Thorough client vetting is your first line of defense against payment issues. Use these tools to evaluate potential clients before entering into business relationships.
•Payment Index/Score: Indicates reliability in meeting payment obligations.
•Credit Limit Recommendation: Suggested maximum amount of credit to extend.
•Days Beyond Terms (DBT): How many days past due the company typically pays invoices.
•Derogatory Events: Legal issues like liens, judgments, or bankruptcies.
•Multiple Recent Credit Inquiries: May indicate cash flow problems or rejection by other vendors.
•Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies between provided information and verified data.
•Reluctance to Provide References: May be hiding poor payment history.
•Frequent Business Name/Address Changes: Potential attempt to avoid past debts.
Templates and tools for your credit assessment process
Comprehensive form to collect all necessary credit information from new clients
Standardized system for evaluating and scoring credit risk factors
Template for documenting trade and bank reference verification calls
Form for recording credit decisions, terms, and supporting rationale
Define ideal client characteristics and recognize red flags
- Annual revenue ranges and stability
- Number of employees and growth patterns
- Market position within industry
- Available capital and assets
- Industry health and stability
- Seasonal cash flow patterns
- Typical payment practices in industry
- Regulatory and compliance requirements
- Years in operation and survival rates
- Management experience and stability
- Business plan sophistication
- Established processes and procedures
- Competitive landscape analysis
- Customer diversity and concentration
- Supplier relationships and terms
- Growth trajectory and projections
•Online Presence: Review company website, social media profiles, and online content for professionalism and consistency.
•Review Platforms: Check Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, and industry-specific review sites.
•Business Filings: Verify business registration, licenses, and permits through state databases.
•News and Media: Search for company mentions in press releases, news articles, and industry publications.
•Professional Networks: Utilize LinkedIn and industry connections for background insights.
Templates to help you analyze potential clients.
Downloadable Resources:
Template for defining your target client characteristics
Comprehensive guide to conducting thorough client research
Template for documenting trade and bank reference verification calls
Structured questions to ask during client onboarding process