[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":523},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-inquiry-on-new-customer-credit-D266":3},{"document":4,"label":22,"preview":11,"thumb":23,"thumb600":24,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":25,"breadcrumb":29,"related":37,"customDescModule":181,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":182,"mdProseHtml":522},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":16,"keywords":21},"[DATE] [CONTACT NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS 2] [CITY, STATE/PROVINCE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] SUBJECT: REQUEST ON CREDIT INFORMATION Dear [Contact name], We are responding to your letter requesting credit information on [Company]. A purchase order from [Company] for [Amount] worth of merchandise listed you as a credit reference.",null,"Inquiry on New Customer Credit","1",513,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/inquiry-on-new-customer-credit-D266.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/266.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#266.xml",{"title":15,"description":6},"inquiry on new customer credit",[17,20],{"label":18,"url":19},"Credit & Collection","/templates/credit-collection/",{"label":18,"url":19},"inquiry new customer credit","Inquiry on New Customer Credit Template","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/400px/266.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/600px/266.png",[26,17,20],{"label":27,"url":28},"Templates","/templates/",[30,31,34],{"label":27,"url":28},{"label":32,"url":33},"Finance & Accounting","/templates/finance-accounting/",{"label":35,"url":36},"Credit Management","/templates/credit-management/",[38,42,46,50,54,58,62,66,70,74,78,82,86,103,119,136,149,163],{"label":39,"url":40,"thumb":41,"extension":10},"Approbation of New Credit Account","/template/approbation-of-new-credit-account-D245","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/245.png",{"label":43,"url":44,"thumb":45,"extension":10},"Opening New Credit Account","/template/opening-new-credit-account-D272","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/272.png",{"label":47,"url":48,"thumb":49,"extension":10},"Credit Extension to Past Due Preferred Customer","/template/credit-extension-to-past-due-preferred-customer-D257","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/257.png",{"label":51,"url":52,"thumb":53,"extension":10},"Credit Note","/template/credit-note-D13639","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13639.png",{"label":55,"url":56,"thumb":57,"extension":10},"Credit Information Request","/template/credit-information-request-D259","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/259.png",{"label":59,"url":60,"thumb":61,"extension":10},"Request for Credit Information","/template/request-for-credit-information-D276","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/276.png",{"label":63,"url":64,"thumb":65,"extension":10},"Request for Customer Feedback","/template/request-for-customer-feedback-D1305","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1305.png",{"label":67,"url":68,"thumb":69,"extension":10},"Credit Policy","/template/credit-policy-D12633","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12633.png",{"label":71,"url":72,"thumb":73,"extension":10},"Customer Complaint Resolution Policy","/template/customer-complaint-resolution-policy-D13644","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13644.png",{"label":75,"url":76,"thumb":77,"extension":10},"Promissory Note Line of Credit","/template/promissory-note-line-of-credit-D435","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/435.png",{"label":79,"url":80,"thumb":81,"extension":10},"Credit Memo","/template/credit-memo-D261","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/261.png",{"label":83,"url":84,"thumb":85,"extension":10},"Denial of Credit","/template/denial-of-credit-D264","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/264.png",{"description":87,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":88,"pages":8,"size":89,"extension":10,"preview":90,"thumb":91,"svgFrame":92,"seoMetadata":93,"parents":94,"keywords":101,"url":102},"COMPANY NAME:_______________________ Address: _______________________________________ City: ______________________________ State/Province: ___________ Zip/postal code__________ Country: ________________ Phone: _________________ Fax: __________________ Email: _________________________________________ Purchase Order The following number must appear on all related correspondence, shipping papers, and invoices: P.O. NUMBER: Contact: Address: _______________________________________ City: ______________________________ State/Province: ___________ Zip/postal code___________ Country: ________________ Phone: _________________ Fax: __________________ Email: _________________________________________ Ship To:","Purchase Order",49,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/purchase-order-D1411.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1411.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#1411.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[95,98],{"label":96,"url":97},"Sales & Marketing","sales-marketing",{"label":99,"url":100},"Bids & Quotes","bids-quotes","purchase order","/template/purchase-order-D1411",{"description":104,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":105,"pages":8,"size":106,"extension":10,"preview":107,"thumb":108,"svgFrame":109,"seoMetadata":110,"parents":111,"keywords":117,"url":118},"Invoice Company: Complete Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone:_________________ Fax: ________________ Email: _____________________ INVOICE #: _____________ DATE: ________________ Bill to: Address: _______________________________________ City: __________________________________________ State/Province: ___________ Zip/postal code__________ Country: ________________ Phone: _________________ Fax: __________________ Email: _________________________________________ Ship To:","Commercial Sales Invoice",42,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/sales-invoice-D383.