Once weekly I will be breaking down one of the known, and some unknown net-30 credit vendors and rating them for our readers, on to our first . . .
Company Summary: In 1994, Reliable, a company with a rich 75-year history of providing office products to all types of businesses, became a part of Boise Office Solutions. In December 2003, Boise Office Solutions and OfficeMax merged to become one of the premier office supplies companies in the US and around the world.
Today, with nearly 90 years experience, Reliable continues to lead the industry with our World Class customer service, extensive product selection, competitive prices and next day delivery to 95% of the continental US. Reliable is based in Naperville, Illinois with customer fulfillment centers located nationwide-from California to Maine.
Why should you care: Reliable is one of the many office supply companies that a business credit company will get you in the beginning. Their selection is ok, but not amazing, and their credit terms are not as lenient at other companies’. Their prices . . . Don’t get me started. Reliable does have lightning-fast shipping, and enough of a selection to get your office out of a crunch if you need supplies yesterday. Their website isn’t the easiest to navigate (no pictures of items, just lists), and their credit department hawks over new companies like you wouldn’t believe. Most of their emails and verification is just fluff, but they have been known to deny an account or two if your DnB file isn’t up to par, or found via name search.
Reporting: Reliable was one of the first credit vendors to fight the surge of business credit customers with tighter restrictions. Their accounts aren’t as easy to get, especially with newer corps, and their CRS’s will swear to you that they don’t report. Between you and me, they’re lying. They still report, but have probably moved their newer accounts to a quarterly reporting schedule to dissuade newbies from using them in a one-and-done fashion.
Final Verdict: Reliable has it’s ups and downs as a business credit vendor. If you are new, they may treat you as if you have the plague, but returning customers are welcomed with open arms. Their website is in drastic need of an upgrade, but their shipping will show up as fast as humanly possible. I will always use and recommend reliable’s net-30 account, even to my newer clients who may need to verify some info with their credit dept before they can get their items, they are well worth the trouble.
–Elijah
eyoung@mysmallbizcredit.com
614-625-2907
