recovery rates

Well, I remember that when I was operating in Las Vegas, I charged 10% of the penal amount of the bail bond(s) with a $300.00 minimum fee. I had to make working each and every single assignment worth my investment. If the money isn't worth my time, then the assignment doesn't get worked. My clients were more than happy with the $300.00 minimum fee, or they would not have continued to issue their assignments to me. The proof is in the pudding.

Here's one way to look at it:
If the client is unhappy with your minimum fee, then ask your client if s/he would be willing to invest his/her money, effort, expertise, and time to personally work on the assignment for less money. If the answer is "no," well then there you go! If the answer is "yes," then your reply should be, "Go for it!" Don't be rude; just state the facts plain and simply.

All business owners are in the same general business; which is the business of making money. If a job isn't profitable, then it simply isn't worth your time. If it doesn't make dollars, then it doesn't make sense (cents). This is what I like to call simple math. It ain't rocket science, folks.

This minimum fee provides the client with a certain amount of security in knowing that s/he has provided you with the proper motivation to cure their forfeitures in a professional and timely fashion. The client will have peace of mind knowing that a "low bail amount" assignment is not sitting somewhere on a desk or inside of a file crate/cabinet collecting dust and cobwebs. The client will know that you are working on the assignment because s/he has provided you with the proper motivation to secure his or her "wayward client."

I just got started. In fact, I just surrendered my first skip yesterday. The bond was only $800, but I suppose we all have to start somewhere. It took about 12-hours over two days (including booking and travel time) to close the case. I have heared that the more experienced guys charge a higher minimum, but the general consensus I have found is 10% ($250-$300) minimum.

It could vary state by state, Washington (where I do recovery) has some pretty extensive licensing requirements which come at a high cost to renew each year.

You will find 10% is normal. (Its been this price since the 70's) But there are those of us that charge more and there are those that charge less. I have not worked for 10% for many years but I have also worked for 0% for some. If you charge a premium fee you must provide premium work.

Steve gets paid more because he is so pretty in his spandex uniform

I'm curious, what did you charge? Did you charge a minimum or only 10% of the bond since it was so low?