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
Factoring Perks: Catapult Your Business to New Heights
- Toss out cash flow worries and zoom in on business growth.
- No more loan repayment blues. Hello, cash in 2-4 days!
- Keep the command of your business in your hands.
- Drastically reduce or even say goodbye to chasing payments.
- Master your cash flow by picking and choosing invoices to sell.
- Get the upper hand with slow-paying clients.
- Fuel your production and sales with a steady cash supply.
- Enjoy the luxury of professional services for payment collection and credit checks.
- Guarantee that your payroll is always on track.
- Always be ready for payroll taxes – no last-minute scrambles.
- Snag those bulk purchase discounts with ease.
- Beef up your buying power for even sweeter deals.
- Boost your credit rating with cash always at hand for bills.
- Expand your business horizons with ample cash reserves.
- Rev up your marketing efforts with a solid cash flow.
- Polish your financial statements to a shine.
- Dive into detailed, insightful reports about your accounts receivable.
Is Factoring For You
The Importance of Factoring
Completing a sale goes beyond just making the transaction. It's about collecting the money that is owed to you. Imagine being a part-time banker for your customers, providing them with interest-free financing.
Take a moment to examine your accounts receivable aging schedule. How many accounts are overdue by more than 30 days? By not receiving timely payment, you're effectively extending credit to these customers. This may not align with your original business intentions.
Consider this: If your customers approached a bank for the same amount of money, they would expect to pay a significant amount of interest. Yet, you're not earning any interest on the money you've extended to them.
What's more, you're missing out on the opportunity to utilize that capital while waiting for customers to settle their debts. The cost of not having this money readily available can be significant. Essentially, your customers are asking you to finance their business by granting them extended payment terms.
Have you thought about the expenses incurred due to missed opportunities when your funds are tied up in accounts receivable? It's time to take a closer look at the impact on your business and explore the benefits of factoring.
Factoring History
Factoring: Boosting Business Potential and Financial Success
Welcome to the world of factoring, where businesses uncover the secret to unlocking their full potential and achieving financial success. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a business professional seeking new financing options, factoring is the tool that can propel your business forward.
Surprisingly, factoring often remains hidden in the shadows, with many business owners unaware of its incredible benefits. Yet, it holds the key to driving growth, ensuring cash flow stability, and opening doors to new opportunities.
So, what exactly is factoring? At its core, factoring involves selling your outstanding invoices at a discounted rate to a specialized financing company. In today's competitive landscape, offering credit terms to customers is a necessity for business growth. However, waiting for payments can strain cash flow, hampering your ability to invest, expand, and thrive.
Factoring has a rich and storied history that spans centuries. It originated from the realization that businesses shouldn't be held hostage by unpaid invoices. Over time, factoring evolved and adapted to meet the unique financial needs of businesses in different eras, becoming a reliable tool in the modern business landscape.
Today, factoring is a catalyst for unleashing business potential. By partnering with a reputable factor, businesses gain immediate access to the funds tied up in their invoices. This influx of cash empowers entrepreneurs to cover operating expenses, seize growth opportunities, and invest in crucial areas like marketing, technology, and talent acquisition.
Factoring knows no bounds when it comes to industries or business sizes. Whether you're a manufacturer, a service provider, or a B2B company, factoring can be customized to fit your specific needs. It offers flexibility, scalability, and the ability to adapt as your business evolves.
Beyond providing quick cash flow, factors bring additional expertise to the table. They evaluate the creditworthiness of your customers, manage collections, and take on the risk of non-payment. This frees up your time and resources to focus on core business activities, knowing that your factor is diligently working to secure payments on your behalf.
Factoring liberates businesses from the shackles of traditional financing options. It provides a fast, efficient, and accessible alternative that supports growth, innovation, and long-term success. With factoring, you can break through financial barriers, expand your operations, and seize new opportunities in your industry.
Join the ranks of businesses that have harnessed the power of factoring and experience the transformation it can bring. Embrace a future of financial stability, increased liquidity, and enhanced growth prospects. Factoring is the key that unlocks the doors to your business's ultimate potential.
