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Business Reports are an essential tool for companies seeking to verify legitimacy, identify risks, and uncover reputation issues of potential partners, clients, or investments. Two major vendors of business reports are Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and Business Screen (CSBS). However, a recent settlement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and D&B has highlighted some of the differences between these two companies.
| Feature |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Business Verification & Credit Score | √ | √ |
| Broad Overview (Liens, UCC, Judgements) | √ | √ |
| Deep-Dive Financial Information (Lawsuits, Judgements, Liens) | X | √ |
| Owner/Officer Background Check | X | √ |
| Instant Access | √ | X (avg. 2 Business Days) |
| Deeper Searches (Negative News, Social Media, Business Afilliation) | X | √ |
| Pay as you order/No Subscription/Customizable | X | √ |
| Licensed Investigators/Human-Analyzed Data | X | √ |
| Starting Cost Per Report | $189 |
$99
|
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), recently settled Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges that it engaged in deceptive and unfair practices. The FTC found that D&B profited from businesses' pain by selling them these products, even as errors in the credit reports persisted. As part of the settlement, D&B agreed to make numerous changes to its processes to ensure that it responds promptly and fully to businesses' complaints about incorrect information in their credit reports.
In contrast, Business Screen offers a different approach with business background checks. Unlike D&B, which relies on a database that may be out-dated, Business Screen employs licensed investigators to research data at the source and analyze and filter information so that businesses only receive the results they care about. This approach reduces the risk of errors and misleading information, as investigators can verify data directly with the relevant sources.
Business Screen 's approach is particularly attractive to businesses that need accurate and unbiased information. D&B's credit reports, ratings, and scores often rely on self-reported data from the companies themselves. This can lead to bias and inaccuracies, as companies may be incentivized to present themselves in the best possible light.
Business Screen sources its own external data, providing an additional level of assurance that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date. Business Screen also offers a deeper level of detail than D&B, including owner/officer background checks and deeper searches for negative news, social media , and business affiliations.
In addition to background checks, obtaining a comprehensive business credit report is crucial for businesses that want to assess the financial health and creditworthiness of potential partners or clients. A credit report provides deeper insights into a company's financial stability, helping to make more informed decisions about business relationships.
Business Screen's starting cost per report is also lower than D&B's. D&B charges $189 per report, while Business Screen reports start at $99. Business Screen's pay-as-you-order model also allows businesses to customize their searches and pay only for the information they need, making it a cost-effective option for businesses that do not need to conduct frequent background checks.
Ultimately, the choice between D&B and Business Screen will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific needs of the business, the depth and scope of information required, and the budget available for background checks. However, recent developments have highlighted the importance of choosing a trusted vendor for business background checks. Businesses should carefully consider their options and choose a due diligence service provider that meets their needs and helps them make informed decisions about potential partners and clients.
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