When a firm refers to money owed to them by a customer, it is referred to as collections. When a consumer fails to pay a company within the agreed-upon terms, the bill becomes past due and occasionally turns over to a collection agency. For example, when a company sells a product or service to consumers, payment is expected immediately or within a specific period, such as 30 days. Unfortunately, some consumers fail to pay the company within the agreed-upon terms, and the account may be considered in collections at this time.