Home » Guides » Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number

Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number

The importance of a D-U-N-S number

By Patricia Flinsch-Rodriguez, Freelance writer, Self-Employed
The Data Universal Numbering System or D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit number that gets assigned to businesses who apply for one. The D&B number was developed as a way of identifying businesses. Once a Dun & Bradstreet number is assigned to a business, it stays with that entity even if the company goes out of business. It is a life to death number.

Once your business has been assigned a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number it will be listed among other companies in the D&B database. Anyone who would want to do business with your company will be able to access your company's profile by doing a D-U-N-S number lookup. Here are some reasons why your business should apply for a Dun & Bradstreet number:

1. A D&B number is required to conduct business with the United States Federal government.

2. Acquiring a D&B number is the first step in establishing your business credit history.

3. Businesses who want to sell to you or give you a loan will not do so unless you are a business with a D-U-N-S number.

 

Apply for your Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number

Obtaining a D-U-N-S number is very easy. The application for getting a D-U-N-S number asks for the name, address, telephone number, owner's name, names of officers, a description of the primary line of business, year established and last year's revenue figures.
Try: Get your D-U-N-S number directly from D&B. You can do it right online or over the telephone. D&B is also a major provider of credit reports so you can establish your business credit with them by completing a business credit profile. Check out myFICO for additional information on credit history.

Update your information contained in the Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number business listings

When you receive a D-U-N-S number your company's data is automatically entered into a database of Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number business listings. Other businesses will use a D-U-N-S number search to get an objective view of potential new companies to conduct business with in the future. For this reason you should update your information at least twice a year, and more frequently if your company is undergoing major changes, to ensure the accuracy of the information that is being reported on your company.
Try: Update your D&B data with eupdate. It's a good idea to check your company's credit history at least once a year by contacting Experian for a report. Learn the ABC's of business credit history from Entrepreneur.com.

Screen suppliers and vendors with a D&B number lookup

Before entering into a business relationship, screen the other company with a D-U-N-S number lookup. A D-U-N-S number is attached to the D&B credit history so you can ensure that the company you are looking into is the correct entity.
Try: There are other service providers who allow you to do a D-U-N-S number lookup such as Zapdata and KnowX. The lookups are free, but you will have to pay a fee for detailed reports. D&B has a service called D&B’s Supplier Information Report that allows you to screen potential suppliers.

 

  • D-U-N-S Number assignment is free for all businesses required to register with the United States Federal government for contracts or grants.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.