GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - TelAve -- How much do you need to know about a business before extending credit?

What are the red flags of a future debtor?

Vetting a new customer before you extend credit isn't about being suspicious of everyone. It's about knowing who you're doing business with, setting terms you can live with, and catching red flags early. Here's a practical checklist to help you get it right.

Start With the Basics: Verify the Business

Before you talk about terms, confirm you're actually dealing with a real, operating company.

• Get their legal name and structure. Is it an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship? This matters for who signs the agreement and who you'd pursue if payment fails.
• Confirm they're registered and in good standing. Check your state's Secretary of State or business registry for the entity's status and registered agent.
• Check the people. Know who owns the business and who has authority to sign. A quick look at the company's leadership can tell you a lot about stability.

Pull a Business Credit Report

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A business credit report is the closest thing to a payment track record. Here's what to look for:

• Payment history. Do they pay on time, late, or not at all? Patterns here are the strongest predictor of future behavior.
• Credit utilization. A company that's already stretched thin may not have room to pay you.
• Public records. Bankruptcies, judgments, and liens are major red flags.
• Trade references. Ask for references from other suppliers or vendors and actually call them. Ask how the customer pays, not just whether they pay.

Read the full article on RSD's website: https://www.rsdcollects.com/debtcollection/comm...

Get Help with Commercial Debt Collection

We handle commercial debt collection from the first professional demand letter through litigation if necessary, so you can protect the relationship while still getting paid. You can place a claim securely through our online portal, upload your documents, and track progress in real time.

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Get the money you deserve. Call us at 248-370-8160 or fill out a click here to fill out a contact form: https://www.rsdcollects.com/contact

About Ross, Stuart & Dawson, Inc: Located in Clawson, Michigan, RSD is a commercial debt collection agency that focuses on professionalism, kindness, and most importantly, results. RSD operates both domestically and internationally in over 120 countries. Locally they serve Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, the Upper Peninsula, and more. RSD is 1 of 26 agencies considered a "certified agency" by the Commercial Law League of America and is endorsed by the International Association of Commercial Collectors. https://www.rsdcollects.com/