In international trade, problems involving bad debts are more easily avoided than rectified after they occur. Credit checks and services such as the international company profile can also limit the risks. Learn how to find help getting payment from your customers.
Last Published: 11/1/2016

In international trade, problems involving bad debts are more easily avoided than rectified after they occur. Credit checks and services such as the international company profile can also limit the risks.

When payment problems do occur, answer the following questions before seeking outside help or filing an insurance claim:

1. Have you contacted the buyer to determine the problem?
2. Have you attempted to negotiate a mutually agreed solution to the problem?
3. Have you supplied the goods/services as per the contract, invoice, or letter of credit?
4. Is there an issue of quality or price?
5. Are all your shipping and customs documents in order?
6. Was there damage or theft?
7. Have you tried to work out delayed payment terms with the buyer?
8. Have you discussed your problem with your bank or your lawyer?
9. Have you exhausted all efforts to obtain payment from the foreign buyer?
10. Do you have copies of all correspondence and records related to the dispute?

Help with Payment Disputes:
If negotiations fail and the sum involved is large enough to warrant the effort, a company should obtain the assistance and advice of its bank, legal counsel, and other qualified experts.

U.S. Council of the International Chamber of Commerce
The ICC handles the majority of international arbitration and is usually acceptable to foreign companies because it is not affiliated with any single country. For information contact the vice president for arbitration, U.S. Council of the International Chamber of Commerce, telephone (212) 354-4480.

The Advocacy Center:
The Advocacy Center at the U.S. Department of Commerce puts the resources and authority of the U.S. government behind your team in pursuit of international contracts or other U.S. export opportunities.

Commercial Service Overseas Offices:
The U.S. Commercial Service has offices located in Embassies and Consulates in over 80 countries worldwide to provide on-the-ground assistance to U.S. companies facing trade and export-related issues.

Foreign Agricultural Service Overseas Offices:
The U.S. Foreign Agriculture Service has offices located in U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world.

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.