with the added responsibility of getting a collections license. Call or email about your state, and I'll tell you what I know, and how to get more information.
Q I've heard about buying liens. Do you do that?
Peter: I have a number of liens across the country, and I know that courses are sold about how to do that. But the courses I've seen do not cover the important homestead exemptions, the effect of a lien in bankruptcy and how to defeat it, and how to calculate real equity in the property. Nor do they cover the difference between types of homesteads and different ways the property can be held. That's covered in my Step-by-Step Course, of course, and much more. It's not as easy as marketeers make it seem. Nothing is as easy as marketeers make it seem. But I think you already know that.
Q. How is what you do different from a collection agency?
Peter: Collection agencies typically deal in "debt," such as credit card debt, and others. And they call and write people telling them they really must pay. We don't do that. We have judgments, a court order that a person owes the money. That has some teeth to it. We don't call or write. We locate assets, and lien them, garnish them, or direct the sheriff to seize them. Very different.
Q.Do you provide all the court forms for my state?
Peter. Every state, as far as I know, has their court forms online for free. If not, you can get them from one of the websites that offer them. But absolutely I provide all templates for everything from contracts, assignments, agreements, letters to the creditor, and much much more. It's in the Course and on the Course CD that accompanies it. I've put as much as possible in Word format, so it can be easily used.
Q. Are all procedures covered in your Course applicable to my state?
Peter: While state laws and forms may differ a bit, the procedures are basically the same. You will need to research some of your own state laws for those differences. And I'll show you how. All the other general forms, letters to creditors, and how to call the creditors and what to say to them—all of that is in the course. And my support too.
Q. If you are so successful, then how come you are selling a course? Aren't you creating competition?
Peter: Good question. I wrote this course at the encouragement of others in this business—many in the CAJP (www.cajp.org) and JR people from other states. They knew I could write and they knew I understood this business well, and that I was very successful. And frankly, a lot of people in this business were dropping out because they didn't have the right tools to get up and running, or they believed the hype on the Internet about this being such an easy business.
I would never say that this is an easy business. No business is easy. You have to work. You have to work hard. (If you are not a hard worker, then it's probably best not to be in business for yourself. But if you are a hard worker, than this may be the business for you.)
Also, I wrote this course because I don't want the JR business to be screwed up, and then regulated by the states. If more people are doing this business knowledgeably and professionally, then it won't be regulated.
The reason there are specific state regulations for doctors, lawyers, real estate people and others, is because some people in those professions weren't professional. I don't want that to happen to my profession. So, if you have the right training, it helps me too.
By the way, I just mentioned the California Association of Judgment Professionals. It's the premier association in this business, and it's nonprofit. While much is California specific, I encourage everyone in this business to join, regardless of what state they are in, and attend their training. See www.CAJP.org. This is a knowledge-intensive business, and you want to get the most and the best. Q. What about start up costs and ongoing monthly costs? I've seen advertisements that say "Zero Overhead" and "You don't even have to get dressed." Is that true?
Peter: Obviously it's not true. Every business requires a financial investment. Don't be fooled by those who say otherwise.
Realistic Costs to start up and keep going:
- Business Phone—check the cost in your area.
- Private mail box (not a P.O. Box—I explain why in the course.)
- High speed Internet. (You’ll need this with the professional Databases)
- Advertising on Google or elsewhere ($100 a month at least). (Don't use the Yellow Pages! I explain why in the course.)
- Sign up for Databases—about $200 at start up. One time charge.
- Ongoing use of Databases—these are essential. Plan on around $200 each month for these. A little more once you have some money coming in. Without these databases you will have a very difficult time being successful and waste a lot of time look for cases at the court. PLEASE trust me on that.
- Ongoing JR Education –this will vary. But it's essential if you want to be a real professional. These are the lowest costs for any business I know of.
- Misc office costs --stamps, envelopes, good printer, etc.
Frankly, if these costs are too much for you, then you are not yet ready to start any business. If you were opening a restaurant or Lube & Tune, you would be paying around ½ million dollars just for start up and $10-40K a month overhead. Even starting a simple flower shop business on a street corner would cost more than the JR business—just to build the stand and buy new flowers every day!
So, it's best not to start unless you have these minimum resources. Again, this is a profession. You must be professional and do it right.
But also remember that your costs are tax deductible—including the course. You can write off computer purchases, Internet fees, and all related office materials you get for your business. You can also deduct for your office space, electricity, etc.—in proportion to the rent or mortgage you are already paying. And, after you're up and going, you won't have the cost of the regular daily commute, and other auto expenses. That's a big saver too.
Q. Why is your course more than some other courses?
Peter: Because it's the best. Because I'm actually in this business. Because I'm someone who is in the business can be the best mentor. And if you follow my program, you'll make more money sooner than with any other course. I'm not going to apologize for it being a bit more. And walk you through the steps of being in the business with much less frustration. It really is the course I wish I had when I started.
Q. But other courses also claim to be the best. How do I really know that yours really is the best?
Peter: I guess there's no way for you to be sure unless you compare them for yourself. But ask them if they are really in this business, and ask them to show you their latest "assignment of judgment." It's a public record. And, if another course offers a money back guarantee too, get them both and do your own comparison. Keep the one you want, and get your refund from the other.
***If you can show me that anther course is superior, I'll buy that course for you. I simply would not have taken the time to write this course if I didn't firmly believe it was a much, much, much better course, and a big time saver and money saver for those starting up their companies.
Also, this is the newest course available (most are 3 to 12 years behind.). It is undoubtedly the most comprehensive course available. And it is the only course that takes you WAY beyond the beginning stages of Judgment Recovery. And, I offer a personal ongoing mentoring support through my E-group. Frankly, approximately 35% of the people who buy this course have bought other courses. You've probably seen those courses on the Web too. (I'm not the only one who says this is the course I wish I had when I started with this business.)
Q. I already bought another course. Can I have access to your E-Group for support?
Peter: I get asked about that every day. My Yahoo E-support is only available to those how have my course. Please understand. I have my own cases, and I can't be mentoring everyone. There's just no time. And, because of my efforts and the efforts of the top JR people in the country who are on the Support Group, it's the best national support group out there. I can't be helping people who don't have what's already in my course. I hope you'll understand. But I do offer a discount for those who have already invested in a course. It's only fair.
Q. If you have other updates, can I get one?
Peter: My updates are regular, and always are things that I've covered first on my Support Group at Yahoo.com. Everyone there has them. Sometimes they are changes in the law, or or things which I've learned that I think others need to know.
Q. Can I call your customer support to talk to someone?
Peter: I'm the only customer support I have! Me. Only me. No sales people. Just this site. I do it myself. I you want to have the right information from someone who is actually in this business. My office number is 619.758.3552. If I'm on a business call, or out of the office, or on my own cases, I'll call you back as quickly as I can. (I’m busy too.) Or email me at petergilboy@gmail.com with your number, and a good time to call. I will …Peter
Other questions? Just call or email me. I'm happy to help....Peter
