¿Qué es un número DUNS?

Como propietario de un negocio, su lista de prioridades debe incluir su historial crediticio. Establecerlo y administrarlo es esencial, especialmente si está estableciendo condiciones de pago con sus proveedores o si busca obtener financiamiento para hacer crecer su negocio . Si bien puede parecer fácil, es más complicado de lo que cree.

Los dueños de negocios son los responsables de su historial crediticio y pueden establecerlo reportando a las agencias de informes usando su Sistema de Numeración Universal de Datos o su número DUNS.

Siga leyendo para obtener más información sobre el sistema de numeración universal de datos y por qué su empresa necesita un número DUNS .

Número DUNS, ¿qué es?

A DUNS number is a unique identifier for your business. The credit bureau Dun & Bradstreet creates this number and assign it to your company for it to get identified across the globe. There are three most common credit bureaus for businesses, and Dun & Bradstreet is one of them. Data Universal Numbering System has become the standard system to identify companies from different parts of the world.

The DUNS number reveals so much about your business - the bank accounts that your business has, your business' tax returns, and your business credit score.

Why Is It Significant To Obtain A DUNS Number?

The DUNS number directly ties to your company's credit profile in D&B's database. So, what happens is that when you're applying for business credit with any lender, they'll ask you for your DUNS number. The lender will use your DUNS number to obtain and check the credit report and rating of your business, based on the assessment of DUN & Bradstreet.

Keep in mind that the DUNS number is unique to your business in the D&B database. While other business credit bureaus are existing like Equifax and Experian, they don't share data with D&B. Each of them also uses a unique scoring system for credit reports. It means that these agencies can have different assessments of your credit history in their database.

How A Data Universal Numbering System Works?

Dun & Bradstreet created the DUNS in 1983; They assign it to businesses across the globe as part of their credit reporting system. The Data Universal Numbering System became the standard for identifying companies for federal government electronic commerce.

D&B's database lists different companies, including small business owners, major corporations, partnerships, and even non-profit organizations. The users of the DUNS include the European Commission, the United Nations, and, of course, the United States government.

The DUNS number can provide essential information about the credit history of the business, including its official name, title, trade name, financial data, economic status, payment history, and executive names. The system of Dun & Bradstreet also allows its members to search and check the credit information of other companies. It helps different businesses find potential partners, customers, and vendors. The federal government also makes use of DUNS numbers in tracking federal money disbursements.

D&B and the government don't require businesses to register for a DUNS number; it's voluntary. However, companies must obtain their DUNS numbers to bid on government, state, and local contracts and submit an application for credit with a lender or federal grants. The DUNS number also tells about your company's credibility, helping you conduct business with local and international retailers, such as those based in the European Union and Australia.

Does Your Small Business Need To Have A DUNS number?

Many small business owners ask if they must obtain a DUNS number for their businesses. The answer is yes since it's part of your effort to form a creditworthy business or company. If you want to improve the credibility of your business, you should establish positive credit ratings with Dun & Bradstreet and other major credit reporting agencies for companies.

When you apply your business with D&B to obtain a DUNS number, they're going to issue a nine-digit number that only identifies your company. Dun and Bradstreet will assess your credit and create a credit file for your business using the DUNS number assigned to you. It works similarly to the social security number, which identifies your credit reports as an individual.

How To Obtain A DUNS number?

It's easy to obtain a DUNS number for your business if it doesn't have one yet. You can use the option to get one for free but with a waiting period or use the paid service option if you want faster delivery of your DUNS number.

If you want to look up for your DUNS number, you can do it using the lookup service of D&B through their website. It's essential to check D&B's website and verify if your business already has a DUNS number to avoid the hassle of doing the registration again. You can also obtain credit file information about your business for free using Dun & Bradstreet CreditSignal.

After you register, make sure to conduct a search using D&B's website to verify if your business already has a listing in their database. If the entry for your company already exists, check your DUNS number, review if your financial information and other details are correct, and update the existing credit file if necessary.

Are There Limitations With The DUNS number?

Once you successfully register your business, obtain your DUNS number, and provide data about your business, D&B then adds credit-related information like public findings, bankruptcies, and judgments to the credit history of your business. Ideally, suppliers and vendors must report all transactions to D&B, but the reality is that most don't do it. Thus, if you want your operations on credit terms with suppliers and vendors to reflect in your credit history, you'll need to report your transactions with them yourself. Take note, though, that you have to pay a certain amount of money since Dun & Bradstreet charges business owners with a fee if they want to report credit details to influence the credit history of their businesses.

Final Thoughts

Your business needs a DUNS number, and it's something that you can obtain easy and free. All you have to do is visit the website of Dun & Bradstreet and start the process from there. It's an excellent way to improve the credibility of your business and makes it easier for other organizations to check and verify the credentials of your company, too. If your company already has a DUNS number, go to the D&B website, log into the interface, update all the information regarding your company.

La perseverancia es la mejor idea para emprender un negocio.