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/383.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#383.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[112,114],{"label":32,"url":113},"finance-accounting",{"label":115,"url":116},"Invoices & Receipts","invoice-receipt","sales invoice","/template/sales-invoice-D383",{"description":120,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":121,"pages":122,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":123,"thumb":124,"svgFrame":125,"seoMetadata":126,"parents":128,"keywords":127,"url":135},"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Non-Disclosure Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Disclosing Party\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECEIVING PARTY NAME] (the \"Receiving Party\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Receiving Party has been or will be engaged in the performance of work on [DESCRIBE]; and in connection therewith will be given access to certain confidential and proprietary information; and WHEREAS, Receiving Party and Disclosing Party wish to evidence by this Agreement the manner in which said confidential and proprietary material will be treated. NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","3","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":127,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[129,132],{"label":130,"url":131},"Legal Agreements","business-legal-agreements",{"label":133,"url":134},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":137,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":138,"pages":139,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":140,"thumb":141,"svgFrame":142,"seoMetadata":143,"parents":145,"keywords":144,"url":148},"SERVICE AGREEMENT This SERVICE AGREEMENT (\"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Customer\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] (The Contractor and the Customer shall be individually referred to as a \"Party\" and collectively referred to as the \"Parties\", as the context may require). WHEREAS A. Contractor has experience and expertise in [DESCRIBE EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE]. B. Customer desires to have Contractor provide services for them. C. Contractor desires to provide services to Customer on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the \"Services\"). NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals, the representations, warranties, and agreements contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are now acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: SERVICES PROVIDED Beginning on upon agreement to this contract, [CONTRACTOR] will provide to [CUSTOMER] the following service (collectively, the /Services\"): Description of the project: [DESCRIBE THE SERVICE REQUIRED]. SCOPE OF WORK Contractor agrees to provide Services pursuant to the Scope of Work set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto (the \"Scope of Work\"). TERM Unless both parties mutually agree on an extension, this contract will automatically terminate on [SPECIFY]. PERFORMANCE The parties agree to do everything possible to ensure that the terms of this Agreement take effect. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES In exchange for the Services rendered, a payment of [SPECIFY] will be made to the Contractor upon completion of the scheduled Services described in this Contract. If an invoice is not paid on the due date, interest will be added to the current balance. These amounts shall be payable, and the Customer shall pay all overdue amounts at the lesser of [SPECIFY] per cent per annum or the maximum percentage permitted by applicable law. Or Customer will pay Contractor as follows: [SPECIFY]. DELIVERY OF SERVICES The Contractor will exercise due diligence in the provision of services. However, the Customer acknowledges that the indicated delivery times and other payment milestones listed in Scope of Work are estimates and do not constitute final delivery dates. SECURITY The Contractor must make reasonable security arrangement to protect Material from unauthorized access, collection, use, alteration or disposal. OWNERSHIP RIGHT The Customer shall hold the copyright for the agreed version of the Services as delivered, and the Customer's copyright notice may be displayed in the final version. All works, ideas, discoveries, inventions, patents, products or other information that may be protected by copyright (collectively, the \"Work Product\" developed in whole or in part by the Contractor in connection with the Services, shall be the exclusive property of the Customer. Upon request, the Contractor shall execute all documents necessary to confirm or perfect the exclusive ownership of the Customer's \"Work Product\". The Contractor retains exclusive rights to pre-existing materials used in the Customer's projects. The Customer shall not have the right to reuse, resell or otherwise transfer material belonging to the contractor or third parties. The Contractor reserves the right to use the finished public product as an example of a product. RETURN OF PROPERTY Upon the expiry or termination of this Agreement, the Contractor will return to the Customer any property, documentation, records or Confidential Information which is the property of the Customer. COMPENSATION For all services rendered by the Contractor under this Agreement, the Customer shall indemnify the Contractor. In the event that the Customer fails to make any of the payments mentioned, the Contractor shall have the right, but shall not be obliged, to exercise any of the following remedies: ","Service Agreement","6","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/service-agreement-D12711.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12711.