FAQ

Q. Is Judgment Recovery hard to do?

A. You can set up this business from your home, and fairly easily get judgments into your name. I will show you how. My first year in business, I had over 30 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. Are some judgments easier to collect than others?

A. Yes, of course. But you don’t want just any judgment. 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. How much do I get paid?

A. You'll keep a good percentage of the money you collect--40% to 50%, typically. I would never go lower than that.

Q. Why would people want to pay me that much?

A. They won't be paying you. You'll be collecting the money, taking your percentage, and then paying THEM their percentage. You will have the skill to do what 99% of the people in this country don't know how to do. Plaintiffs were awarded judgments by the court, but have no means to enforce them. So your skill is valuable, and very much in demand. People who have judgments are happy to find someone with the skills to help them.

Q. But how do I find out information about the judgment debtors?

A. I'll show you the best "Private Investigator" databases available, which have a terrific compilation of public records and more. You'll also be able to pull credit reports on the judgment debtor. That can give you information about cars, jobs, banks, and much more.

Q. So, how much could I make the first year?

A. Everyone asks this question. The truthful answer is that you could make a lot, or you could make zero, nothing. 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.

My point is: It’s nearly impossible to tell someone how much they might make in any business.

For example, if someone said to you, “I’m going to learn how to fix cars. How much can I make in a year?”

You would say, “Well, that depends on 1) whether you know what you’re doing, 2) your location, 3) your advertising, 4) your mechanic’s tools, 5) your attitude, and much more.” Isn’t that so?

Q. You just mentioned that "location" is important. But I was told by a guy on a web seminar that I can do business in any state, and never leave my home. He said I can do it all through the mail. Isn't that true??

A. No, It's not true. Some states are much better than others for this business, and some have strict limitations on the JR business.

Q. So, which are the good states, and which are bad?

A. In my view, the best states are Georgia, New York, Ohio, California, Missouri, Oregon, New Hampshire, Montana, and several others too. If you give me a call I can tell you about your state. In those states all the enforcement methods are good---liens, levies, garnishments, till taps, keepers, and so on. And there are no separate collections licenses necessary. Some other states are quite good, but may have a limitation or two. I’ll tell you what I know.

And, some states are simply not so good for this business. I consider those to include, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Iowa, Nevada, and Michigan. These states either have very limited enforcement methods or they have laws or state bar decisions that restrict the judgment recovery business. Even with my knowledge and experience, if I were to move to one of those “not so good” states, I would not continue in this business.

And remember, in some states you’ll need to get a collections license. Usually it’s not a big deal, just another step in the set up process.

Q. A collections license? But I was told I wouldn't need one because I am "collecting for myself."

A. That’s true in some states, but not all. In some states you definitely DO have to have a collections license. Arizona, Washington State, Illinois, and Utah, for example. In some other states you don’t. It depends on the state laws. Some people are in this business in a state where they should get a collections license, but they don’t. I don’t recommend that. If you email me at petergilboy@gmail.com I’ll tell you what I know about your state, or direct you to a good website about it where you can do your own research. (This is a “research” type business, knowledge-intensive, so you might as well start learning now.)

Q. But can’t I work in my state, say, Michigan, and work judgments in Georgia, or somewhere else? I was told that I could do that.

A. Mostly, that’s more internet nonsense. If you live in Michigan, for example, and do a wage garnishment in Georgia, you may possibly have to make a court appearance. Do you want to fly to Georgia? Probably not. Peter’s advice: Stay close to home, especially when starting in the business. Maybe branch out later. If you are in a good state, then there are tons of judgments already there.

Q. I was told that the best way to get judgments is to go to the courthouse and look them up. Is that so?

A. That’s the old way of doing this business, and the way I started out 11 years ago. It’s time consuming and tedious, but yes, it’s a start. But what I recommend in the course is advertising on Google Adwords. (I show you how) Then people call you with their judgments. Why not? It costs a bit more to advertise, but it’s handier, and you can speak to the plaintiff/creditor personally about the judgment, and find out what the plaintiff/creditor knows about the debtor. Usually they know a lot. And you save the stamps from writing letters to the plaintiff/creditor. That can be a big savings too. Also, more and more courts have their cases online. I’ll add too that by using the professional databases I recommend, you can often find 1000’s upon 1000’s of cases from your office desk, at least in some states. Those are AK, AL, CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, OH, UT, and WI. I’ll show you how.

Q. What about court forms? Do you provide those for every state?

A. The court forms for all states are already online. You don’t need me for that. Just Google “Court Forms” and include your state name. Or, go to www.USCourtForms.com. Simple. But I do provide all the good templates and instruction to get you up and going, and much, much more. All the general forms, letters to creditors, and how to call the creditors and what to say to them, the enforcement methods, many tricks of the trade—all of that is in the course. (I explain in the course why it’s better to call the plaintiff, not spend money and time writing and paying for stamps.)

While the enforcement methods may be the same from state to state (putting a lien on real property, levying a bank account, etc.) the exact procedures for those can be a bit different, and are in that state’s codes. I can get you about 75% into the business, and it’s up to you to do some of the research on your own for the other specifics. But I'll show you how. And you’ll have the ongoing support of my super E-Group. No extra cost.

Q. If you are so successful, then how come you are selling a course? Aren't you creating competition?

A. Good question. First, I'm not a salesperson. I'm really in this business full time. And 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 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 had believed the hype on the internet about this being such an easy business, and were disappointed when they actually had to do something.

