Received a large order from the Ivory Coast-Need Help!

cdbartwork

I received a very large wholesale order from the Ivory Coast. I am not sure of how to proceed with this. I sent an email asking for full name, address, phone number of business. Said first orders are COD. I figured we would get a diaglogue going and I could take it from there. The reply was I am paying with my company credit card. So I am now thinking I need to get payment up front, is this advisable? How would you proceed?

cdbartwork

Janie:
 
Thank you. I will do that as this will help further validate this order.
 
Colleen

nevadascul

Hi all,
Just my thoughts on the matter.  I`ve run several small businesses.  I never extended credit to a first time buyer.  First  time buyers were required to pay up front with cash, credit card or cashiers check for their order.  This allowed me time to run a background check on their credit history and get their banking information.  Several times, background checks revealed the new customer had lengthy credit problems or was a bogus company. nevadascul10/8/2008 4:04 PM

cdbartwork

To Cartess, Pam and Nevadascul and of course Janie:
Thank you all for your responses, this is extremely helpful. I have taken certain steps in establishing the validity of this order and so far they have come through with everything I have asked for such as Pam`s suggestion about Tax ID and business license. I am following up on Cartess` response and Nevadascul`s suggestion. My main concern is to still consider this valid until I have proven otherwise.
Thanks again.
Colleen

cdbartwork

Janie:
 
Yes, people can search a number of ways and find me.
 
Thanks again.
 
Colleen

suzib

The Ivory Coast is in Africa.......be careful.........alot of fraud comes and goes out of that region.