Two collection agencies and two promises to delete if paid

[ah32]

I pulled up my report yesterday and I have two small bills that are reporting with agencies. I wasn't aware of them! So, after freaking out that they'll be on there for 7 years, I decided to call up the agencies. I was surprised to speak with two friendly agents from separate companies that both agreed to remove once I paid. One offered to remove once I started payments! I'm not sure I should believe them, but I did manage to record one of the conversations. Maybe because they are both small bills? $350 and $125. Advice? Should I pay and hope they follow through?

[KoolDev]

I had one that said she would have the items removed.  I asked her how that worked and she said she would draft a letter on each account and send it to the CRA.  I was like Awesome !  Can you send me a copy ?,   and she did.   The stuff was off my EQ this morning !  two days.   On the other hand i have one medical collection agency i called and the woman was almost verbally abusive lol   So I am going to send them GW letter's until they are sick of seeing them.

[guiness56]

A verbal agreement is just as binding, just harder to prove.  Get a name or ID number if you can.

[ah32]

Great, thanks guys! I managed to tape one of the conversations. I'll try to record them today too. I plan to make a payment today to start the process of getting these off my credit report!