FAQs

What our Subscribers
say about us

Q. How are you different from the other credit reference agencies?

A. Most credit reference agencies provide 'run of the mill' credit reports which contain information from Companies House and the Courts. The problem is that this information is very often out of date, sometimes as much as two years out of date. On its own it can be misleading as a lot can change in two years, particularly in the construction industry. This is why, in addition to the usual 'run of the mill' credit information we also provide up-to-date payment histories which are sourced from our 2,500 subscribers. These detailed trading experiences allow you to make informed credit decisions based on current data and not old data. We also have an in-depth knowledge of the construction industry because we have chosen to specialise in this field. The construction sector is like no other. Customers are more mobile, fraud is more prevalent, phoenix companies are an every day occurance, debtors abscond more frequently and equipment regularly disappears. Only we can keep you up to date with the latest scams because only we know the industry inside out.

Q. How much does your service cost?

A. That depends on the number of credit checks that you carry out every month. Please give us a call on 01527 503990 for an instant quote. All subscriptions are billed quarterly and are payable by direct debit. Click here to view the 'Direct Debit Guarantee'. There is no minimum commitment period.

Q. Are any special discounts available?

A. Yes, we have special relationships with a number of associations, federations and trade publications. Click here for details of available discounts.

Q. What is the minimum commitment period?

A. There is no minimum commitment period. We want you to stay with us because you value our service and not because we have tied you into a long contract.

Q. Where do you get your information from?

A. Our payment histories and trading experiences are sourced from our 2,500 subscribers, all of whom supply goods or services to the construction industry. We collect this 'trader to trader' information in whatever format is easiest for each individual subscriber. Some subscribers complete our online form while others email us lists in varying formats. The remainder of our information, such as suggested credit limits are sourced from a large reputable agency, ICC, who in turn collect much of their information from Companies House and the Courts.

Q. Is this just a web-based service?

A. Definitely not. We use the web as a convenient way to deliver our credit information but we are by no means a 'virtual company'. We have a team of thirty people who are available every weekday between 9am and 5.30pm to deal with customer requests. We do not use automated telephone answering systems and we answer 93% of all incoming calls within seven seconds. All team members receive at least six months training before we deem them knowledgeable enough to answer helpdesk calls without supervision.

Q. How long has your information sharing service been operating?

A. Our construction industry payment history service was introduced in 1992. Previous to this we supplied 'run of the mill' credit reports to complement our debt recovery service.

Q. Is there a charge for your monitoring service?

A. Our monitoring service is completely free of charge. Simply let us know who you would like to keep an eye on and we will alert you by fax or email whenever:

* A limied company has a new County Court Judgment registered.
* A limited company's suggested credit limit changes.
* A limited company enters into some sort of formal insolvency.
* A limited company files a new set of accounts.

Our helpdesk team will also telephone you whenever a serious adverse payment history is logged against a business that you are monitoring.

Q. Do I have to operate in the construction industry to be a subscriber?

A. The 'trader to trader' information that we supply is sourced only from businesses which operate in the construction industry. Due to the fact that our information is so specialist it is unlikely that it would be relevant for any business outside of the construction industry. There is also a requirement that subscribers share their payment histories and trading experiences. Any business operating outside of the construction industry would be unable to do this. If you operate outside of the construction industry but you would still like to pool credit information with your fellow traders then please e-mail matt@top-service.co.uk

Q. Would I need to register under the Data Protection Act to use your service?

A. If you collect, process or store information on 'living individuals' (including customers or suppliers who are sole traders or partnerships) then you should be registered under the Data Protection Act regardless of whether or not you use our service. There may be a possible exemption if you don't use any of the following - computer, PC, mainframe, desktop, laptop, palmtop, any automatic microfilm or microfiche retrieval system, audio & visual system, electronic flexi-time system, telephone logging equipment or CCTV system. If you vet your potential customers (which includes checking trade references as well as carrying out credit checks) then you should have a consent clause on your credit application form or in your terms and conditions. We have a standard clause which our subscribers are able to use. It costs £35 per annum to register under the Data Protection Act. Further information can be obtained from www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.

Q. How do I join?

A. Either click here to join now or telephone 01527 503990 any week day between 9am and 5.30pm.

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