How D-U-N-S®️ Helps SaaS Companies Get Global Clients

Today, hundreds of thousands of Software as a Service (SaaS) companies around the world are experiencing tremendous growth as they sell their software products to customers around the globe, from the United States to Europe to Australia. However, when these SaaS companies work with customers who are international or who are enterprise businesses, one element has become extremely critical: the ability to verify the legitimacy and good standing of a business.

This is where the D-U-N-S®️ Number is critical.

A DUNS Number is a globally accepted business identification number assigned to a company by Dun & Bradstreet. It is a tool used by a large number of businesses, platforms, and marketplaces to confirm that an organization is legitimate. To expand globally, increase credibility and trust, and open up additional business opportunities, SaaS companies must obtain their D-U-N-S®️ Number.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why a DUNS Number is critical for SaaS companies that wish to work with international clients, as well as provide steps for companies in India to obtain their own.

What Is a D-U-N-S®️ Number?

D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet.

It serves as an entity’s global business identity that enables people to verify that a business exists and that it has credibility all over the world.

D-U-N-S is often used by global companies for verifying their vendors’ records around the world’s largest organizations:

• Many Global Tech Companies
• Enterprise Clients
• App Marketplaces
• Government Agencies
• International Service Providers, Vendors, Partners

When a company registers for its D-U-N-S Number, that company becomes part of the Dun & Bradstreet Global Database. Businesses all around the world use this database to authenticate all types of businesses.

Why SaaS Companies Need Global Trust

SaaS Providers operate primarily online while many traditional businesses do not.

If a company does business with clients located in other countries, the client may not ever meet the company’s employees in-person before deciding to buy a software program or enter into a long-term contract with them. Therefore, trust is extremely important in determining whether a client decides to purchase software from a SaaS provider or sign a long-term agreement.

Many global enterprises will conduct due diligence or verification checks prior to engaging a new vendor.

Without the proper verification, there are many other ways that SaaS providers may face challenges.

SaaS providers may experience:

• A potential client is questioning your company’s legitimacy.
• Delays in the approval of potential vendors.
• Rejection of the vendor during enterprise onboarding.
• Difficulties in securing contracts internationally.

A D-U-N-S Number is a globally recognized form of business verification and can solve many of the problems noted above

How D-U-N-S®️ Helps SaaS Companies Get Global Clients

Let’s explore the key ways a DUNS Number helps SaaS businesses attract and work with international customers.

1. Builds Global Business Credibility

The DUNS Number can help your SaaS firm to grab hold of global clients by establishing international credibility, in addition to providing insights into the client’s ability to work with you. Let’s look at some of the biggest advantages of obtaining a DUNS Number:

The biggest advantage of having a DUNS Number is that you are considered more credible to potential international clients.

Companies looking to work with you as an SaaS firm often check the following:

• The company legally exists
• Business information has been verified
• The company is recognized in a global business database

This increases confidence among international clients and partners.

2. Helps in Enterprise Vendor Registration

As an SaaS business attempting to obtain enterprise clients, there is a vendor onboarding process that large organizations routinely have to go through before working with a new SaaS company.

This vendor onboarding process often requires companies to provide items such as:

• Business registration information
• Tax information
• Global verification identifier nº (DUNS Number)

Enterprises often use the DUNS Number to assist them in the vendor approval process before issuing purchase orders.

Having a DUNS Number can make it a lot easier for SaaS businesses attempting to target enterprise customers to receive vendor approval.

3. Enables App Publishing on Global Platforms

Most SaaS applications are sold as mobile or web apps.

Some platforms require verification of a business before allowing the app to be published under the company’s name.

For example:

• Depending on the platform, you may need to verify your business identity during account creation.
• Apple requires a DUNS Number to create an Apple Developer Organization Account.
• Google may verify your business identity when registering as a developer.

If you have a DUNS Number, you should be able to publish your mobile application without any problems.

4. Improves Trust During International Partnerships

SaaS providers work with different types of partners, including:

• Technology partners
• Integration platforms
• Resellers
• Cloud service providers

To create a partnership with your SaaS solution, your business must be verified by its partner.

The DUNS database is globally accepted for business verification; therefore, your partners will have no difficulty confirming your company’s legitimacy.

This improves your partners’ comfort level and accelerates the completion of the partnership agreement.

5. Helps During Government & Corporate Contracts

Many governments and corporations worldwide use the DUNS system to identify businesses that are eligible to do business with them.

If you are a SaaS company, and you want to consider participating in a global tender, government procurement program, or corporate enterprise agreement, it is essential to have a DUNS Number, as a DUNS Number serves as an international business identifier.

6. Enhances Brand Professionalism

When you’re one of the many software-as-a-service companies in the same industry, giving off a professional image is critical to your success. One way for a company to prove its credibility and professionalism to clients is by including its DUNS in documentation, contract, and verifying forms. This simple act speaks volumes about your business’s longevity and global acceptance, especially when dealing with larger companies.

How SaaS Companies in India Can Get a D-U-N-S®️ Number

There Are Two Primary Ways In India To Get A DUNS Number.

1. Free Registration (Official Process)

You may apply directly through the official Dun & Bradstreet registration process. The steps to this process include:

1. Submit your company profile
2. Complete the business verification process
3. Confirm your contact details via telephone or email communication
4. You will be issued a DUNS number

The general processing period for this official free registration process could take from 15 to 30 business days which, for new SaaS businesses that are getting ready to launch a product or bring on new customers, often results in a significant delay in operations due to not having the DUNS number issued.

2. Fast-Track Registration Through Duns India Company

Many SaaS companies choose to expedite the DUNS registration process by using DUNS India Company. The benefits of this option are:

With this service:

• You can receive a DUNS number within 24 hours of payment/registration
• Cost is ₹5,999

This option is often used by businesses when they need expedited approvals to create developer accounts, vendor registrations, or for client verification.

Documents Required for DUNS Registration

In order to obtain a DUNS Number, businesses must have accurate details regarding their business operations. Typical documentation includes:

• Company incorporation
• Business PAN card
• GST registration card (where applicable)
• Proof of business location
• Name and details of the authorising signatory
• Company contact numbers

To avoid delays in your application process, all information provided must be identical to that in the registered records.

Common Mistakes SaaS Companies Should Avoid

Many businesses experience delays due to small errors made in their applications.

Some common errors that businesses make include:

• Incorrect formatting of the name of the business
• Discrepancies in name/address information on filed documents
• Use of personal contact information vs. business contact information
• Incorrect or inaccurate business contact details

Providing accurate data on your application will make completing the process and obtaining a DUNS Number much quicker.

Is a D-U-N-S®️ Number Worth It for SaaS Companies?

If you are running a SaaS Company and looking to grow internationally and build a global customer base, you really should obtain a DUNS Number — it can be extremely useful.

Here are some reasons a DUNS Number is beneficial to your business:

• Verifies your business on a global scale
• Helps lend some credibility to your business in foreign markets
• Can speed up the process of getting approval from large enterprises to become a vendor
• Provides access to many global partnerships and platforms

Although obtaining your DUNS Number through the official (free) means takes a lot longer, many businesses choose to go through Duns India Company and obtain their DUNS Number within 24 hours for ₹5,999.

Given the importance of conferred credibility in the international SaaS business market, a DUNS Number can be a wise investment for a company looking to grow.