The most prominent being both one on business link (http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=5001329709&type=ONEOFFPAGE&site=210) and one on an accountants website (http://www.kandh.co.uk/home/credit-check-your-customers/)

Credit checking customers and some of the lengths especially business link and by association K&H expect customers to go through to get a client on board. It completely removes the trust you intend to gain with your clients.

Great post. Not to mention realistic. If you take the rough with the smooth when the recession passes you will be there to tell the tale rather than still looking for a job because your business went down the pan. Not all businesses have the best credit rating but they are still good for the money.

The way I avoid this problem is by asking for a deposit. This is for my bread and butter (making sure suppliers get paid) and then the rest is either profit or payment to me. This way I never take on a project where I am left high and dry and i ensure my bills get paid, regardless whether I do. I’m here to run a successful business if this means not interrogating my clients for finance information for a project great. Using these techniques would not allow me to have a consistent brand image.

One thing that really made me laugh about the business link article was the insistence that we should contact our client’s suppliers for references. They’re not applying for a bloody job they just want a new website.

http://homebusinessaccountant.blogspot.com/2009/08/show-me-money-excellent-advice-from.html