Q. Is it legal to put information about businesses on the web for everyone to see?

A. YES, disclosure of Commercial credit information is governed by the National Privacy Principals act. Provided ALL information is accurate, kept up to date and relates ONLY to the business in question and used for business purposes. For more information visit the Government website at www.privacy.gov.au/publications/npps01.html

Q. Can I list a retailer/business if their overdue account with me is in dispute? (an in dispute account is when a customer disagrees with some part of the account you have given them.)

A. NO. You must first clear up any discrepancies in your accounts to the customer, when you are satisfied that all is correct and the customer still does not pay you can then list them on A.C.C.I.

Q. Can I list a slow payer and if so what amount of time is classed as slow?

A. Yes. It is vital that you list slow payers in order to put additional pressure on the retailer to pay sooner. A slow payer is a customer who is more than 30 days over your terms and shows NO sign of paying in terms. There are important steps you can take to allow your customer to understand and respond to the correct payment terms. (these are located on our website, just click on the "Hints & Tips at www.acci.net.au.)

Q. Should I list a customer who has been placed into receivership or liquidation?

A. NO. If a retailer/business has been placed into receivership or has been liquidated, the outstanding debts will be dealt with by the appointed receiver managers or liquidator. You should have been notified by the receivers/liquidators as to the payment process. IMPORTANT If your customers complete a legal CREDIT APPLICATION (available free to members of ACCI) you may be able to demand payments for debts directly from the Directors of that business. Protect your profits and ensure that ALL of your customers complete a Credit Application in full.

Q. Can I list on ACCI a business that has no ABN or ACN?

A. YES. If after an on-line search you find that your customer has no ABN or ACN you can list them as a Trading name only.