The Graphic Arts Credit Bureau provides many services to assist our members in evaluating the creditworthiness of prospective and current customers. We can also assist your collection efforts with slow paying accounts. Our services are detailed below.

• Credit Screening Services
• Online Slow Pay Reporting Service
• Agreement Letters
• Collection Letters
• Collection Services

It is important to gather as much information as possible on a potential customer. Equally as crucial is maintaining your records on current and long time customers. Changes can occur at a moments notice and you have every right to be aware. By using the linked forms below, you can not only gather critical information needed to make the best credit decision, you can also request and track the information by using these forms. The forms can be customized for your exact needs by adding your company logo and name where necessary.

• Credit Application
• Personal Guarantee
• Credit Request Form
• Credit Approval Form
• Credit Card Authorization Form

We also offer detailed Business Reports provided by Experian Credit Services. This is a quick and inexpensive means to assist you in establishing and monitoring credit terms. Many members have already begun using this service as an aide in their own credit approval process. Experian is one of the nation’s largest providers of commercial credit reports. They maintain an extensive database of information detailing the financial history of both companies national and abroad. Experian’s Business Profile Report assists you in basing your risk assessment on factual information. The report provides public record information along with trade history. An extensive data base ensures your decision is based on current and accurate information. Experian does not rely on a companies’ own trade verifications. The amount of information available will vary based on the size of the business and their length of operation. There are two versions of the report, one being a summary only, which is $20 for members and the full report listing detail of every entry (recommended) for $33. To order an Experian report, please send us an e-mail.

As a member of GAA one of your exclusive tools is the Online Slow Pay report. Long shared by the industry, this report provides factual information provided and shared by members of GAA. Under law, members of an Association may share information on past due customers for their mutual benefit and protection. Please utilize the Slow Pay link on the top right of this page. If you need assistance or are a new user, please send us an e-mail to receive a user name and password. You can also simply call GAA at 215.396.2300 to see if a business is listed on the Slow Pay report.

Also offered to our membership is the ability to participate in our delinquency sharing report and our quarterly meetings for the members who participate. This is an invaluable tool and an opportunity to network with your peers and fellow members of GAA. E-mail or call 215.396.2300 for more information. Below are the agreements that need to be signed to participate. Contact the GACB with any questions.

• Paper Division
• Machinery & Suppliers Division

For those that participate, below is the monthly submission form. You will also receive this via e-mail with a return date and publish date for those that subscribe.

• Aging Analysis Worksheet

At times a customer simply cannot adhere to the terms set forth by your Credit Department. For these instances it is always recommended that any payment agreement not following the original terms are placed in writing and signed by all parties involved.

• Invoice Specific Payment Plan
• Settlement Agreement
• Payment Agreement for Total Balance
• Request for extended terms by customer
• Installment payments/Job Specific

All of the above forms are only suggestions and tools that can prove beneficial if used properly and in conjunction with special payment arrangements.

Once a customer slows their payment habits it is important to address it immediately. Although you do not want to jeopardize a possible long standing relationship you also do not want to risk the chance of uncollected funds. The letters below are suggested formats that may be helpful when dunning a customer for delinquent payment. As always, you can use the GACB FINAL DEMAND letter we provide to you at no cost.

• 1st Notice
• 2nd Notice
• 3rd Notice
• Final Demand

Remember, you want to minimize overexposure so it is important to maintain and keep current credit records on all customers. When an account becomes delinquent it is often a sign of things to come so it is imperative to address the situation immediately.

Your bottom line can be negatively affected when a customer does not pay their bills. With profit margins compromised on a daily basis by competition we felt our members needed a proven resource to turn to. Why not utilize the Graphic Arts Credit Bureau for all your collection needs? With a fee structure created to ease the collection process the GACB is your full service Collection Agency, geared around the specific needs of the Graphic Arts Industry. Many GAA members have already used this service with great results. Your benefits will be:

• An experienced collection resource focused on the graphic arts industry.
• A proven track record of service over the years.
• Fees well below competitive market rates while providing the personal attention you deserve.

To file a claim please complete the form below and forward via either fax or mail to the GACB.

• GACB Claim Form

The Bureau has been in the industry for over 25 years. Contact GACB at 215.396.2300 or send us an e-mail.

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