Can I Report a Business That Didn't Pay Me?
Yes, you absolutely can! For too long, small businesses and freelancers had no way to report non-paying clients. That's changed. Here's how to hold businesses accountable for unpaid invoices.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can report businesses that don't pay. You have the right to file a credit default against any business that fails to pay legitimate invoices after 30 days past due.
Credote makes this process free, instant, and accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Your Rights as a Creditor
When you provide goods or services to a business with payment terms, you become a creditor. As a creditor, you have specific rights that many small businesses don't know about:
Legal Rights
- • Right to report unpaid debts to credit agencies
- • Right to file liens (in some jurisdictions)
- • Right to pursue legal collection
- • Right to charge late fees (if contracted)
- • Right to stop providing services
Credit Reporting Rights
- • Report defaults to business credit bureaus
- • Create public records of non-payment
- • Impact their ability to get credit
- • Warn other potential creditors
- • Protect the business community
Important: These rights apply regardless of your business size. A freelancer has the same right to report unpaid invoices as a Fortune 500 company.
Why Traditional Credit Bureaus Failed Small Businesses
For decades, business credit reporting was controlled by companies like Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). While they serve large enterprises well, they've systematically excluded small businesses:
The D&B Barriers
Cost Barriers
- • $500+ per credit report
- • $2,000+ annual subscriptions
- • Additional fees for reporting
- • Enterprise-only pricing tiers
Process Barriers
- • Complex paperwork requirements
- • Weeks or months to process reports
- • Requires existing business relationship
- • Limited to established companies
The Real-World Impact
This system created a two-tier economy where large businesses could protect themselves through credit reporting, while small businesses were left defenseless against non-paying clients.
"A Fortune 500 company can instantly check if a supplier has payment issues and report defaults. But a freelancer getting stiffed by that same Fortune 500 company had no recourse - until now."
Publicly Record a Business Default — Notify Them Automatically
Credote democratizes business credit reporting. Any business can report unpaid invoices, creating a public record that appears in credit checks and protects the entire business community.
Why Small Businesses Had No Voice — Until Now
The business credit system was designed for large corporations with dedicated finance teams and substantial budgets. Small businesses were systematically excluded from this protective ecosystem:
The Exclusion Cycle
Small businesses couldn't afford expensive credit reporting services
Without credit data, they made blind decisions about clients
Bad clients faced no consequences, so they continued not paying
Small businesses suffered cash flow problems and some failed
The Credote Solution
Credote breaks this cycle by making business credit reporting accessible to everyone:
For Creditors (You)
- • Free default reporting
- • Instant credit checks
- • Public record creation
- • Automatic debtor notification
For the Community
- • Shared payment intelligence
- • Protection from bad actors
- • Incentive for timely payment
- • Fairer business ecosystem
Who Can Report Business Defaults?
Any business or individual who has provided goods or services on credit terms can report unpaid invoices. This includes:
Service Providers
- • Freelancers and consultants
- • Marketing agencies
- • Software developers
- • Professional services
Product Suppliers
- • Manufacturers
- • Distributors
- • Retailers
- • Material suppliers
Business Services
- • Legal services
- • Accounting firms
- • Construction companies
- • Maintenance services
Digital Services
- • SaaS companies
- • Web designers
- • Content creators
- • Online platforms
What You Need to Report a Default
Reporting a business default is straightforward, but you need proper documentation:
Required Documentation
- Original invoice with clear payment terms
- Proof of delivery/completion of work
- Evidence of payment attempts
- Business registration details
Best Practices
- Wait 30 days past due date
- Send formal demand notice first
- Ensure all facts are accurate
- Keep records of all communication
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a business for non-payment if I'm just a freelancer?
Absolutely! Your business size doesn't matter. Whether you're a solo freelancer or a small agency, you have the same right to report unpaid invoices as any large corporation.
Will reporting a default guarantee I get paid?
While there's no guarantee, public defaults create significant pressure for payment. Most businesses pay within 7 days of being notified about a default filing to protect their credit reputation.
Can the business dispute the default?
Yes, businesses have 30 days to respond to a default notice. If they provide valid proof of payment or a legitimate dispute, the default can be removed. This protects against false reporting.
How long does a default stay on their record?
Defaults remain on a business's credit record permanently unless resolved through payment or successful dispute. This creates lasting accountability for payment behavior.
Is there any cost to report a business default?
Credote makes default reporting completely free for small businesses. We believe every business should have access to credit reporting tools, regardless of their size or budget.
Your Voice Matters in Business Credit
For too long, small businesses had no way to hold non-paying clients accountable. That changes today. Make your voice heard and protect the business community.