We had the opportunity to talk with Claudia from National Inkasso about her business. In our conversation, we also discussed in detail the unique aspects of working with the adult industry.
About National Inkasso & the Adult Business
National Inkasso has specialized, among other things, in the adult business. How did that come about? Was it a conscious strategic decision, or did it develop over time?
What particular challenges exist in debt collection for companies in the erotic and adult industry?
One of the biggest challenges in the erotic and adult industry is the sensitivity of the topic, which requires a high level of empathy and discretion. A major issue is data: we frequently encounter incorrect information or cases of data misuse. Additionally, many companies in this industry are reluctant to collect or verify customer data, which makes enforcing legitimate claims more difficult. To address this problem, we have developed our specialized email debt collection service, which provides an efficient and discreet solution for these unique challenges.
Since many customers in the erotic industry make purchases for reasons of discretion, debt collection agencies must act with particular sensitivity and confidentiality. A public debt collection procedure could lead to reputational damage and jeopardize customer trust. It is crucial for us to offer discreet and confidential solutions in this area.
Are there differences in payment behavior among customers in the adult sector compared to other industries?
Yes, there are definitely differences in payment behavior in the adult sector compared to other industries. When we reach a customer, there is often a high willingness to pay – shame often plays a role, which is why outstanding debts are settled more quickly. Especially in niche areas, we observe a high payment morale, as customers fear losing access to their services. On the other hand, there are also many who try to evade payment obligations by claiming they did not place the order themselves or that their data was misused. This mix of high willingness to pay and strategic refusal makes debt collection in this sector particularly challenging.
Many companies in the erotic industry struggle with high chargeback rates and fraud attempts. How do you specifically support these companies?
We support companies in the erotic industry by using the data and resources available to us to quickly and efficiently recover outstanding claims. A special offer is our 100% payout service, where companies receive the full claim amount while we handle the collection process.
Additionally, we directly address the costs incurred due to chargebacks – we recover these costs from the debtors to minimize financial losses for our clients.
Furthermore, we offer compliance and legal support. This means that we advise companies on complying with legal regulations in the areas of payment processing and consumer protection. This helps to identify and minimize legal risks early on, ensuring a sustainable and legally secure business practice.
Are there typical types of claims or contract structures in the adult industry that you frequently deal with?
In the erotic and adult industry, claims often arise from subscriptions, memberships, and one-time payments for digital content such as videos or photos. Additionally, claims frequently result from chargebacks and fraud attempts. As a debt collection agency, one must adapt to these various contract structures and consider specific challenges such as high chargeback rates and discretion in customer communication.
These specific claims and contract structures in the erotic and adult industry require a particularly careful approach and a good understanding of the industry to handle different types of payment obligations and legal aspects effectively.
Legal & Moral Aspects in Adult Business Debt Collection
Are there specific legal hurdles or regulatory peculiarities that apply to debt collection in the adult business?
Debt collection in the adult industry comes with some unique legal challenges. Firstly, we must strictly adhere to data protection laws, particularly regarding GDPR, as the industry often deals with sensitive customer data. Youth protection is also a major concern. Additionally, many countries have specific regulatory requirements that we must comply with, particularly regarding payment service providers, which often impose strict regulations on adult businesses. Another challenge is discretion: debt collection must be handled with extreme sensitivity to avoid reputational damage to businesses, as the industry is often stigmatized. This requires a particularly careful and legally sound approach.
How do you ensure that claims in the industry are legitimate and legally sound? Are there frequent disputes or gray areas?
To ensure that claims in the adult industry are legitimate and legally sound, we conduct thorough reviews. We carefully examine all contracts and payment terms to ensure they comply with legal requirements. It is particularly important that all claims are well-documented, for example, through proof of transactions or contractual agreements. We also ensure compliance with data protection regulations and youth protection laws.
Unfortunately, disputes and gray areas occur frequently, especially with chargebacks and fraudulent payments, which often involve unclear or manipulated transactions. In such cases, we work closely with businesses to gather all relevant evidence and substantiate the claims. Even with the frequent occurrence of chargebacks, we ensure that all documentation and communication are transparent and legally sound to prevent or quickly resolve disputes.
The adult industry often faces stigmatization – do you as a debt collection company experience prejudices or resistance because you work with this industry?
