What Are the Important Parts of a Free Business Credit Report?

Published on: 08 May 2018 Last Updated on: 09 August 2019

Did you know that small businesses make up 99% of employer firms in the U.S.? Small businesses are an important part of the economy.

Everyone knows it’s important to have a good personal credit rating. But, did you know that it’s also important for your business to have good credit?

If you own a small business, read on to learn how you can get a free business credit report and why it’s important.

Why is Good Credit Important?

If you’ve ever applied for a home or auto loan, you know that good personal credit is important. If you don’t have credit, it’s difficult to get a loan.

No credit doesn’t always mean you have bad credit. It means you haven’t established a credit record.

If you’ve handled credit poorly, then you have bad credit, and you might not get be able to get a loan.

Lenders check your credit score to ensure your ability to pay back your loan. It’s critical to build and maintain a good business credit rating.

How to Build Credit :

Not everyone carries a credit card, but it helps to have one if you want to build your credit score.

Too often, college-age kids get one or more credit cards and find themselves in debt and are unable to pay it back.

It’s important not to overuse a credit card.

Credit cards charge high interest on the money they loan. It’s okay to buy things with a credit card, but make sure you pay the entire loan off monthly as much as possible.

If you don’t pay the entire loan monthly, the interest you pay adds a significant amount of money to the cost of your purchase.

Unfortunately, if you don’t use a credit card, it’s harder to build credit.

In addition to paying your entire credit card balance on a regular basis, be sure and pay all your other bills on time as well.

Late charges aren’t the only problem you’ll have if you pay your bills late. Late fees also hit your credit report and lower your score.

There are other ways to help build your credit as well.

Getting a Free Business Credit Report :

It’s important to know how to check your free business credit report and to understand what it contains.

According to the law, it’s possible to get your personal credit report for free on an annual basis.

The law doesn’t say a business credit report has to be free on an annual basis. But, it’s possible to get a free business credit report. Here are a few ways:

CreditSignal :

Dun & Bradstreet offers a free business credit report at CreditSignal.com. This is a great place to get your business credit report because it also has a learning center.

It’s an easy service to use, and it comes with a mobile app that’ll alert you to changes in your Dun & Bradstreet credit score. The service gives you fundamental information about your score.

To get the full service, you’ll need to get the paid subscription.

Try Nav :

Nav.com is another service where you can find your personal and business credit scores for free.

While CreditSignal only tells you about your Dun & Bradstreet score, Nav offers information regarding your Dun & Bradstreet and Experian score.

Free Trial Demos :

You can also get a free business credit score if you want to sign up for a free trial from companies such as Credit.net, CreditSafe.com or Scorely.com. Remember that once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged for a subscription.

What Does It All Mean?

Now that you have your free business credit report, what does it all mean?

When checking your personal FICO score, look for a number between 300 and 850. The higher the score, the better your credit rating.

Don’t panic when you check your business credit score and the number is under 100! Unlike the FICO, business scores range from zero to 100.

Business credit reports are confusing because they’re not all calculated the same way.

The Big Three :

There are three major companies where you can check your business credit. These are Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax.

Dun & Bradstreet calculates your credit score based on information from partner companies or payment info reported to directly to them. They use a Paydex score that ranges from zero to 100.

You’ll need to file through the Dun & Bradstreet website to obtain a DUNS number before you can get your score. Your report will show you creditworthiness, payment history and trends, and public filings.

Experian offers a business credit score between zero and 100, as well as a financial stability risk rating. You’ll also see a credit summary and payment trend summary. The payment trends are thorough, including monthly and quarterly trends.

If your company has any judgments are liens filed against it, these will also show on the Experian summary.

Equifax also uses the zero to 100 score. But, you’ll also see a business credit risk score that ranges from 101 to 992. This score determines the likelihood that your company will fall behind on payments.

With all three of the large credit bureaus, the credit summary is easy to read and self-explanatory.

