D&B (DUNS #) worth it? 18 posts by 6 users

Posted: 01/03/2008 at 12:02AM

Have owned a corporation for a few years, excellent credit all around.

No problems at all, just looking to continue to boost my credit worthiness in case I need a LOC or similar.

My company has a DUNS number, but I don't know if anything is reported on it.

1) Does a DUNS # do anything

2) Is D&B legitimate, or just a scam? My only interactions with D&B have both been poor. From a phone call trying to sell me a credit report, to their terrible website, they just seem shoddy.

Any advice to pursue or not?

Thanks
WC

Posted: 02/22/2008 at 07:50PM

I figured out my own answer, and put it in the other forum here.

anyway, basically a scam, but you don't have much choice but to play ball.

Very ridiculous, and they squeeze a decent amount of money out of you, but that's how the game is played at my commercial bank.

Posted: 02/22/2008 at 09:11PM

I agree with chuff.

You definitely should apply for a DUNS #. Forget all the hype to get it faster for a fee or build credit for a fee. Do it the free way. After a week or so you get your number and get on their email promotions list, plus can edit your member info for free. What's is nice about the promotions is they also some services on a trial basis once in a while, which is when I take them up on it. I research my roofer, building suppliers, and other contractors, etc.

I have had a DUNS # for my other business for 10 years or so and have, ironically, just applied for a DUNS # about a week ago for my REI biz. Most of the time, it does nothing for me. But, once in a while it makes all the difference. It is another thing that shows you are serious about your business, which is why I applied for one for the REI biz.

Posted: 03/03/2008 at 03:22PM

Thank you all for your input. I applied for my number about a week ago. I hope it will help my business.

Posted: 03/03/2008 at 04:17PM

Basically, here is how it works...

You pay D&B to build your business credit. I think I paid 549.00. They are very helpful to you and answer all your questions UNTIL they get your payment. Then good luck getting through.

They will call you again, only to hound you about all of the non reporting vendors that you do business with such as the plumber, contractor's, etc...They REALLY want that info because they want to call them and HOUND them to sign up for the 549.00 business package...If they get up to 6 vendors from you and 6 vendors from them, well you get the point. They SAY it is for business credit references....

My business credit hasnt changed since i gave them my money.

If your business credit looks good, leave it be i say. Keep your money.

Posted: 03/03/2008 at 07:14PM

what statement are you referring to? If it is true, how is it not fair?

Posted: 03/12/2008 at 10:14PM

It's a SCAM, because you have to pay them to allow 'positives' on your credit report. But, they can put negatives on it at anytime. But only negatives.

It's basically extortion. But as I have said in other forums, their extortion might be a worthwhile investment for some companies.

If you know it's a SCAM going in, you still might need their services, just don't let them take you for a ride.

Posted: 03/13/2008 at 11:02PM

I just went through this with one of my businesses. Literally, last month, I just did this.

Bank says.... you have a slow payment on something.

I say, sure as hell no way I have a slow payment.

Call D&B, already have my free DUNS #.

Hey D&B, what's up? Ok, only negatives can report to your score.
Until you pay $250, we can't report positives.

Are you ****ting me I say?

No sir, serious.

So I pay my money.

Transfered to someone in India who can't help me. Call back, and get the same transfer treatment.

Unless you are getting something of value that I am not, this is called a SCAM.

My banker says it's a SCAM (but told me to play ball, as they pull D&B credit reports for all business requests).

Every single professional I know has said it's scam, and I run more than one business.

Now, like I said, SCAM or not, it might STILL be of interest, or value to some people. It sounds like it is to you, and you have some reason to protect some crappy company like D&B.

I'm going to trust my banker, my experience and my business associates more than you here.

Posted: 03/16/2008 at 06:48PM

I guess we're both saying the same thing, I'm just more mad about it.

If I call a corporation directly and their sales people lie to me directly, that is way passed the realm of 'bad business' and is a SCAM in my opinion.

I appreciate the link, I learned my lesson and hopefully won't get scammed by their staff again.