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12711.xml",{"title":144,"description":6},"service agreement",[146,147],{"label":130,"url":131},{"label":130,"url":131},"/template/service-agreement-D12711",{"description":150,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":151,"pages":139,"size":152,"extension":10,"preview":153,"thumb":154,"svgFrame":155,"seoMetadata":156,"parents":157,"keywords":161,"url":162},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[158],{"label":159,"url":160},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":164,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":165,"pages":122,"size":166,"extension":10,"preview":167,"thumb":168,"svgFrame":169,"seoMetadata":170,"parents":171,"keywords":179,"url":180},"SECURED INSTALLMENT NOTE This Secured Installment Note (the \"Note\") is made and effective the [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Maker\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [INSTITUTION NAME] (the \"Institution\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] TERMS OF NOTE For value received, Maker promises to pay to the order of Institution, the principal sum of [AMOUNT] with interest thereon at [%] per annum in installments as follows: [NUMBER] monthly installments of [AMOUNT] each, beginning on [DATE], and on the same date of each month thereafter, ending on [DATE]. PREPAYMENT OF NOTE If this note is prepaid in full before [DATE], Institution shall charge Maker [AMOUNT] to cover acquisition costs of Institution. ACCELERATION ON DEFAULT If any installment due on this note is not paid at the time and place specified in this note, the entire unpaid balance shall be payable immediately at the election of Institution. COLLATERAL To secure the payment of this note, Maker has pledged with Institution the following property: [DESCRIBE] with a market value of [AMOUNT] as of [DATE]. Maker also pledges as collateral any additions to or substitutions for the pledged property, together with all money and other property held by Institution on deposit or otherwise for the account of Maker or in which Maker has an interest. ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL Institution may call for additional collateral if Institution determines in its sole discretion that additional collateral is necessary for its protection. If Maker fails to supply the additional collateral that Institution calls for within [NUMBER] days from the date of request, this note shall, at the option of Institution, become immediately due and payable. SALE OF COLLATERAL ON DEFAULT On default by Maker of any obligation of this note, Institution may immediately, and without notice or advertisement, sell at public or private auction the collateral pledged under this note. If the sale is public, Institution may purchase the collateral or any part thereof. PROCEEDS OF SALE","Secured Installment Note",38,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/secured-installment-note-D440.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/440.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#440.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[172,173,176],{"label":32,"url":113},{"label":174,"url":175},"Business Loans","business-loan",{"label":177,"url":178},"Promissory Notes","promisory-note","secured installment note","/template/secured-installment-note-D440",false,{"seo":183,"reviewer":196,"legal_disclaimer":200,"quick_facts":201,"at_a_glance":203,"personas":207,"variants":232,"glossary":261,"clauses":295,"how_to_fill":341,"common_mistakes":382,"faqs":407,"industries":435,"comparisons":452,"diy_vs_lawyer":465,"jurisdictions":478,"related_template_ids_curated":499,"schema":511,"classification":512},{"meta_title":184,"meta_description":185,"primary_keyword":186,"secondary_keywords":187},"Inquiry On New Customer Credit Template (Free Word)","Free inquiry on new customer credit template for evaluating new client creditworthiness before extending trade credit. Used in 190+ countries. Free Word and PDF download.","inquiry on new customer credit template",[188,189,190,191,192,193,194,195],"new customer credit inquiry form","trade credit application template","customer credit check form","credit inquiry letter template","business credit inquiry template","credit reference request template","customer creditworthiness form","new account credit inquiry template",{"name":197,"credential":198,"reviewed_date":199},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",true,{"difficulty":202,"legal_review_recommended":200,"signature_required":200,"notarization_required":181},"medium",{"what_it_is":204,"when_you_need_it":205,"whats_inside":206},"An Inquiry On New Customer Credit is a formal document a seller or supplier sends to a prospective customer to gather the financial and trade reference information needed before extending open-account or net-terms credit. This template is a free Word download you can edit online and export as PDF — covering authorization for credit checks, trade references, banking details, and acknowledgment of payment terms in a single structured form.\n","Use it before approving a new customer for net-30, net-60, or any open-account trade credit arrangement. It is also appropriate when upgrading an existing cash-in-advance customer to credit terms or when a credit line review is triggered by a material change in order volume.\n","Business identification and contact details, authorized representative information, trade and bank references, a credit authorization and consent clause, acknowledgment of proposed payment terms, and a signature block confirming the applicant's agreement to the information disclosure and terms review process.