It’s important to pay close attention to everything in the report so that you can correct any incorrect items that could hurt your credit.

Obtaining a Loan :

One of the most important reasons to maintain good business credit is so you can obtain a small business loan. Whenever you open a line of credit, such as a credit card, there’s a hard hit to your credit report.

This means that applying for any sort of loan is actually bad for your credit score!

This is one more reason to make sure you maintain good credit, in case you’re in need of a loan to purchase necessary company equipment.

It’s sometimes possible to obtain a small business loan without a hard hit to your credit. Read more now to learn about one of these loans.

Learn More About Business and Finance :

Business can be complicated, but don’t let the details scare you. Work on building and maintaining good credit to help with your personal and business finances.

Looking for more great articles on business and finance? Take a look at our many resources here.

Read Also :

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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10 Waste Management Tips For Every Business

A lot of businesses are aware that they need to take care of their waste, but it can be difficult to get started. Here are 10 tips for managing your business' waste. 1. Start With A Strategy A strategy is a plan for the future. It's the process of defining what you want to achieve and how you'll go about it. For example, if your business is a retail store, you might want to increase sales by 10% over the next year. Then, you'd create an action plan that includes how many new products or services you'll offer and what marketing techniques will be used to attract more customers. You can't just decide on a goal without having some idea of how you're going to get there (and whether or not it's even feasible). When developing your waste management strategy, it's important to consider: Your budget and resources The current state of waste management at your company Potential opportunities and challenges 2. Educate Your Employees About Waste Management Make sure you dispose of your waste correctly. If you are unsure of how to do this, or if you want to find out which method is best for your business, speak with an expert on waste management services on how to; Educate your employees. Teach them how to recycle and dispose of waste properly. Make them aware of what not to put in the garbage, such as old batteries and electronics. 3. Reduce Paper Waste You already know how wasteful paper can be. Use it for something important and the rest of your documents can go the way of digital storage. If you have documents that need to be printed, switch to recycled paper to reduce costs and waste. Then, think about using email instead of printing out emails with attachments or sending faxes to clients. There are also more efficient ways to store your documents than storing them on paper—scanning important files into a cloud-based system is an excellent alternative that will cut down on clutter and save you money! 4. Do A Waste Audit A waste audit can be a great way to get your business on the right track when it comes to reducing and recycling. It's a simple process, but it must be done regularly. You will need to identify what types of waste are being generated by your business, how much of each type is being produced, and where they are going after they have been discarded. The goal should be to understand what types of materials are being thrown away so that you can work with employees or partners to find ways around them (or eliminate them). Outsourcing waste management services is also a great way to save time and money. You can outsource the waste management of your business to a professional company that has experience in this area, or you can hire a colleague who has experience with waste management and ask them if they are willing to help you out. 5. Compromise On Cleaning Products For Waste Management You will find that it is not necessary to use toxic chemicals and harsh cleaning products. Instead, you can opt for environmentally-friendly alternatives that are just as effective in maintaining the cleanliness of your business. For example, if you need a surface cleaner or disinfectant that will keep your office equipment free of germs and bacteria, look for an option that does not contain chlorine bleach (which has been linked to cancer and other health problems). Instead, choose something like "green" cleaners that have been specifically designed to be more environmentally friendly without sacrificing effectiveness. 