The biggest problem with D&B is that they *used* to do in-depth investigations on all of their reports, and now resort to calling them and saying, "Tell us about your company." So far, we far prefer Equifax. Granted, there is some getting used to the different reports and what information is available, but it's an improvement, and much less expensive.
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Posted 1 year ago #
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To F Scott,
Were you able to get a contract with Equifax? We use them, but when we were first set up with them, they said they didn't have contracts, and we are just billed per report. I agree that Equifax has a lot of information on the mom/pop's out there, which is SO helpful.
To All-
CMA sent out an email about Experian's new product, Business IQ, which appears to be like the DNBi platform. Nothing was mentioned about cost, though...anyone have an idea what it may be?I would love to find something less expensive that D&B. Last year was a tough negotiation with D&B, in fact I had to cancel my contract with them and start all over again with a new rep.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Christine--
I wasn't involved with the negotiations with Equifax, so I don't know any of the particulars. With that said, my understanding is that we do have a contract with them, probably due to our size, and that the cost reduction is *significant* over what we were paying to D&B. Their reports have so far been comparable to D&B's.
Posted 1 year ago # -
CMA offers "as needed" reports on a nominal minimum per month basis, this is especially helpful if you deal with a couple thousand smaller dealers.
It allowed us to cancel a costly D&B contract years ago which didn't live up to it's 1980's reputation. I've see accounts go Bankrupt and it took 6+ months before the D&B paydex score deteriorated significiantly, even though the assets were sold off and hundreds of creditors lost millions of $$$ in unsecured debt. Plus I've found a lot of other incorrect info. If it's a public company I can go to Edgar for the financials.
I understand the strength of Equifax is bank info (money in the bank doesn't assure that vendors are paid) so it depends on how much weight you give to that factor.
We tend to use Experian the most, the link below allows you to look up an account and see how many tradelines have reported (free) before you decide if you want to buy the
report. http://www.experian.com/small-business/business-credit-reports.jsp
If there appear to be enough (probable) tradelines then we order the report through our
CMA contract online (a different link).Posted 1 year ago # -
With regard to D&B, I have very little confidence in its figures or methods, since the scandals of the 80's, where evidently good ratings could be purchased. As I mentioned above, their research methods now are basically to call the company being investigated, and say, "Tell us about yourself." This has largely replaced the former standard of on-site visits by D&B auditors who did analysis right there.
This was related to me by a former D&B employee of some twenty years, so I lend it some credence.
So far, Equifax has easily met our expectations.
Posted 1 year ago # -
We do not use either service, but prefer F&D Reports becuse they are specific to our industry (Food) and we know they verify the information in their reports. That has always been my complaint with D&B. I have never used Experian.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Back in the day D & B use to be a great tool to use, however what I have noticed about the D&B reports the company info was not updated, nor does it provide reliable info and the cost is way to high for the info provided. I stop using D&B and switched to Experian. Experian has alot of info on the principle(s), the company, trades etc.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Ericleet- question was is F&D Report. Would you email any info you have to me?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Looking for any update on benefit comparisons between D n B and other services. Anyone satisfied with any switch to Experian, Equifax, or Cortera or a combination depending upon your customer's size? We have a contract with DnB that will be expiring and I want to explore options before re-signing. Thanks.
Posted 5 months ago # -
We have only use Experian since we set up our credit department because of the D&B Cost factor. I find that with the info I have received from our credit group is actually better reporting than I have seen on any of the actual credit reports. I get timely info from the credit group. I have not a clue how timely the reports are from Experian.
Posted 5 months ago #
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