\n",[208,212,216,220,224,228],{"title":209,"use_case":210,"icon_asset_id":211},"Wholesale distributors","Vetting new retail accounts before approving net-30 purchase terms","persona-wholesale-distributor",{"title":213,"use_case":214,"icon_asset_id":215},"Manufacturers","Screening new supply-chain customers for credit risk before shipping goods","persona-manufacturer",{"title":217,"use_case":218,"icon_asset_id":219},"B2B service providers","Evaluating new corporate clients before extending monthly invoicing terms","persona-b2b-service-provider",{"title":221,"use_case":222,"icon_asset_id":223},"Credit managers","Standardizing the credit application and reference-check process across accounts","persona-credit-manager",{"title":225,"use_case":226,"icon_asset_id":227},"Small business owners","Protecting cash flow by formally assessing new customers before offering credit","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":229,"use_case":230,"icon_asset_id":231},"Accounts receivable teams","Collecting and documenting authorization to contact references and run credit reports","persona-accounts-receivable",[233,237,241,245,249,253,257],{"situation":234,"recommended_template":235,"slug":236},"Extending trade credit to a new business customer for the first time","Inquiry On New Customer Credit","inquiry-on-new-customer-credit-D266",{"situation":238,"recommended_template":239,"slug":240},"Formalizing the full credit application with financial disclosures","Credit Application Form","bank-loan-application-form-and-checklist-D461",{"situation":242,"recommended_template":243,"slug":244},"Confirming agreed payment terms in a binding written arrangement","Payment Agreement","secured-installment-note-D440",{"situation":246,"recommended_template":247,"slug":248},"Following up on a past-due balance after credit has been extended","Collection Letter","collection-letter-to-eliminate-disputes-D190",{"situation":250,"recommended_template":251,"slug":252},"Requesting a bank to confirm a customer's account standing","Bank Reference Request Letter","request-for-reference-D499",{"situation":254,"recommended_template":255,"slug":256},"Formally limiting or revoking a customer's credit line","Credit Limit Reduction Letter","notice-of-credit-limit-D269",{"situation":258,"recommended_template":259,"slug":260},"Documenting a personal guarantee for a business credit applicant","Personal Guarantee Agreement","personal-guarantee-D405",[262,265,268,271,274,277,280,283,286,289,292],{"term":263,"definition":264},"Trade Credit","An arrangement where a seller allows a buyer to receive goods or services and pay at a later agreed date, rather than at the time of purchase.",{"term":266,"definition":267},"Net-30 / Net-60 Terms","Payment terms requiring the full invoice balance to be paid within 30 or 60 calendar days from the invoice date.",{"term":269,"definition":270},"Trade Reference","An existing supplier or creditor a credit applicant names so the inquiring company can verify the applicant's payment history and creditworthiness.",{"term":272,"definition":273},"Credit Authorization","A signed consent from the applicant permitting the inquiring company to contact references, request bank confirmations, and obtain credit bureau reports.",{"term":275,"definition":276},"Open Account","A credit arrangement in which the buyer receives goods or services and the balance is recorded as an account receivable, due under agreed payment terms with no formal promissory note.",{"term":278,"definition":279},"Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)","The average number of days it takes a company to collect payment after a sale — a key metric for assessing how effectively credit terms are being managed.",{"term":281,"definition":282},"Credit Limit","The maximum outstanding balance a seller will allow a specific customer to carry at any one time under open-account terms.",{"term":284,"definition":285},"Credit Bureau Report","A third-party report from an agency such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business summarizing a company's borrowing and payment history.",{"term":287,"definition":288},"Personal Guarantee","A clause or separate agreement making a business owner personally liable for a company's credit obligations if the company fails to pay.",{"term":290,"definition":291},"Accounts Receivable (AR)","Money owed to a company by customers for goods or services already delivered but not yet paid — recorded as a current asset on the balance sheet.",{"term":293,"definition":294},"Credit Risk","The probability that a customer will fail to pay an outstanding balance on time or in full, resulting in a bad-debt loss for the seller.",[296,301,306,311,316,321,326,331,336],{"name":297,"plain_english":298,"sample_language":299,"common_mistake":300},"Applicant Identification","Captures the legal name, trading name, business structure, registration number, and principal address of the company applying for credit.","Legal Business Name: [COMPANY LEGAL NAME] | Trading As: [DBA NAME, IF ANY] | Entity Type: [CORPORATION / LLC / PARTNERSHIP] | Registration No.: [STATE/PROVINCE REG. NUMBER] | Principal Address: [STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP]","Accepting a trade name without the registered legal entity name. If a collection action becomes necessary, you need the legal name to file suit or register a judgment.",{"name":302,"plain_english":303,"sample_language":304,"common_mistake":305},"Authorized Representative","Identifies the individual signing the inquiry on behalf of the applicant company and confirms their authority to bind the company to the information and consents provided.","The undersigned, [FULL NAME], in their capacity as [TITLE] of [COMPANY LEGAL NAME], is duly authorized to complete this inquiry and grant the consents contained herein.","Leaving the representative's title blank or accepting a signature from a person without documented signing authority. An unauthorized signature may render the credit authorization consent unenforceable.",{"name":307,"plain_english":308,"sample_language":309,"common_mistake":310},"Requested Credit Terms","States the specific payment terms the applicant is requesting — net days, credit limit amount, and preferred billing cycle — so the seller can evaluate the request against the applicant's profile.","Applicant requests: Net [30 / 60 / 90] day payment terms | Initial credit limit requested: $[AMOUNT] | Billing cycle: [Monthly / Per Order] | Preferred invoice delivery: [Email / Mail]","Omitting the credit limit request and evaluating an open-ended line. Without a stated limit, the seller has no benchmark against which to approve or counter-propose.",{"name":312,"plain_english":313,"sample_language":314,"common_mistake":315},"Trade References","Requires the applicant to list at least three current suppliers or creditors who can speak to the applicant's payment history and reliability.","Reference 1: Company: [NAME] | Contact: [NAME, TITLE] | Phone: [NUMBER] | Email: [ADDRESS] | Credit