Credit Risk
Quick Cash Advantage: Unlock Expert Credit Risk Assessment at No Extra Cost!
Precisely evaluating credit risk is a vital aspect of our factoring business. Very few, if any, clients can perform this task as objectively as we can.
At no additional fee, we serve as your dedicated credit department for both new and existing customers. This gives you a significant advantage over managing these functions internally.
Imagine a scenario where a salesperson is pursuing a new account with the potential for substantial purchases. Their focus on winning the business may cause them to overlook warning signs related to credit difficulties. They might even bypass your internal credit checks to expedite the process. While this could secure the sale, it won't guarantee payment, and without payment, there is no sale.
Rest assured, this won't happen with us. We make credit decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the new customer's credit situation. We won't purchase the invoices of customers with poor credit ratings, minimizing the risk of nonpayment. However, please don't consider our involvement as a tightening of credit to the extent that it negatively impacts your business beyond your control.
The ultimate decision to do business with a new customer of questionable creditworthiness remains yours. (Nevertheless, we reserve the right to say, ""I told you so!"")
While we may not purchase those invoices, you still retain the freedom to extend credit terms as you see fit. You remain in control. Regardless of the decisions you make, our participation ensures that you have access to more comprehensive, objective, and high-quality information for informed credit decisions compared to your past practices.
We thoroughly research new clients and, equally importantly, regularly monitor the credit ratings of your existing customers. This contrasts with the rare routine credit updates on the established customer base in many businesses. Neglecting this can be a grave mistake.
Typically, businesses only conduct a credit check when it's too late, and the problem has already spiraled out of control. On the other hand, we promptly inform you of any changes in the credit status of your existing customers.
In addition to providing specific customer credit information, you'll also enjoy the benefits of comprehensive, detailed reports on your accounts receivables as a whole. As part of our process, you'll receive accounting details, transactional insights, aging reports, and financial management reports. This data empowers you to incorporate it into your sales tracking, account history, and in-depth analysis.
With over 70 years of successful experience in cash flow and credit management, we are eager to leverage our expertise for your benefit. Let us apply our knowledge to help you achieve your financial goals and unlock the full potential of your business.
How To Change Factoring Companies
Guide to Switching Invoice Factoring Companies
Want to Learn About Changing Invoice Factoring Companies?
Are you considering a switch to a new factoring company? Displeased with your current provider? Wondering about the ins and outs of swapping factoring companies? Here's everything you need to understand.
What is a UCC and How Does it Relate to Switching Factoring Companies?
Factoring companies often file a blanket Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to secure a primary interest on the invoices funded. The UCC is essentially a system used by lenders to keep track of who has lent money against which assets...
The Buyout Process
The oldest UCC filing signifies the 'first position' on the pledged collateral. This means that your factoring company has the primary right to collect payments on your invoices...
To switch factoring companies, the new provider must repay the old one...
How is the Buyout Figure Calculated?
The buyout figure is calculated by deducting any reserves from the Gross Receivables Outstanding and then adding the due fees to the old factoring company...
What is the Cost of the Buyout?
The cost of the buyout can potentially be zero if you can submit new invoices to the new factoring company for them to pay off the outstanding invoices at your old factor...
How Long Does a Buyout Take?
When switching factoring companies, it's best to expect the first funding to take two to three days longer than the usual setup process...
What if My Situation is More Complicated?
In some instances, the old and new factoring companies can collaborate through an Intercreditor or Subordination Agreement until the old factor is fully paid off...
Questions You Should Have Asked Before Joining Your Current Factor:
Before joining a factoring company, you should have a clear understanding of many aspects. Here are some crucial questions you should've asked:
- How many financing companies can I use at once?
- How much notice do I need to give if I want to change financing companies?
- What's the penalty if I want to leave without giving the required notice, and can you provide an example of how the fees would be calculated?
And other concerns such as: Do you use a bank lock box to post my customer payments?...