How to Check Dunn & Bradstreet Ratings
Dun & Bradstreet allows you to check if your business or another business is creditworthy and financially able to thrive and repay its debts. Understanding Dun & Bradstreet ratings will allow you to determine if the business you choose to work with is a good match. If you are in business for yourself, periodically checking your Dun & Bradstreet rating allows you to determine the strength of your business as well. Properly monitoring a Dun & Bradstreet rating allows you to analyze the complete success and financial strength of a business.
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Instructions
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Determine the complete and legal business name. There are many businesses that operate in different states that may have similar names.
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Contact a Dun & Bradstreet representative to verify the name of the business you are researching. The representative will be able to verify the business information you have with what they have on file. To obtain complete information about a business--even yours--there may be a fee to access the credit profile.
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Go to dnb.com and conduct an online business search. By including the business name, city, and state in which they operate, you can find out how long the business has been around, and the industry in which they operate.
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Purchase a credit profile for the business. A comprehensive report that includes a paydex score, ratings, and financial statements can cost $179 as of December 2009. (A paydex score is used to determine approval for a business applying for credit. A score between 80-100 shows a business pays its monthly expenses either on time or ahead of time.) If you just want general and basic information on the company, you can purchase a credit evaluator report for $39. There are other reports you can purchase between these amounts depending on how much information you would like to find out about your company or another business.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are interested in viewing the credit rating of your business, ensure you have credit established with Dun & Bradstreet. Though you may be paying creditors each month, it is optional for them to report to Dun & Bradstreet. Check with each business to determine if they are reporting your payment history to Dun & Bradstreet. You will also need a DUNS number to begin a credit profile. A DUNS number is a nine-digit number similar to a Social Security number that is used to establish business credit.
