“A cure for the new Millennium business blues,” – that’s how H.A. (Hal) Schaeffer, Jr. describes the concept of financial customer service. Its goal is to prevent problems before they occur. The ongoing battles between sales and credit hurt everyone involved - the customers, the employees and the company’s bottom line. Combining the credit, collections, accounts receivable and customer service functions under one umbrella in a financial customer service department eliminates these problems by focusing communications. The result is improved sales, better cash flow and far more satisfied customers. A small but growing number of leading edge companies have adopted the financial customer service department solution. Many others are considering the option. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, says Mr. Schaeffer.

In his new book, Financial Customer Service: A Guide to Making Smarter Business Decisions, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; September 24, 1999; $49.95 Hardcover) Mr. Schaeffer offers a blueprint for companies that are considering setting up a financial customer service department. The book explains the concept and then provides the reader with an extensive catalogue of issues to be addressed before, during and after the creation of the Financial Customer Service Department. Each of the issues is addressed in detail.

D & H Credit Services Inc. is a consulting firm that provides cash flow enhancement services, bankruptcy preference defenses and negotiations to companies of all sizes including several Fortune 500 companies. It also provides educational programs to both companies and private associations. D & H Credit , now headquartered in Port Washington NY, was established in July 1994.

Mr. Schaeffer, a 30+-year veteran of the credit and cash flow profession, is President of D & H Credit Services Inc. He is a popular speaker at both regional and national events. He is also the author of Credit Risk Management: A Guide to Sound Decisions, a case study book published in January 2000 also by John Wiley & Sons Inc. Mr. Schaeffer is available for interviews and speaking engagements. He can be reached at (516) 883 6980 or by e-mail at customer_servicedandhcredit.com