Invoicing overseas companies

[katecross1984]

Hi all. I've been asked to quote for some work for a company in India. My company provides consultancy services for the UK construction industry but the invoice would be dealt with through their parent company in India. I have never dealt with an overseas company before and my main query is what happens if they don't pay? I'm familiar with ways to recover costs if a company is UK based but out of my depth when it comes to overseas companies. Is there anything else I need to consider in my T&Cs? Should I get professional advice before doing business with them? And if so, who would I approach?
Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[fisicx]

Standard invoice and ask for payment up front.

 

[MikeJ]

Fisicx answer is the simplest, but may be acceptable to them.

If you consider the UK company to be a safer bet, then get a guarantee from them in the event the Indian company doesn't pay.

 

[eteb3]

get a guarantee from them

Safer to take an indemnity. You’d have to provide consideration, so best sign the indemnity first, which states that consideration is you entering into the agreement with the Indian parent.

out of my depth when it comes to overseas companies

Forget enforcement in India, unless you want to instruct local solicitors and wait yeeeeeeeaaaars for judgment.

 

[katecross1984]

Thanks for the advice. I think upfront payment is the best solution here and they can take it or leave it. I won't feel comfortable otherwise and it's not worth the financial risk.

 

[dylanmarlais]

How much is the order?