Who Reports to D&B?
Updated: Feb 3, 2022
Those four words, when put together, are probably one of the most-searched phrases on the web when it comes to business credit... Everybody wants to know "Who reports to D&B?"
Savvy business owners understand their ability to establish new credit is dependent on getting payment history into their business credit profile. If there is no payment history, D&B generates generic scores and ratings based upon OTHER companies your size, your industry and in your area.
But to get a Paydex score, the holy grail for business credit, you need to have at least three payments showing in your D&B report.
Too often, small business owners try to find vendors and suppliers who auto-report to D&B, thinking that will save them time and money toward their Paydex score.
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They couldn't be more wrong!
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It benefits your business much more if you provide D&B with proof that your company has already paid its bills — has already proven it can stand on its own merit — with a pattern of prompt payments you've ALREADY made to your suppliers, colleagues, and associates.
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Every prompt payment experience you add to your file has the potential to boost your scores by up to 90%, even from the smallest of Mom-and-Pop suppliers, so you will want to submit as many as possible to get the best boost.
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Who can report to D&B? (ANY OF THESE)
A company that has extended your business credit on terms (or)
A company you have purchase from who trusted you to pay them later (or)
A company that has invoiced you for a product or service (or)
A company you have paid within the past year using your business name
(Even small local mom and pop businesses can qualify as trade references)
Who can't be added as trade references? (D&B disallows them)
Banks, credit cards, finance companies, loan companies
Municipal services, utilities, insurance, and some landlord services
Companies that are not U.S.-based
Companies who already report to D&B on an automated basis
Companies who haven't had a D&B rating of their own for at least one year
Companies who have already told D&B they will not report on their customers
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Below you will find over 250 examples of the types of vendors that have been manually added to my client's files over the years, and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of companies that fall into each of these industries. You probably have already used some of them, but never considered they could be submitted because you thought they were too small or insignificant. But you are so wrong!
Just think about everyone who has sold your company a product or service at least once in the past 12 months...
Have you paid for any of these?​
Paper, ink, toner, pens, files, and other office supplies
Parts, equipment, supplies, batteries, chargers
Advertising fees, marketing materials, direct mail service, blog services
Website design, email or hosting services
Sign painting/printing, banners, flags, posters
Logo design, graphic design, proofreading, branding services
Business cards, brochures, flyers, folders, invitations, embroidery
Photography, artists, writers, commercials, promotions, screen-printing
Mailbox, postal services (most accepted, but not the US Postal Service)
Trucking, shipping, logistics, tracking, freight
Delivery/courier services, postal services/supplies
Licenses, copyright services, subscription services
Administrative and management fees
Lawn, landscape, pest control, farm/garden machinery
Windows, flooring, glass, doors, cabinets, counter-tops
Security personnel, anti-theft devices, security equipment, safes, shredders
Fire extinguishers, inspectors, safety equipment and signage
Leasing services, rental companies, limo rentals, equipment leasing
Automobiles, including cars, trucks, trailers, vans, etc
Auto repairs, vehicle maintenance, tires, parts, lock-out services
Computers, printers, phones, fax machines, scales (including repair services)
Maids, janitorial services, window washers, power-washers, carpet cleaning
Uniforms, linens, paper products, cleaning supplies, laundry services
Legal, accounting, business tax prep services, title and incorporation agents
Schools, training, educational materials, manuals
Office furniture (purchases or rentals), display cases, storage equipment
Dishes, kitchen appliances and equipment, shelving, storage
Small appliances, such as fans, vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners
Tools, hardware, lifts, parts, and supplies (including rental services)
Warehouse and storage unit rental, pallets, forklifts, safety equipment
Trash and refuse clean-up, dumpster rental, waste management
Temp services, employment and staffing agency
Payroll preparation company, notary services, billing services
Checkbooks, deposit stamps, banking supplies, postage
Collection company, skip trace agent, private investigation
Software and app developer
Construction materials and specialty work, locksmiths
Construction company, remodeling work, carpenters
Contractor referral services
Specialized contractors, sub-contractors, A/C, plumbers, painters, electricians
Architectural, engineering, inspection services, mechanical contractors
Gravel, concrete, lumber, bricks, wire, flooring, tile, stone, rocks, paving
Garage doors and installers, surveyors, brick layers, wallpaperers
Industrial equipment, electronics, cameras, TVs, displays, sound equipment
Wholesalers, distributors, licensing services
Water delivery, food products, beverages, catering, vending machines
Certain utility companies, virtual offices, and financial firms
Healthcare services, training, supplies
HR training and compliance services, recruiters, certification services
Membership fees: Chamber of Commerce, organizations, associations
Data validation services, information services, lead generation
Realtors, rental agents, staging companies, multiple listing services
Property managers, maintenance companies, armed guards and security
Some (but not all) landlords, mail-drop, and virtual assistants
Telephone companies, cellphone services, internet services, pagers services
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If you have paid for ANY of these products or services, you need to get your vendors submitted to D&B! You have already spent the money. Why spend more money for products or services you DON'T REALLY NEED just to (hopefully) get a Paydex score?
Give me a call to see how quickly you can get payments from these types of vendors added to your business's credit report. I can help you decide which will be most beneficial to your business credit file, show you how to vet and prep your vendors — and maybe even find more great suppliers to build and boost your corporate credit fast.