6. Get Creative With Containers As you are trying to figure out how to dispose of your business’s waste, it is important to keep in mind that the most important thing is not what kind of container you use, but rather how easy it will be for your employees to carry around your business’s waste. If you have a lot of waste and it is going to be hard for employees to carry around containers full of garbage, then there are many more eco-friendly options available for businesses like yours than if there was just one kind of container at hand. Another thing worth considering when choosing which type of receptacle or bin will work best for storing all that trash is whether or not reusable materials would work better than disposable ones. For example: If possible (and legal), consider using traditional wooden crates instead of plastic ones because they are reusable and biodegradable! This can also help save money since these types 7. Rethink Your Water System In addition to recycling and reusing, you can also start thinking about your water system. The average American household uses 300 gallons of water per day. That’s a lot! Fortunately, there are several ways you can reduce your water use and help the environment in the process: More efficient use of fixtures. These include solid-surface counters, low-flow showerheads, and faucet aerators. Install rainwater harvesting systems on roofs of commercial buildings or at home (if possible). Rainwater is collected for future use as drinking water, lawn irrigation, or toilet flushing. Use greywater systems in homes where it is allowed by law; these systems recycle wastewater from sinks and showers for irrigation purposes. Get a meter installed on your building's existing plumbing system so you know how much water you're using on an ongoing basis. 8. Recycle Your Electronics Recycle your electronics. Electronic waste is a growing problem, and not only because it contains toxic materials that can harm our environment. The oil and other materials used to make electronic devices are becoming increasingly scarce, which means that recycling electronics is good for the planet. You should always recycle old cell phones or computers at an e-waste recycling center—if you throw them away, they could end up in landfills where they will take years to decompose and release harmful chemicals into the earth's soil and water supply. 9. Consider Food Waste Food waste is a major problem for all businesses, particularly the hospitality and food service industry. Estimates show that the average hotel loses 18% of its room nights due to guests not showing up; this means they're paying for rooms they aren't using—and that's on top of the cost of cleaning and preparing those rooms (which can range from $10–$100 per night). According to an expert in waste oil disposal in Liverpool, buffet restaurants often lose between 30% and 50% of their prepared food due to spoilage or over-ordering. Your company may also be losing money by taking care of its garbage cans improperly: if staff members don't line them with bags or otherwise protect them from water damage, you could end up having to buy new ones every few weeks at a cost that would add up quickly over time! 10. Beware Of Hazardous Waste Hazardous waste is a particular kind of waste that has special disposal requirements. It’s important to know what hazardous waste is and how to identify it because if you don’t dispose of your hazardous waste properly with toxic waste collection services, it can be costly and even dangerous for the environment. Hazardous wastes are those that meet any of these descriptions: Corrosives: substances that burn or destroy living tissue on contact with skin or eyes, like sulfuric acid (pH 1) and sodium hydroxide (pH 14) Ignitable: easily ignited by heat, flame, sparks, or another source at room temperature; includes liquids with flashpoints below 60° F/16° C and solids such as coal dust in air-contaminated dust with ignition temperatures below 130° F/54° C Conclusion - Waste Management Tips So, there you have it! A few simple steps can make a big difference to your business. We know that waste management is not always at the top of everyone’s priority list when they run their business, but it should be. The good news is that our tips will not only help with your waste but also save you money in other areas too! Read Also: Basic Small Business Tips for Noobs Who Want to Start a Venture How A Business Loan Helps Business People In 2023 How To Market A Small Business In A Big City

