IDEA: Assemble your company’s credit reference package before you apply and complete vendor credit applications.

You will want to apply for credit with your vendors and try to convince them to grant you plenty of credit to help your cash flow.  This requires filling out their credit application forms.  They would all like audited financial statements but for private companies, that is not always possible.  To be ready, put a packet together that will go with the vendor’s credit application.  Assemble a Credit References document that gives the vendor 7 to 10 good outside vendors that you have spoken with and was assured they will comment favorably.  Include your key company officials’ names and titles, addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses and your bank loan representative’s information (no personal information, no SS#s, cell phone numbers, etc.) .  Include in this packet a copy of your signed W9 which shows you are registered with the IRS. You might include the page from your state’s attorney general website that indicates or shows you have been in business since 1990 (example). Also include in the packet one or two pages describing the products or services that you sell and some pictures that show what you make.  Mention that you have been in business 25 years (or whatever the number).  The vendors when they receive your packet never receive this much information so you will look more prepared than most.  The added items adds good information about your business and will be helpful in swaying their opinion about giving you credit approval.