Hello Dave, It is often more convenient for companies to use Net 30 terms than pay upfront. It's a matter of being able to enter the invoice into the accounting system, and then apply the payment to it - doing it the other way is rather awkward. My suggestion would be to accept the Net 30 terms if (1) you've established a good business relationship with the company or (2) the company is well known and provided you with a list of references. The way to check out the references is to call the companies and make sure that they really did business with your customer, and the customer is in good standing with the company (no overdue invoices, late payments, etc.) Some companies may ask you to fill out and fax them a "reference check request" form. Of course, use common sense and don't offer Net 30 terms if you have any doubts about the customer's ability or willingness to pay. Best regards, Vitaliy ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Schmidt" To: "pic microcontroller discussion list" Sent: Friday, March 25, 2005 2:21 PM Subject: [OT:] what's your take on businesses buying on 'credit' ? Occasionally I get a decent sized order from a company that wants to pay for the order later - as in they would like to setup a net-30 acct. What's your take on such orders? Would I be wrong to demand prepayment up front for all orders? Or 50% up front, 50% net 30? If they give me a list of credit references, how do I check them out? Thanks, Dave -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist