Factoring Company Guide
Step One: Completing the Client Application
First, you need to complete a straightforward client profile that we'll give you. You'll jot down basic stuff like your company's name, address, what kind of business you do, and some info about your customers.
You might also need to share documents related to your business finance, like an accounts receivable aging report or your customers' credit limits. Keep in mind, the factor (that's us) will try to figure out how creditworthy your customers are, not based on how they've paid you, but based on their overall credit situation.
In this early stage, we'll also talk about financial arrangements. For example, how many invoices do you want to factor each month (that is, how much cash do you need on hand)? What will the advance rate and discount rate be? And how fast can we give you the advance?
Usually, the answers to these questions depend on how financially stable your customers are and how much monthly sales you expect to be factored. Factors like what industry you're in, how long you've been in business, and how risky your customers might be can make a difference. For example, if you have a bunch of high-risk clients, you'll probably pay more in factoring fees than if your customers are slow-paying government agencies.
In our line of work, the more invoices you factor (that is, the higher your volume), the better your rates will be.
We'll look at the client profile you give us to see if your business is a good fit for factoring. Basically, we're just trying to weigh the risks against the rewards based on the info you've given us.
Once we've given the thumbs up, you can expect to start discussing terms and conditions. This part of the process takes into account different aspects of the deal. For example, if you're only factoring $10,000, you can't expect as good a deal as a company factoring $500,000.
During these talks, you'll get a clear idea of how much it'll cost to factor your accounts receivable. Once you've agreed on the terms with us, the process of getting your funding starts rolling. We'll do some digging into your customers' credit and check for any liens against your company. We also make sure your invoice is legit before we buy your receivables and give you the cash advance.
Factoring Company Benefits
Advantages of Using Factoring:
- Free up your time to focus on your business, instead of stressing over cash flow.
- Forget about monthly loan repayments. Receive your money in just two to four days.
- Stay in total control of your business operations.
- Cut down or completely remove the costs linked to the payment collection process.
- Get a firmer grip on your cash flow by choosing which invoices to sell and when.
- Get ahead of clients who delay payments.
- Enhance your business productivity and sales.
- Benefit from expert services for collection and checking credit.
- Never miss meeting your payroll requirements.
- Effortlessly cover your payroll taxes.
- Offer cash discounts for your supplies.
- Boost your purchasing power, enabling you to get discounts for bulk purchases or early payments.
- Improve your credit rating by always having enough cash to settle bills on time.
- Have the necessary cash for expanding your business.
- Allocate funds for promoting your business.
- Improve your financial statement.
- Receive complete and thorough reports regarding your accounts receivable portfolio.
Is Factoring For You
How Factoring Can Help Small Businesses Thrive
Factoring is like a financial boost that can help small businesses succeed in simple terms. Here's how it works:
Quick Access to Cash: Small businesses sometimes struggle to get the money they need for their everyday expenses or to grow. Factoring gives them a way to get cash quickly by selling their unpaid customer invoices to a company that specializes in this. It's like getting an instant payment for the work they've done or the products they've sold.
Better Money Management: Managing money is important for any business, and factoring can make it easier for small businesses. Instead of waiting for customers to pay, factoring provides a steady stream of money that keeps the business running smoothly. It's like having a reliable source of funds to pay bills, buy supplies, and invest in new opportunities.
Building a Good Reputation: Factoring can also help small businesses build a good reputation with suppliers and lenders. When they can pay their bills on time, it shows that they're trustworthy and responsible. This can lead to better deals with suppliers and open up more options for loans or other types of financial help in the future.
Growing the Business: With the extra cash from factoring, small businesses have the freedom to expand and grow. They can use the money to hire more employees, buy new equipment, or reach more customers through advertising. It's like having the resources to take their business to the next level and seize exciting opportunities.
Simplifying Finances: Keeping track of customer invoices and collecting payments can be a hassle for small businesses. Factoring companies take care of these tasks, so small businesses can focus on what they do best. It's like having a helpful partner who handles all the paperwork and makes sure the money comes in smoothly.
Lowering Financial Risks: Factoring companies also help small businesses reduce the risks associated with customers who don't pay on time or don't pay at all. They check the creditworthiness of customers and take responsibility for collecting payments. This gives small businesses peace of mind and protects them from losing money.
Flexibility for Success: Factoring is flexible and can adapt to the changing needs of small businesses. As their sales grow and they generate more invoices, they can access more funding through factoring. It's like having a financial solution that grows with them, providing the support they need to thrive.
In simple terms, factoring gives small businesses quick access to cash, helps them manage their money better, builds a good reputation, supports growth, simplifies finances, lowers financial risks, and offers flexibility for success. With factoring, small businesses can overcome financial challenges and create a path to long-term prosperity.