Demystifying the Duty of a Company Secretary in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, Chapter 622, makes it mandatory for every company to be registered in Hong Kong to have a company secretary. So important is the company secretary that indeed, your company will not be registered without one. In this post, we will look at the duties of a company secretary in a Hong Kong company. What is a Company Secretary? First, it is important to appreciate that a company secretary is completely different from common clerks who do clerical work. According to the Companies Ordinance, a company secretary is a senior officer in a company who is responsible for efficient administration, especially with respect to ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. So, you need to ensure that only the most qualified and committed person gets the job. The Main Duties of Company Secretary From the definition of a company secretary, there is no doubt that the roles he does and how he does them will greatly impact the company's success. So, let us start by understanding the duties of a company secretary. Fulfilling the Company’s Tax Obligation When opening a company in Hong Kong, it is important to understand that the administration runs a business economy because the registered enterprises serve as the primary source of revenue. Therefore, the administration takes tax matters very seriously. Your company secretary is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the company meets all its tax obligations. Some of these obligations include: Overseeing the filing of the tax returns correctly and on time. Seeking additional approval or clarifications on tax-related matters. Registering the company with IRD (Inland Revenue Department). Keeping Statutory Books The Hong Kong Companies Ordinance also designates the company secretary as the custodian of the statutory books. This implies that the secretary should have every document that the government might need to inspect. In addition to keeping these books of account, the company secretary is also responsible for: Updating the details on statutory books. Producing and distributing company accounts and reports. Planning and Attending Company Meetings As we indicated earlier, the company secretary is involved with top-level management, and one of that roles is planning the company's meetings. This is considered an important role because it is in these meetings that actions to be taken on different areas, such as books of accounts and employment, are made. Here is a breakdown of these duties: Organize board meetings. Participate in board meetings. Prepare the agenda of the company meetings. Implement the decisions made during meetings in compliance with laws. Advise the company on compliance with the law. Other Duties of a Company Secretary While the roles we have outlined above are considered the core for a company secretary, they are not the only ones. Other administrative duties include: Communicating with shareholders, the Stock Exchange, and regulatory bodies on behalf of the company. Observing the company developments and giving advice to the board of directors. Guiding the company through the process of liquidation. If you are planning to incorporate a company in Hong Kong, the position of a company secretary is very important and should only be entrusted to a qualified and experienced person. With the best company secretary, you can rest assured that the business will make the best decisions and grow into the multinational of your dreams. Read Also: A Closer Look At The Common Types of Business Accounting Services How Portal Software Improves Communication Between Board Members 5 Places you should see if you’re visiting Hong Kong for the first time