Limit Extended: $[AMOUNT] | Payment Terms: Net [X] | Account Open Since: [YEAR]","Accepting only one or two references, or allowing the applicant to list sister companies or related parties. Independent references from unrelated creditors are the only ones that provide meaningful risk information.",{"name":317,"plain_english":318,"sample_language":319,"common_mistake":320},"Bank Reference","Requests the applicant's primary banking institution details so the seller can request a bank reference letter confirming the account standing and average balance range.","Bank Name: [INSTITUTION NAME] | Branch: [CITY, STATE] | Account Officer: [NAME] | Phone: [NUMBER] | Account Type: [CHECKING / OPERATING] | Account No. (last 4 digits): [XXXX]","Skipping the bank reference because it feels intrusive. A bank reference is one of the most reliable indicators of liquidity and is standard practice in B2B trade credit.",{"name":322,"plain_english":323,"sample_language":324,"common_mistake":325},"Credit Check Authorization","A signed consent from the applicant explicitly authorizing the seller to obtain a third-party commercial credit report from a credit bureau on the applicant company and, if applicable, its principals.","By signing below, [COMPANY LEGAL NAME] authorizes [SELLER COMPANY NAME] to obtain commercial credit reports from one or more credit reporting agencies, and to contact the trade and bank references listed above, for the purpose of evaluating this credit application.","Running a credit bureau report without written authorization. In most jurisdictions, obtaining a credit report without a permissible purpose and written consent violates consumer and commercial credit reporting laws and can result in regulatory penalties.",{"name":327,"plain_english":328,"sample_language":329,"common_mistake":330},"Financial Information Disclosure","Requests key financial indicators — years in business, annual revenue range, and whether the applicant has any outstanding judgments, liens, or bankruptcies — to supplement the reference check.","Years in Business: [NUMBER] | Estimated Annual Revenue: [$X–$Y range] | Outstanding Judgments or Liens: [Yes / No] | Bankruptcy (past 7 years): [Yes / No] | If yes, explain: [DETAILS]","Not asking about prior bankruptcies or outstanding liens. A customer with an undisclosed recent bankruptcy presents a materially different risk profile — and the inquiry is the only standardized opportunity to capture this disclosure.",{"name":332,"plain_english":333,"sample_language":334,"common_mistake":335},"Acknowledgment of Payment Terms and Late Fees","Confirms that the applicant has read and agrees to the seller's standard payment terms, late-payment interest rate, and collection cost provisions that will govern the account if credit is approved.","Applicant acknowledges the following standard terms: Payment due Net [30] days from invoice date. Balances outstanding beyond [30] days accrue interest at [1.5%] per month ([18%] per annum). In the event of collection, applicant agrees to reimburse all reasonable collection costs and attorney's fees.","Stating the interest rate as a monthly figure only without disclosing the annualized rate. Several jurisdictions require the annual equivalent to be disclosed for the interest clause to be enforceable.",{"name":337,"plain_english":338,"sample_language":339,"common_mistake":340},"Certification and Signature","A declaration by the authorized representative that all information provided is accurate and complete, followed by dated signatures from the applicant and, optionally, a personal guarantor.","I/We certify that the information provided in this inquiry is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my/our knowledge. [AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE] | Date: [DATE] | Personal Guarantor (if applicable): [SIGNATURE] | Date: [DATE]","Not dating the signature. An undated authorization creates ambiguity about when consent was granted, which matters if the credit report is pulled weeks after the form was signed.",[342,347,352,357,362,367,372,377],{"step":343,"title":344,"description":345,"tip":346},1,"Enter your company's information as the inquiring seller","Add your business's legal name, address, and the name of the credit manager or accounts receivable contact who will review the completed form. This information appears in the header so the applicant knows who is conducting the inquiry.","Include a direct phone number for your credit department — applicants who have questions about the form are more likely to complete it promptly if a contact is easy to reach.",{"step":348,"title":349,"description":350,"tip":351},2,"Confirm the legal entity name and registration details","Ask the applicant to provide the exact registered legal name, entity type, and state or provincial registration number. Cross-reference against the applicable corporate registry before approving credit.","Search your state secretary of state database or provincial registry to confirm the legal name before the account is opened — a one-minute check that prevents collection headaches later.",{"step":353,"title":354,"description":355,"tip":356},3,"Record the requested credit limit and terms","Have the applicant specify the credit limit they are requesting and the payment terms they need. Compare this against their trade reference feedback and credit bureau score before approving, reducing, or declining.","Start new accounts at 50–60% of the requested limit and increase after 90 days of on-time payment — this is standard practice in trade credit management.",{"step":358,"title":359,"description":360,"tip":361},4,"Collect at least three independent trade references","Require the applicant to list three suppliers with whom they currently have credit accounts. For each reference, capture the company name, contact name and phone number, credit limit extended, and approximate payment performance.","Call references within 5 business days of receiving the form — credit reference contacts change frequently and delayed calls result in unanswered inquiries.",{"step":363,"title":364,"description":365,"tip":366},5,"Collect the bank reference details","Record