Manufacturers are often asked to carry receivables from their buyers. In order to minimize risk, the buyer’s credit needs to be evaluated.  While it’s relatively easy to access credit reports and financial histories in the U.S., it can be quite difficult to do so in other countries.  Even if credit information can be obtained, it only reflects a snapshot in time and doesn’t always give an accurate picture.  Credit is dynamic and ever-changing, and updates are difficult to track.

We recommend that manufacturers purchase credit insurance on their buyers for protection in case of default. This is not only affordable, but it also provides access to more timely information than routine credit reporting can offer. If the buyer defaults, there is coverage for the loss, subject to policy terms. 

Shield International represents major credit insurers and can provide quotes covering global sales to all customers. Even if a manufacturer chooses later to factor or use an account receivable line (we can also help with these), better pricing can be obtained if credit insurance in place. The insurance provides coverage from the date of a purchase order, so if a purchase order is received from a company which goes bankrupt before an order is completed, there will be coverage. The credit insurers we work with have offices in more than 100 countries and are able to underwrite credit and handle default issues around the world.

Shield International has a network of agencies, aided by exclusive agreements with other collection agents and legal experts in many countries, to assist in the collection of outstanding debts. Our clients are manufacturers, exporters and service providers.

After the customer has applied to us to start a recovery action, we begin making enquiries about the debtor. This is done by obtaining information from various sources. On the basis of those enquiries, a letter is sent to the debtor requesting a meeting. Our local colleagues ensure that the letter is in the debtor’s own language and makes use of their knowledge of local law and regulations.

We always endeavor to reach an out-of-court settlement. We report on our findings and also set out our recommendations. On the basis of our advice, the customer may wish to start a recovery action, or commence other legal proceedings.

Network - Our network of debt collection agencies and exclusive agreements enables us to provide the best possible level of international collection services. Even though each country has its own specific laws and regulations, we ensure that our collections are conducted efficiently, and that the collection process is easy for our customers to monitor.

No Success - No Fee - Shield International works on a No Success - No Fee basis. Customers only pay upon recovery of the debt in question. If, after consultation with the customer, a recovery action is started, it is only the costs pertaining to an agent and a process server that are charged to the customer. Our No Success - No Fee policy means that the risk run by our customers is minimal and ensures that we will always do our utmost to achieve the best result.

Keeping your debtor as a customer - We realize that the manner in which we collect a debt is crucial, and understand how important it is for our principals not to lose the debtor altogether as a customer because of the prevailing situation. We always bear this in mind, and often succeed in creating a situation in which the debtor reverts to being a customer who pays promptly, with a more secure understanding of the trade relationship.

Credit Reports -Shield International can provide the customer with reports on domestic and foreign companies. These reports contain information on the creditworthiness, financial position as well as some general financial data.