Factoring Company Guide
Phase One: The Client Application
The process begins with you filling out a client profile that we provide. This profile asks for basic details such as your company's name, address, what your business is about, and some information about your customers.
You may also have to give us documents like an accounts receivable aging report, your customers' credit limits, among other things. We, the factor, aim to understand how reliable your customers are when it comes to credit, beyond just their past dealings with you. We are seeking a wider view of their overall credit status.
At this starting phase, you will discuss the financial details with the factor. You'll talk about how many invoices you'll want to factor each month (in other words, how much cash you need on hand), what the advance rate and the discount rate will be, and how quickly the advance will be issued to you.
Usually, the responses to these questions will be based on your customers' financial stability and the predicted monthly sales volume to be factored. Things like the industry you're in, how long your business has been operating, and the overall riskiness of your customers can influence the outcome. For example, if you have many high-risk clients, it will cost more in factoring fees than if you have a small list of slow-paying government entities.
In the factoring world, volume is key. The more invoices you factor (the total dollar amount), the better your rates will be.
We'll use the client profile you've filled out to see if factoring is a good match for your business. We'll be assessing the potential risks and rewards based on the data you've provided.
Once we approve your profile, you'll get to negotiate the terms and conditions. The negotiation will take into account several aspects of the deal. For example, if you're factoring $10,000, you shouldn't expect as good a deal as a company that's factoring $500,000.
During the negotiation phase, you'll get a clear understanding of the costs to factor your accounts receivable. Once you've reached an agreement with us, the factor, we get the ball rolling on the funding process. We'll check your customers' credit, see if there are any liens against your company, and verify your invoice before we buy your receivables and give you the advance.
Factoring Company Benefits
Factoring Benefits: Transform Your Business's Financial Health
- Redirect your energy towards growing your business, free from cash flow distractions.
- Avoid the constraints of loan repayments with immediate cash availability.
- Keep full control over your business decisions and direction.
- Substantially lower the expenses incurred in payment collections.
- Take charge of your cash flow by selling selected invoices.
- Gain an upper hand over clients with delayed payment habits.
- Capitalize on a stable cash flow to boost production and sales.
- Access expert services for efficient payment collections and credit checks.
- Ensure your payroll is always funded and on time.
- Maintain adequate funds for payroll tax obligations.
- Enjoy purchasing advantages by buying materials in bulk.
- Improve your negotiating position for early payments or large orders.
- Consistently pay your bills on time to enhance your credit score.
- Invest in expanding and diversifying your business.
- Allocate adequate resources for effective marketing campaigns.
- Notice a significant improvement in your financial documentation.
- Benefit from detailed, actionable reports on your accounts receivable.
Is Factoring For You
The Importance of Factoring
"Without payment, a sale remains just a promise." Have you become an unintentional financier for your customers? This is an important question for your business's financial health.
A close look at your accounts receivable will reveal the extent to which you're extending credit. This is likely not what you had in mind when you set out to grow your business.
If these customers were to borrow from a bank, they'd be paying interest. In contrast, you're not earning any interest, and critically, you're missing the opportunity to reinvest that capital. This is a hidden cost that needs your attention.
Extended payment terms might seem generous, but they tie up funds that could be used to drive your business forward. It's time to consider a more effective strategy to manage your receivables.
Factoring History
Factoring: Empowering Businesses to Thrive
Welcome to the world of factoring, where businesses find the power to thrive and succeed. Whether you're a seasoned business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone seeking innovative financing options, factoring can be the game-changer you've been searching for.
Surprisingly, factoring often remains under the radar and unknown to many in the business landscape. Yet, it holds the key to unlocking success for countless businesses, fueling their growth and providing them with the financial support they need.
But what exactly is factoring? At its core, factoring involves selling your accounts receivable (invoices) at a discount to a specialized financial institution. In today's competitive market, offering credit terms to customers is essential for business success. However, delayed payments can create cash flow challenges, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Factoring has a rich history that dates back centuries. Its roots can be traced to ancient civilizations that recognized the value of turning unpaid invoices into immediate cash flow. Over time, factoring evolved to meet the changing needs of businesses, becoming a vital financial tool in modern times.
Today, factoring serves as a catalyst for business growth and prosperity. By leveraging factoring, businesses gain quick access to funds that would otherwise be tied up in unpaid invoices. This infusion of cash provides the flexibility to cover operational expenses, invest in new opportunities, expand marketing efforts, and strengthen overall financial stability.
Factoring is not limited to specific industries or business sizes. It benefits a wide range of businesses, from manufacturers and distributors to service providers and contractors. Whether you're a startup, a growing company, or an established enterprise, factoring can be tailored to your unique needs, fueling your growth journey.
Working with a factor brings additional advantages. Factors offer valuable expertise in credit analysis, collections, and risk management. They assume the responsibility of collecting payments from customers, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations. This collaborative partnership ensures a smoother cash flow cycle and minimizes the risks associated with late or non-payment.
Embracing factoring means breaking free from the limitations of traditional financing options. It offers a flexible and accessible alternative, empowering businesses to take control of their finances and capitalize on growth opportunities. With factoring, you can transform the way you do business, unlock your full potential, and achieve long-term success.
Join the ranks of businesses that have harnessed the power of factoring and experience the difference it can make. Discover the freedom to thrive, fuel your growth ambitions, and navigate the ever-changing business landscape with confidence. Factoring is the key that unlocks the door to your business's brighter future.
Credit Risk
Boost Your Business with Quick Cash and Expert Credit Risk Assessment
Get the Edge Without Extra Fees
Accurately evaluating credit risk is a critical component of our factoring services. We excel at this function, providing an objective perspective that few clients can match.
As part of our comprehensive offering, we act as your dedicated credit department for both new and existing customers. This arrangement gives you a distinct advantage over managing these processes internally, without any additional charges.
Consider a scenario where a salesperson pursues a new account with the potential for significant sales. In their eagerness to secure the business, they may overlook warning signs of credit difficulties and bypass your internal credit checks. While this approach may result in a quick sale, it offers no guarantee of timely payment, which is essential for sustained success.
With us, you won't encounter such issues. We make credit decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the new customer's credit situation. We avoid purchasing invoices from customers with poor credit ratings, minimizing the risk of nonpayment. It's important to note that our involvement doesn't imply a tightening of credit that could adversely affect your business beyond your control.
Ultimately, the decision to do business with a new customer of questionable creditworthiness remains in your hands. (However, 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 see fit. You maintain full control. Regardless of the decisions you make, our participation ensures you have access to comprehensive, objective, and high-quality information to make informed credit decisions, surpassing your previous practices.
We conduct thorough research on new clients and regularly monitor the credit ratings of your existing customers. This stands in stark contrast to the common practice of neglecting routine credit updates for established customers. Such neglect can lead to costly oversights.
Most businesses conduct credit checks only when problems have already spiraled out of control. In contrast, we promptly inform you of any changes in the credit status of your existing customers, allowing you to take proactive measures.
In addition to providing specific customer credit information, we offer comprehensive reports on your accounts receivables. These reports include accounting details, transactional insights, aging reports, and financial management reports. This data empowers you to analyze sales performance, track account history, and make well-informed decisions.
With over 70 years of successful experience managing cash flow and credit, we are eager to leverage our expertise for your benefit. Let us put our knowledge to work, helping you achieve your financial goals and giving your business the competitive edge it needs. Experience the benefits of quick cash and expert credit risk assessment without any extra fees.
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?...