the applicant's primary business bank name, branch location, and account officer contact. Send a written bank reference request asking for confirmation of account standing, average balance tier, and any material negative indicators.","Banks typically respond to written reference requests only — a phone call alone rarely produces a formal response suitable for your credit file.",{"step":368,"title":369,"description":370,"tip":371},6,"Obtain signed credit check authorization","Ensure the authorized representative signs and dates the credit check authorization clause before you contact any reference or pull a bureau report. File the signed authorization with the customer's credit file.","If the applicant submits the form electronically, require a typed full name and date in lieu of a wet signature — and note in your records that electronic authorization was obtained.",{"step":373,"title":374,"description":375,"tip":376},7,"Review financial disclosure responses","Examine the applicant's answers to the outstanding judgment, lien, and bankruptcy questions. Any 'yes' answer should trigger a follow-up for documentation and an elevated credit review before any credit is approved.","A prior bankruptcy disclosed honestly is not an automatic disqualifier — applicants who emerged from Chapter 11 two or more years ago with improved financials can be solid credit customers.",{"step":378,"title":379,"description":380,"tip":381},8,"Counter-sign and file the completed form","Once reviewed and approved, have the credit manager or authorized representative on your side sign the acceptance block, note the approved credit limit and terms, and place the signed original in the customer's permanent credit file.","Store a digital copy in your accounts receivable system tagged to the customer account — this makes it immediately retrievable if a dispute or collection action arises.",[383,387,391,395,399,403],{"mistake":384,"why_it_matters":385,"fix":386},"Running a credit report before obtaining written authorization","In the US, obtaining a commercial credit report without a permissible purpose and documented consent can violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act, exposing the inquiring business to civil liability and regulatory penalties.","Always secure the signed credit check authorization clause before contacting any bureau. File the authorization with the customer's credit record as permanent documentation.",{"mistake":388,"why_it_matters":389,"fix":390},"Accepting related-party trade references","References from a parent company, subsidiary, or affiliated entity do not reflect arm's-length payment behavior and provide no meaningful information about how the applicant pays unrelated creditors.","Require all three trade references to be from unrelated, third-party suppliers. Reject references that appear affiliated and ask the applicant to substitute genuine independent references.",{"mistake":392,"why_it_matters":393,"fix":394},"Skipping the bank reference","Without a bank reference, you have no independent view of the applicant's liquidity — trade references only tell you they pay those specific vendors, not whether the applicant has cash to pay you.","Treat the bank reference as mandatory, not optional. Contact the account officer in writing and document the response in the credit file before approving any limit above $5,000.",{"mistake":396,"why_it_matters":397,"fix":398},"Approving credit without a defined credit limit","An open-ended credit line creates uncapped accounts-receivable exposure. If the customer ramps up orders dramatically and then fails to pay, the loss has no ceiling.","Always specify an approved credit limit in dollar terms and record it in your accounting system. Review and adjust the limit formally after each 90-day payment cycle.",{"mistake":400,"why_it_matters":401,"fix":402},"Not disclosing the annualized late-fee interest rate","Several US states, Canadian provinces, and EU member states require the annual equivalent interest rate to be stated clearly for the late-fee clause to be enforceable against a debtor.","State both the monthly and annualized rate explicitly in the payment terms acknowledgment: for example, '1.5% per month (18% per annum)' rather than '1.5% per month' alone.",{"mistake":404,"why_it_matters":405,"fix":406},"Filing the form without a dated signature","An undated authorization creates a factual dispute about when consent was given, which matters if a credit report is pulled weeks after form submission or if the customer later disputes the authorization's validity.","Require both a signature and a written date on the authorization line. If the form is submitted without a date, return it for completion before proceeding with any credit checks.",[408,411,414,417,420,423,426,429,432],{"question":409,"answer":410},"What is an inquiry on new customer credit?","An inquiry on new customer credit is a formal document a seller sends to a prospective business customer to collect the financial and reference information needed to evaluate a trade credit application. It captures business identity, trade references, banking details, and a signed authorization to conduct a credit check. It is the first step in a structured credit-approval process and creates a documented record of due diligence before any open-account terms are extended.\n",{"question":412,"answer":413},"Why do businesses require a credit inquiry before extending trade credit?","Extending trade credit without a credit inquiry creates unquantified accounts-receivable exposure. The inquiry process allows the seller to verify the customer's legal identity, assess payment history through independent references, obtain a commercial credit bureau report, and confirm liquidity through a bank reference — all before shipping goods or delivering services on open-account terms. It is the primary mechanism for controlling bad-debt losses in B2B trade.