Get paid safely across borders

The scariest part of exporting isn't shipping — it's wondering whether a customer thousands of miles away will actually pay you. The good news: there are proven, standard ways to get paid safely on international sales, plus government-backed insurance that covers you if a foreign buyer doesn't pay. Knowing these turns exporting from a gamble into ordinary business.

Do this

1. Learn the payment methods, safest to riskiest: cash in advance, letter of credit, documentary collection, open account.
2. For a new or unproven buyer, lean toward getting paid up front or with a letter of credit from their bank.
3. Consider export credit insurance (through EXIM Bank) so you're covered if a foreign buyer doesn't pay.
4. If a big order needs financing to fulfill, look at SBA export loans built exactly for that — see Bizer's Capital tool.

Getting paid on an international sale

Ways to get paid — safest (for you) to riskiest:

1. CASH IN ADVANCE Buyer pays before you ship. Safest for you. 2. LETTER OF CREDIT Buyer's bank guarantees payment when terms are met. The workhorse for new international relationships. 3. DOCUMENTARY COLLECTION Banks handle documents + payment; less protection than a letter of credit. 4. OPEN ACCOUNT You ship, they pay later. Riskiest — save it for buyers you trust, and insure it.

PROTECT & FINANCE THE DEAL: • EXIM Bank export credit insurance — covers you if a foreign buyer defaults. • SBA export loans (Export Working Capital, Export Express) fund big orders. Bizer's Capital tool (/capital) and your SBDC's export experts help you line these up. Never ship a large order on trust alone.