Yes, we also notice the stigmatization of the adult industry, particularly through reviews and feedback we receive. It happens that customers from other industries hesitate to work with us because they have prejudices against the sector. This was actually one of the reasons for founding our company. Many reputable debt collection agencies refused to work with this industry due to the stigma, which motivated us to do things differently. For us, the adult industry is like any other—it consists of professional businesses and business models. ‘Adult’ no longer means untrustworthy, and we treat this industry with the same professionalism and respect that we extend to other business fields.
How do you ethically handle sensitive cases? For example, when dealing with performers or models who may be experiencing financial difficulties?
When handling sensitive cases, especially those involving performers or models who may be in financial distress, we place great importance on ethics and discretion. We always act with respect and empathy to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. We aim to find solutions that are fair for both parties. In cases of payment difficulties, we often offer flexible payment plans and seek ways to reduce the debt in a manner that is manageable for the individual.
Furthermore, it is crucial for us to consider not only the legal aspects but also the human element in such cases. We do not exert pressure but instead strive to find realistic solutions that accommodate individual circumstances. Our goal is to work fairly and respectfully with all parties involved and ensure that all legal and financial requirements are met without compromising the dignity of those affected.
What role do data protection and discretion play in your work with adult clients?
Data protection and discretion play a central role in our work with adult clients. Since this industry often deals with sensitive data, it is crucial for us to ensure that all information is handled with strict confidentiality. We make sure that all customer data is protected in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to safeguard the privacy of the individuals involved and prevent legal risks.
Furthermore, we ensure that all collection measures are carried out discreetly and respectfully. We avoid exposing the identity of debtors or details of the claim in public. Communication is always conducted at a professional level, and we take care to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the affected businesses or individuals. The trust of our customers is very important to us, and we do everything we can to maintain it through high standards of data protection and discretion.
Claudia’s Personal Perspective on the Adult Industry
What was your first impression when you first worked with clients from the adult sector? Were there any surprises or preconceptions that changed?
Any preconceptions I might have had at the beginning quickly changed as I saw the industry from a different perspective. It’s not just about public perception but also about the challenges these businesses face—just like any other industry—including chargebacks, fraud, and the need to work with professional collection services. The biggest difference is that dealing with the sensitivity of the industry requires even more discretion and respect. But ultimately, it is a completely normal business field that faces the same challenges as other industries.
Today, I particularly appreciate the industry for its openness and relaxed attitude. There is a straightforward and direct way of communicating, which is often refreshing. The only aspect that still bothers me is the occasional unreliability of some actors. In most cases, ‘a man (or a woman) keeps their word,’ but unfortunately, a certain level of inconsistency sometimes creeps into this industry. There are often individuals who are not very committed and promise more than they actually deliver. This can be challenging in collaboration.
Additionally, I must say that the adult industry is still a male-dominated field, and as a woman, it is not always easy to gain recognition in this industry. The trust that is often quickly built between men has to be earned by women first. It requires more patience and continuous effort to demonstrate that one operates at the same professional level and is just as reliable. However, once this trust is gained, the collaboration is just as valuable and respectful as in any other industry.
Do you have a personal opinion about the erotic and adult industry? Do you think this sector is not taken seriously enough in Germany?
Yes, I believe that the erotic and adult industry in Germany often does not receive the recognition it deserves. It is frequently stigmatized and not perceived as the professional economic sector that it truly is. This is a large business field that employs many people and includes numerous companies that are structured and regulated just like businesses in other industries.
Unfortunately, there are still many prejudices and misunderstandings that lead to the industry not being taken seriously enough. However, the industry is no longer untrustworthy—it offers a respectful and professional environment that meets high standards. It should be recognized and respected just like any other industry that makes a significant contribution to the economy and society.
What experiences have particularly impressed you when working with adult businesses? Are there any anecdotes or cases that have stuck with you?
There isn’t a specific anecdote that stands out in my memory. However, what has consistently surprised me over the years is how many women are convinced that their husband or partner has no interest in erotic or adult content—until a claim suddenly appears. It’s almost a recurring pattern that many people don’t actually know what their partner consumes in this area. This surprise is always an interesting, and sometimes amusing, phenomenon that I have noticed while working with this industry.