Also, I wrote this course because I don't want the JR business to be regulated. 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 in my profession. So, if you have the right training, it helps me too.

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 up." Is that true? .

A. Obviously that's not true either. Every business requires a financial investment, and be prepared for about $300-$400 a month overhead. Don't be fooled by those who say otherwise.

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.
	Advertising on Google or elsewhere (about $30 a month). (Don't use the Yellow Pages! I explain why in the course.)
	Sign up for Professional Databases—about $150 at start up. One time charge.
	Then, monthly Databases—these are essential. Plan on around $100 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 looking 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. 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. Ugh!

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, or you're wasting your time and hurting the business.

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. Don't foget to include mileage! 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. I'm really looking for an easy business to do

A. I would never say that this is an easy business. No business is easy. Certainly not this one. You have to work. You have to work hard. If you are not a hard worker, then it's probably best not to start any business right now.

Sure, everyone wants to make money. But people looking for easy money are sometimes better off working for an hourly wage. They are not yet ready for what it takes to be in business, or they don’t yet have the work ethic it takes.

There’s an old joke that being in business means you can choose your own hours, and that any 80 hours a week you choose will do. Funny, but pretty true. People who have already been in business, know what it takes.

But if you are a hard worker, than this may be the business for you Please remember that this really is a profession. Isn't that what you want? Be prepared to learn the profession, and learn it well. And after you start, be prepared to learn even more, and be prepared to work hard. Very hard! That's all I can say.

No, I’ll say one more thing. Every business has its frustrations. If you find a business that has no weekly or even daily frustrations, then call me and tell me what it is. I’ll change to it. That’s just the nature of running your own life and your own business. Frankly, some people are better off working for an hourly wage, at least for now.

Q. So, what kind of people make it in this business? And what kind of people don't?

A. People who are successful at any business are usually people who like what they do and want to do it. Find an auto mechanic who likes cars, and you’ll find a successful man or woman. The same with a builder. If a mechanic or a builder only wants MONEY, then he or she will probably not do so well or be happy.

It’s the same in this business. If you enjoy research, if you like learning about the law, if you like people (at least some of the time!), then this may be the right business for you. But again, if you just want MONEY and are looking for an easy route, this is not for you. Whatever you choose, you must like it, or you won’t be successful. And being successful includes being happy. That’s the truth.

Q. Okay, but can I start part time? I still have my other job too, at least for now.

A. Yes you can. And don’t quit your other job, not yet anyway. Now, let's say you are only working part-time as a Judgment Recovery Specialist. You have chosen your professional databases, subscribed to them, located cases through the databases or the courthouse, and you’ve screened out the cases that look bad.

And, you have used the information and resources I provide in this Course to locate the debtors, maybe locate most of their places of employment or their assets. Here is an estimate of what your monthly income might be if you have screened carefully and have doable judgments:

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 40%-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.

*It might look easy, but it’s not. You have to have the right know-how and work ethic. But 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!! If you take cases that are not doable, then you’ll never make anything. You want the “better debtor.” I’ll tell you how to find that person.

Q. Give me a hint now, please. Who is the "better debtor"?

A. Well, I have landlords call me with their eviction judgments. I groan to myself, because I know that if someone can’t pay their rent, then they probably don’t have a job or can’t pay the judgment. Sometimes these are still good judgments, but I almost always have to turn them down. But since the judgments are good for 7 to 20 years, depending on the state, I ask the landlord to call me back in a few years, and I’ll run my databases again, and see if the person is still in the state or doing better.

Q. Are there larger cases out there than just $4,000 to $10,000?

A. 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 don't worry about the larger ones yet! Once you become established and effective, larger judgments will be offered to you as well.

Q. Why is your course more than some other courses?

A. Because it's the best. And I give the best ongoing support. That’s essential to starting any business. And also because I'm frank about the business. I'm not going to apologize for it being a bit more. In fact I’m thinking of raising the price.

Q. But other course websites also claim to be the best. How do I really know that yours is the best?

A. One thing you can do is to see if they are actually explaining the business on the website, or just trying to hype how much you will make. Ask yourself: “Is the website informing me, or trying to entice me?” Is the website all “pie in the sky” opportunities, or are they are realistic? Then you’ll know if they are just trying to sell a course.   If they are only trying to sell a course, then they are probably not even in the JR business for real.
.
Another way is to call them, and see how helpful they are. Ask them when the last time was that they actually enforced a judgment. Ask them to email you a recent assignment that they did.   Then you’ll know if they are for real, or are just selling. If they are just selling, then you likely won’t get the later support that you need.

Also, does the course offer a money-back guarantee? If it does, then get all the courses with a money-back guarantee, and keep the one that’s the best and get your refund on the others.

And this is Peter’s guarantee: If you can show me that a course is superior to mine, I'll buy you that course, and take mine back. 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 and money saver (and frustration saver) for those starting up their companies. (As one person put it, “It’s the difference between going to work in a car instead of on a bicycle.”)

This is also the newest course available. And, unlike other courses, we update the information many times throughout the year. It’s undoubtedly the most readable and comprehensive course. And it is the only course that takes you WAY beyond the beginning stages of Judgment Recovery.

And, I offer 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. Can I call your customer support to talk to someone?

A. I'm the only customer support I have! Me. Only me. Peter. No sales people. I do it myself. I want you 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 taking a nap) or working my own cases, I'll call you back as quickly as I can. Or email me at petergilboy@gmail.com with your number, and a good time to call, and I will. Thanks.…Check out the rest of my site….Best wishes to you….Peter