Anyone can purchase generic credit applications at any office supply store. You can buy a package fo them that are shrink wrapped and stamp your company name and address on them. You can also have them printed by a printer such as someone who provides you with your letterhead and business cards. You can get examples of credit applications in my book "Become the Squeaky Wheel" and use those as well.
Remember that it is a good idea that your credit application have two copies, using a carbon copy works well. You want to retain the original with the original signature on it for your file and give the customer a copy for their records.
If you don't have a credit policy and only do one thing to protect your business from bad debt, I would highly recommend having a signed credit application for each of your customers. This will help you if you receive a bad check, if the customers mail is returned as undeliverable, or their phone is disconnected.
If you end up placing accounts with a collection agency, the credit application can make the difference on if you get paid or not and how quickly.
The most important tool to protect yourself from bad debt is a signed credit application.
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