I must also admit that I was personally quite overwhelmed by the diversity of offerings in the adult industry. One is truly confronted with a wide range of possibilities. I had never realized how ‘prudish’ I was in certain areas until I saw how many different niches and interests are catered to in this industry. It is truly fascinating how diverse and creative the industry is.
What do you think about the professionalization of the adult business? Do you see a shift towards more credibility and structure in the industry?
Absolutely! I see a clear shift towards more credibility and structure in the adult business. The industry has become significantly more professional in recent years. Many companies now operate with highly structured and transparent business models, which was perhaps less common in the past. There are clear contractual agreements, professional marketing strategies, and an increased awareness of data protection and youth protection.
What impresses me the most is how many adult businesses now place great importance on good working conditions for performers and models, as well as maintaining high standards in communication and customer relations. The industry has definitely matured and is moving further away from the negative stereotypes of the past. More focus is being placed on quality, professionalism, and long-term success, just like in any other industry.
When you talk to people from the “regular” business sector about your work, how do they react to National Inkasso being active in the adult industry?
When I talk to people from the ‘regular’ business sector about our work, they often smile at first when they hear that National Inkasso operates in the adult sector. There is always a certain level of surprise because the industry is still associated with many prejudices. However, this is usually followed by the realization that debt collection is ultimately necessary wherever there are unpaid claims. The professionalism with which we work is quickly recognized, and it is often interesting to show people that there is much more credibility in this industry than they initially assumed.
Trends & Future of Debt Collection in the Adult Business
How has payment behavior in the adult industry changed in recent years? Do subscription models or platforms like OnlyFans present new challenges?
Payment behavior in the adult industry has remained relatively stable in recent years, primarily due to the increased use of established payment methods. Subscription models or platforms like OnlyFans do not fundamentally change payment behavior but instead present legal challenges. These models need to be carefully monitored in terms of regulatory compliance. It is crucial to ensure that everything is handled transparently and correctly to minimize legal risks. However, payment behavior itself remains largely consistent.
What trends do you currently see in the adult industry that also impact debt collection? Is it becoming easier or harder for businesses to get their money?
Trends in the adult industry show that the sector is increasingly moving into the mainstream, and digitalization is progressing. This means that there are both new payment models and platforms that present additional challenges for businesses—especially regarding subscriptions and international payments. For many companies, it is becoming more difficult to receive payments, as managing transactions is becoming more complex and new legal hurdles may arise.
However, with us as a partner, businesses are on the safe side. Thanks to our own software, we can find the right solution for each company to effectively and reliably collect claims. We adapt to the latest trends and industry demands, offering customized services that significantly simplify the debt collection process.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs in the adult industry to avoid payment defaults? Are there common mistakes they frequently make?
As a debt collection company, it wouldn’t be wise for me to give advice on avoiding payments 😊 Instead, I recommend that entrepreneurs in the adult industry use appropriate payment methods that are popular in their respective countries. This increases conversion rates and ensures that more payments go through in the first place. At the same time, it is important to secure oneself with a reliable collection service like ours to react quickly and professionally when needed.
However, some mistakes should be avoided, such as incorrect terms and conditions or failing to comply with the ‘button requirement’—that is, providing clear and transparent information for customers. These issues can lead to debtors legally disputing claims, making it difficult to collect payments. A solid legal foundation is crucial to prevent such problems.
Does National Inkasso have any future plans to better support the adult business, such as new services or special partnerships?
At the moment, we do not have any direct plans for new services or special partnerships. Our focus is on making things even easier for companies by integrating directly with payment processors. However, this is not easy to implement. That’s why we always appreciate support from partners who can help explain to their payment service providers how convenient it is to get everything from one source. Apart from that, we keep up with the times by adopting modern payment methods and new communication channels to reach debtors more efficiently.
In your opinion, what does the future of adult debt collection look like? Will the industry become more stable and professional, or are there new risks ahead?
The adult industry is becoming increasingly professional and stable, which also impacts debt collection. Many companies now rely on serious business models and transparent payment structures. However, challenges remain, especially due to new payment methods and providers.
Additionally, the stigmatization of the industry remains an issue that also affects our work. Nevertheless, we see the future positively—with the right strategy and modern solutions, many of the upcoming challenges can be effectively managed.