\n",{"question":415,"answer":416},"Is a credit inquiry form legally binding?","The inquiry itself is not a credit agreement, but the signed clauses within it — particularly the credit check authorization, the financial information certification, and the payment terms acknowledgment — are generally enforceable as written consents and representations. The authorization to pull a credit report is legally significant in most jurisdictions and must be signed before a bureau report is obtained. Consult a lawyer if you intend to rely on the form's provisions in a collection or dispute context.\n",{"question":418,"answer":419},"How many trade references should I require?","Three independent trade references is the standard minimum in commercial credit practice. All three should be from unrelated, arm's-length suppliers — not sister companies, subsidiaries, or affiliated entities. For larger credit limits (above $25,000), four to five references are common. Each reference should include the contact name, phone number, credit limit extended, payment terms, and approximate payment performance.\n",{"question":421,"answer":422},"Can I run a personal credit check on a business owner as part of this inquiry?","You may request a personal guarantee and, with separate written authorization from the individual, obtain a personal credit report — but only if the individual explicitly consents in writing to a personal credit check. Business credit and consumer credit are governed by different legal frameworks. In the US, personal credit reports are strictly regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act; pulling one without specific written consent from the individual is a violation regardless of whether a business credit authorization has been signed.\n",{"question":424,"answer":425},"What credit limit should I approve for a new customer?","A widely used starting point is to approve 10–15% of the customer's stated annual revenue or the average credit limit their trade references report extending — whichever is lower. For a brand-new relationship with limited reference data, starting at 50% of the requested limit and increasing after 90 days of on-time payment is a conservative approach that limits initial exposure while building payment history.\n",{"question":427,"answer":428},"What happens if a customer refuses to complete the credit inquiry?","A customer who declines to provide references, authorize a credit check, or disclose basic financial information is signaling elevated risk. In that situation, the standard options are to require cash-in-advance or prepayment for all orders, offer a secured credit line backed by a personal guarantee, or decline to extend credit entirely. Extending open-account terms to a customer who will not cooperate with standard due diligence is rarely justified by the potential revenue.\n",{"question":430,"answer":431},"Does this form need to be notarized?","Notarization is not required for a credit inquiry form in most jurisdictions. A dated wet signature from an authorized representative is sufficient for the credit check authorization and payment terms acknowledgment to be valid. If you are also requiring a personal guarantee from a business owner, some jurisdictions or lenders may prefer — but do not legally require — notarized guarantees for larger credit exposures.\n",{"question":433,"answer":434},"How long should I retain completed credit inquiry forms?","Best practice is to retain completed credit inquiry forms for the life of the customer account plus a minimum of seven years after the account is closed. This aligns with standard commercial record-retention guidelines and provides documentation for any collection action, audit, or regulatory inquiry that arises after the account is closed. Store digital copies linked to the customer record in your accounting or ERP system.\n",[436,440,444,448],{"industry":437,"icon_asset_id":438,"specifics":439},"Wholesale and Distribution","industry-wholesale","High-volume, recurring orders make formal credit screening essential — a single large shipment on open-account terms to an unchecked customer can represent weeks of net receivables exposure.",{"industry":441,"icon_asset_id":442,"specifics":443},"Manufacturing","industry-manufacturing","Manufacturers ship goods before payment under trade terms; credit inquiries protect against carrying finished-goods costs for customers who cannot pay within the agreed cycle.",{"industry":445,"icon_asset_id":446,"specifics":447},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Firms billing monthly retainers or milestone invoices use credit inquiries to confirm new corporate clients have the liquidity to sustain ongoing payment obligations before engagement begins.",{"industry":449,"icon_asset_id":450,"specifics":451},"Construction and Building Materials","industry-construction","Material suppliers extending credit to contractors face layered risk — contractor payment depends on the project owner paying; credit inquiries often include lien rights disclosure alongside standard reference checks.",[453,456,459,462],{"vs":239,"vs_template_id":454,"summary":455},"D{CREDIT_APPLICATION_ID}","A credit application form is a more comprehensive document that includes full financial statements, ownership disclosure, and a formal credit agreement. An inquiry on new customer credit is a lighter, preliminary step focused on references, bank confirmation, and authorization — typically completed before a full credit application is required for larger lines. Use the inquiry for initial screening and the full application when approving credit above your threshold.",{"vs":243,"vs_template_id":457,"summary":458},"D{PAYMENT_AGREEMENT_ID}","A payment agreement is a binding contract that documents a customer's obligation to pay an existing balance under specific terms — often used when a customer is already past due. A credit inquiry is a pre-approval due-diligence tool used before credit is extended, not after a payment problem has arisen. The two documents serve opposite points in the credit lifecycle.",{"vs":259,"vs_template_id":460,"summary":461},"D{PERSONAL_GUARANTEE_ID}","A personal guarantee agreement makes a business owner personally liable for the company's credit obligations. A credit inquiry gathers information to decide whether to extend credit at all. For smaller or higher-risk customers, the credit inquiry and a personal guarantee