Factoring History
Factoring History
Embark on a journey through the world of factoring, the hidden force behind many successful American businesses. Ideal for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, factoring is not just a service; it's a game-changing opportunity.
Strangely absent from most business courses, factoring is the key that unlocks billions of dollars annually, fueling the growth of countless businesses. It's a financial strategy that's both historic and revolutionary.
What is factoring? Imagine a time-honored practice from ancient Mesopotamia, a financial maneuver that turns invoices into instant capital. This practice has evolved to become a cornerstone of modern business operations.
From the Romans to the American colonists, factoring provided a faster, more efficient financial solution than the banks of their time. It was the secret behind many historic economic successes.
Today, factoring continues to redefine business finance. From large corporations to independent ventures, it offers a pathway to transform receivables into real, impactful growth and success.
Credit Risk
Gain a Competitive Edge with Quick and Continuous Cash Flow
Expert Credit Risk Assessment Included at No Extra Cost
Accurately assessing credit risk is a critical component of our factoring business. Our objective approach sets us apart from other providers.
We act as your dedicated credit department for both new and existing customers, providing you with a distinct advantage over managing these functions internally.
Imagine a scenario where a salesperson pursues a new account with the potential for substantial purchases. In their eagerness to secure the business, they may overlook credit warning signs and bypass internal credit checks. While this might result in a sale, it offers no guarantee of payment – and without payment, there is no sale.
With us, such situations are avoided. We make credit decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the new customer's credit situation. We do not purchase invoices from customers with poor credit ratings, mitigating the risk of nonpayment. However, please understand that our involvement does not restrict your credit flexibility or negatively impact your business beyond your control.
Ultimately, the decision to do business with a new customer of questionable creditworthiness remains yours. (Nevertheless, we reserve the right to say, ""We told you so!"")
While we may not purchase those invoices, you retain the freedom to extend credit terms as you deem appropriate. You remain in control. With our participation, you gain access to comprehensive, objective, and high-quality information that empowers you to make informed credit decisions, surpassing your previous practices.
We diligently research new clients and regularly monitor the credit ratings of your existing customers. This stands in contrast to the neglect seen in many businesses, where routine credit updates on the established customer base are scarce. Such oversight can be a significant mistake.
Typically, businesses conduct credit checks only when it's too late – when problems have already escalated. In contrast, we promptly inform you of any changes in the credit status of your existing customers.
In addition to providing specific customer credit information, you benefit from comprehensive and detailed reports on your accounts receivables as a whole. Our process includes accounting details, transactional insights, aging reports, and financial management reports. This invaluable data allows you to integrate it into your sales tracking, account history, and in-depth analysis.
With over 70 years of successful experience in managing cash flow and credit, we are eager to leverage our expertise for your benefit. Let us harness our knowledge to help you achieve your financial goals, gain a competitive edge, and ensure the continuous flow of cash for your business.
How To Change Factoring Companies
Changing Your Invoice Finance Provider
Are you considering a switch in your invoice finance provider? Whether due to dissatisfaction or seeking better service, this comprehensive guide is designed for you. Journey with us as we explore everything from the intricacies of UCCs to the process of transitioning, along with essential questions that will guide you in choosing your next financial partner.
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Explained
At the heart of invoice financing lies the UCC. This legal framework protects the financier's interests in your invoices, functioning similarly to a mortgage or car title. Its key roles include:
- Monitoring rights over assets.
- Informing other lenders about existing financial commitments.
- Securing the financier’s primary claim over your invoices.
Transitioning Between Providers
Moving to a new provider is a strategic decision, similar to refinancing a mortgage. The process includes a "buyout", where the new provider takes over the balance from the old one, based on a mutually agreed Buyout Agreement.
Calculating the Buyout Amount
Calculating the buyout amount is a critical step. It generally involves your outstanding invoices minus reserves and additional fees. A thorough understanding of this amount is essential, especially if the new arrangement offers more favorable terms.
Cost Implications of a Buyout
Transitioning can be cost-effective. Using new invoices for the new financier helps avoid double charging. However, it's crucial to inform your old provider promptly to prevent extra fees.
Time Considerations
The transition might extend the usual timeframe due to the buyout process. The amount can fluctuate due to accruing fees. Partnering with an experienced company ensures a smoother transition.
Complex Scenarios
In some scenarios, rights to your invoices might be shared between old and new financiers during the transition. While not common, it's a possibility to consider.
Questions to Ponder Before Committing
- Is working with multiple invoice finance companies an option?
- What are the terms for changing providers, including notice periods and penalties?
- What is the payment processing duration with the new provider?
- Who will be your main contacts at the finance company?
- Are there additional postage costs for sending invoices?
- What about charges for credit checks or setting up new customers?
- When do they start holding reserves?