Businesses of all types and sizes can be affected by cash flow problems. Customers who don’t pay in a timely manner can significantly restrict the day-to-day function of a business. Many customers don’t even respond to incentives developed to encourage faster payment or monthly reminders. As a result, it often transpires that a company is not able to attract new clients or grow their customer base. Sometimes they may not be able to modernize with new equipment and supplies because they’re so restricted by financial constraints.
In recent years, a preferred means of enhancing cash flow has been invoice factoring. This is a transaction that involves three parties - the business who is the owner of the receivable, the company that owes the receivable and the company serving as the factor. Although the various kinds of factoring programs may differ, the premise is always identical. An invoice is sold to the factoring company, who then advances a portion of it to their client which actually owns the receivable. Once the invoice is paid back by the debtor, or the business owing on the invoice, the factoring company pays their customer, less its charge. To sustain a level cash reserve, most companies sell their invoices on a daily or once weekly basis.
factoring companies may vary a bit in terms of their fees and advance rates due to variations in concentration, monthly volume, credit strength of the debtor and the amount of time outstanding on the receivable. Underwriting a factoring contract is significantly less invasive than with traditional lenders and is usually completed much faster.
The application process used by traditional bank financing is complex and can take a considerable amount of time. It additionally demands that the borrower be very specific as to how the funds they obtain will be used. Factoring companies do not require the Seller to provide this information; consequently, they are free to use the funds in whatever way is most beneficial.
Most factoring institution’s programs are quick and easy; making cash available to their clients within days, not weeks or months. And because factoring is considered bridge or temporary financing, the majority of customers are able to return to using conventional lending instruments after their existing cash flow problems have been satisfied.