are often used together — the inquiry informs the risk decision; the guarantee is the mitigation mechanism if credit is approved despite elevated risk.",{"vs":247,"vs_template_id":463,"summary":464},"D{COLLECTION_LETTER_ID}","A collection letter is sent after credit has been extended and a balance has gone unpaid past its due date. A credit inquiry is sent before any credit is extended to prevent collection problems from arising. These documents are separated by the entire credit lifecycle — the inquiry reduces the likelihood you will ever need the collection letter.",{"use_template":466,"template_plus_review":470,"custom_drafted":474},{"best_for":467,"cost":468,"time":469},"Small and mid-size businesses extending standard trade credit with limits under $25,000 to domestic customers","Free","15–20 minutes per new customer",{"best_for":471,"cost":472,"time":473},"Businesses extending larger credit lines, adding personal guarantee provisions, or operating in multiple states or provinces","$200–$500 for a lawyer or credit consultant review","2–5 business days",{"best_for":475,"cost":476,"time":477},"Enterprises with complex credit programs, international customers, regulated industries, or material bad-debt exposure requiring a fully integrated credit policy","$1,000–$3,500+","1–3 weeks",[479,484,489,494],{"code":480,"name":481,"flag_asset_id":482,"note":483},"us","United States","flag-us","Commercial credit reports are regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) — a permissible business purpose and documented written authorization are required before pulling any report. Late-fee interest rates are subject to state usury laws; California, New York, and several other states cap permissible rates, and the annualized rate must be disclosed. Some states require specific language in personal guarantee provisions for them to be enforceable.",{"code":485,"name":486,"flag_asset_id":487,"note":488},"ca","Canada","flag-ca","Commercial credit inquiries are governed provincially; Quebec's Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector (Law 25) imposes stricter consent requirements than other provinces. Late-fee interest provisions must comply with the Interest Act, and the annual rate must be expressed in the agreement. Ontario and Alberta have additional consumer protection considerations when the applicant is a sole proprietor rather than a corporation.",{"code":490,"name":491,"flag_asset_id":492,"note":493},"uk","United Kingdom","flag-uk","Credit checks on business applicants are governed by the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Written authorization is required before obtaining any report that includes information about individuals connected to the business. The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 provides a statutory interest rate of 8% above the Bank of England base rate on overdue B2B invoices — contractual rates must be 'substantial' to override the statutory rate.",{"code":495,"name":496,"flag_asset_id":497,"note":498},"eu","European Union","flag-eu","Under EU GDPR, any processing of personal data in connection with a credit inquiry — including data about company directors or sole traders — requires a lawful basis and clear disclosure. In most member states, legitimate interest is the applicable basis, but the inquiry form must include a GDPR-compliant data-processing notice. The EU Late Payments Directive (2011/7/EU) sets a default interest rate of 8% above the ECB reference rate for B2B transactions; member states may set higher contractual rates but must disclose them clearly.",[500,501,502,503,504,505,244,506,507,508,509,510],"credit-note-D13639","purchase-order-D1411","sales-invoice-D383","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692","service-agreement-D12711","independent-contractor-agreement-D160","letter-of-intent_acquisition-of-business-D5197","promissory-note-D434","demand-letter-D13262","accounts-receivable-D308","business-proposal-D1258",{"emit_how_to":200,"emit_defined_term":200},{"primary_folder":113,"secondary_folder":513,"document_type":514,"industry":515,"business_stage":516,"tags":517,"confidence":521},"credit-management","form","general","all-stages",[518,514,513,519,520],"customer-acquisition","payment-terms","financial-qualification",0.92,"\u003Ch2>What is an Inquiry On New Customer Credit?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>An \u003Cstrong>Inquiry On New Customer Credit\u003C/strong> is a formal due-diligence document a seller or supplier sends to a prospective business customer before extending open-account or net-terms trade credit. It collects the legal entity identification, trade references, banking information, and signed authorization needed to conduct a commercial credit check — creating a documented record of the seller's screening process and the applicant's consent to that process. Unlike a full credit application, which may include audited financials and a formal credit agreement, a customer credit inquiry is a targeted, standardized intake tool designed to capture the minimum information required to make a defensible credit decision quickly.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Extending trade credit without a completed, signed credit inquiry is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes in B2B accounts receivable management. Without it, you have no documented authorization to pull a credit report, no independent references to verify payment behavior, no record of the customer's financial disclosures, and no signed acknowledgment of the payment terms and late-fee provisions that govern the account. When a customer goes delinquent, the absence of this documentation makes collection harder, legal action costlier, and the debt harder to prove in court or assign to a collection agency. A properly completed credit inquiry form takes 15 minutes to process and creates the paper trail that protects your receivables from the first order forward. This template gives you a ready-to-send Word document that covers every required element — so you can onboard new customers on credit terms with confidence rather than assumption.\u003C/p>\n",1781186009729]