# DRE Fee Structure — Proposed for Tony

## Standard Fee Schedule

### Tier 1 — Soft Touch (automated email + payment link)

| Claim Amount | DRE Fee | Client Receives |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 – $5,000 | 25% (min $250) | 75% |
| $5,000 – $15,000 | 22% | 78% |
| $15,000+ | 20% | 80% |

*Includes: email demand, Stripe ACH payment link, 14-day response window*

### Tier 2 — Formal Demand (certified mail via LetterStream)
- Flat 30% across all claim amounts
- Client receives 70%

*Includes: Tier 1 + certified letter, 15-day demand notice, proof of delivery*

### Tier 2.5 — Lien Threat (construction claims only)
- 30% if pre-lien notice resolves it (DRE-led)
- 30% + attorney filing fee if actual lien filed

### Tier 3 — Escalation (final notice + intensive contact)
- Flat 33% across all claim amounts
- Client receives 67%

*Includes: Tier 1-2 + final demand, skip tracing, enhanced debtor research*

### Tier 4 — Legal Action (referral to partner law firm)
| DRE referral fee | Law firm litigation fee | Client receives |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | 25% | 65% |

*DRE handles: case file prep, document transfer, client communication*
*Law firm handles: filing, court appearances, judgment enforcement*

## Example — $15,000 Claim

| Scenario | DRE Fee | Client Gets | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (email) | $3,300 (22%) | $11,700 | 2-14 days |
| Tier 2 (certified) | $4,500 (30%) | $10,500 | 15-30 days |
| Tier 3 (final notice) | $4,950 (33%) | $10,050 | 30-60 days |
| Tier 4 (litigation) | $1,500 (10%) + $3,750 (firm) | **$9,750** | 60-180 days |

## Out-of-Pocket Costs (passed to debtor or deducted from proceeds)

| Cost | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Online notarization (LPOA) | ~$25-35 | Per claim |
| Identity verification | ~$4 | Per signer |
| Certified mail | ~$8.34 | Per letter |
| Court filing fees | ~$250-400 | Tier 4 only |

## Questions for discussion with Tony

1. Flat 30% across all tiers vs tiered rates?
2. Minimum fee floor ($250)?
3. Volume discounts for repeat clients?
4. Payment processing fees passed to debtor?