Choosing Between Shopify and Crafting Your Website: A Guide for 2024

Starting an e-commerce journey or considering a platform transition requires essential choices. This guide looks into Shopify and custom websites, breaking down their pros and cons. Whether you're new to business or a seasoned entrepreneur, the aim is to give you valuable insights for making intelligent decisions. Decoding Platforms: Shopify And Custom Websites In Focus Shopify is an easy-to-use e-commerce platform with global reach. On the flip side, custom websites are tailored to specific business needs, giving more control and coding skills for setup and upkeep. A Detailed Exploration: Shopify vs. Custom Websites User-Friendliness: Shopify excels with its e-commerce-centric design, offering an intuitive interface and swift customization options. Custom websites demand technical proficiency involving web development, coding skills, and meticulous management. Domain And Hosting: Shopify streamlines the process by eliminating the need for separate domain and hosting decisions. On the other hand, custom websites require careful consideration for goals, structure, and usability. Content Management: Shopify serves as a CMS, facilitating easy content editing and reorganization. Custom websites rely on CMS platforms like WordPress but need a more intuitive nature of Shopify's interface. Website Construction Effort and Time: Shopify allows rapid online store setup in just one day with guided instructions. Building a website from scratch is time-consuming and depends on factors such as size, complexity, and technical skills. Pricing: Shopify offers plans with additional costs for apps, themes, and domain subscriptions. Custom websites involve costs for hosting, domain, SSL certificate, development, extensions, and payment processors. Design And Customization: Shopify provides over 100 customizable templates and a user-friendly drag-and-drop builder. Custom websites offer complete control over design and functionality. Maintenance And Updates: Shopify integrates seamlessly with over 8,000 third-party applications. Custom websites require a more complex selection, investigation, and maintenance process. Support: Shopify ensures 24/7 customer support through various channels. Custom websites rely on the developer or agency, with support quality varying based on skills and responsiveness. Unveiling Advantages Of Using Shopify Advantages include a user-friendly interface, easy configuration, comprehensive e-commerce features, and robust support. Let us try to understand the pros of using Shopify for the sake of better understanding. Easy To Use E-commerce Platforms This is one of the biggest advantages of using Shopify. Shopify is built mainly for the average people and not the skilled developers. It's quite simple to add the products and then create discounts. The web design of it is quite friendly. With the help of drag-and-drop editing tools, you can navigate the software for a pleasant experience. The platform itself provides software for hosting. Supporting Wide Renge Of Busienss One of the benefits of using the software is supporting a wide range of products like outdoor gear, home goods, beauty supplies, clothing, and digital products. A study tells the fact that household storage containers, bike saddles, kitchen towels, and toy kitchens are considered the highest-trending. Therefore, if your business involves one of these categories, you can bank on Shopify. Low Startup Costs Shopify’s relatively low monthly fees make the entire setup affordable. Shopify has a 14-day free trial period. Hereafter the users have to pay a monthly subscription fee. The basic plan starts at around $29 per month. The following level is $79 per month. Finally, the top package is $229 a month. Customized Themes Once you sign up for the account in Shopify, you gain immediate access to around 70 themes that are free of cost. One can easily implement them. It may be easy to get carried away in the design elements. You can spend quite a lot on purchasing the theme from the Shopify store. Drawbacks involve limitations in customization options, potential content and visual optimization issues, and relatively high transaction fees. Unveiling Advantages Of Using Custom Websites: Advantages encompass heightened customization, freedom from platform constraints, extensive third-party integrations, and flexibility in coding and development. Drawbacks include the need for coding expertise, significant budget requirements, time and effort demands, high risk, manual setup, ongoing maintenance, and limited support. However, let us try to understand the advantages of using the customized software here in detail. Unique Design One of the advantages of using a custom web design is presenting uniqueness and individuality. This feature is exclusive only to the customized products where you decide with the designer regarding the website. It makes the brand stand out from the crowd. Custom-Fit The custom website design cost is less, allowing you to create aesthetic aspects of the template. The design of the product serves. There are unique business needs and expectations. This is why businesses try to design their website to handle their overall personality regarding the product. Due considerations are also provided to the users’ experience, navigation, unique color schemes, and, in the end, the overall personality of the websites. Seo Optimized Another benefit of personalized websites is their SEO optimization. The customized website design allows for the website to be designed according to the specific SEO technique. It surely facilitates better ranking on the search engine. The better the ranking, the better opportunity gets created for business development. This is one technical point where the customized versions are well ahead. Growing Reputation The growth and development of business depend on reputation building. Brands try to make their best effort to ensure better connectivity. With the help of customized website design, you can establish a relationship, and through better networking, you can create a unique brand for your company. Ultimately, with the help of a customized reputation, you can grow your ownership and control over your website. Therefore, customized website designs have their gateway to achieving success in the long run. Businesses take the help of these websites to attain a competitive edge. Strategic Conclusion Align your choice with unique needs. Whether opting for Shopify or considering a different platform, trust the adept Shopify developers at VT Labs https://www.vtlabs.org/ for safe and precise site building designed to serve your requirements. Their commitment involves leveraging cutting-edge tools to facilitate a smooth digital transformation journey. Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Website Development Services 15 Ultimate UI/UX Website Inspiration For Developers 9 Tools To Test If Your Website Is Mobile Friendly

What Are the Important Parts of a Free Business Credit Report?

Why is Good Credit Important?

How to Build Credit :

Getting a Free Business Credit Report :

CreditSignal :

Try Nav :

Free Trial Demos :

What Does It All Mean?

The Big Three :

Obtaining a Loan :

Learn More About Business and Finance :

The Importance of Writing Business Reports in College

Advantages and Disadvantages of Coupon Codes in Your Business

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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10 Waste Management Tips For Every Business

Demystifying the Duty of a Company Secretary in Hong Kong

Choosing Between Shopify and Crafting Your Website: A Guide for 2024

What Are the Important Parts of a Free Business Credit Report?

Why is Good Credit Important?

How to Build Credit :

Getting a Free Business Credit Report :

CreditSignal :

Try Nav :

Free Trial Demos :

What Does It All Mean?

The Big Three :

Obtaining a Loan :

Learn More About Business and Finance :

Share this Article

The Importance of Writing Business Reports in College

Advantages and Disadvantages of Coupon Codes in Your Business

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related