LenDRgroup Consulting has identified six fundamental rights that all small business owners seeking financing deserve.
1. The Right to Transparent Pricing and Terms:
A borrower has the right to have the cost and terms of any financing being offered presented to them in writing and in a form that is clear, complete, and easy to compare with other financing options, so they can make the best decision for their business.
2. The Right to Non-Abusive Products:
A borrower has the right to expect that the financing products offered by a lender will not trap his/her business in an expensive cycle of re-borrowing.
3. The Right to Responsible Underwriting:
A borrower has the right to expect a lender is offering financing based on underwriting practices that assess the ability of the borrower’s business to succeed and repay.
4. The Right to Fair Treatment from Brokers:
A borrower has the right to honest, transparent, and impartial communications with a broker regarding loan options, conflicts of interest, fees, and the financing options available.
5. The Right to Inclusive Credit Access:
A borrower has the right to fair and equal treatment when seeking a loan including protections guaranteed under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
6. The Right to Fair Collections Practices:
A borrower has the right to be treated fairly and respectfully throughout a collections process and the right to protections like those guaranteed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.