Answer

What is retention of title and does it protect me?

Retention of title lets you keep legal ownership of goods until you are paid, so you may reclaim them if the customer does not pay or goes bust. It only works if the clause is valid and the goods are identifiable.

2 min read

OwnershipUntil paid
ReclaimIf unpaid
Valid clauseEssential

How it protects a supplier

A retention of title (RoT) clause in your terms says ownership of the goods does not pass until you have been paid in full. If the customer fails, you may recover unsold, identifiable goods ahead of unsecured creditors.

The limits

RoT is weaker once goods are mixed, altered or sold on, and it must be properly incorporated into the contract. It protects goods, not cash owed. Pair it with credit control and a bad-debt strategy.

What it means for you

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally, and takes no personal guarantee. See business loans or apply online.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my goods back if a customer goes bust?

With a valid retention of title clause, you can reclaim unsold, identifiable goods you have not been paid for, ahead of unsecured creditors.

When does retention of title fail?

When goods are mixed, transformed or already sold, or where the clause was not properly built into the contract. It also does not recover cash owed.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.