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 Factoring: Strategic Financial Solutions for Your Business
- Shift your focus from cash flow concerns to strategic business expansion.
- Eliminate the burden of loan repayments with rapid access to cash.
- Maintain autonomy in your business decisions and operations.
- Reduce administrative costs associated with chasing payments.
- Strategically manage cash flow by selecting invoices for sale.
- Stay financially agile, even with clients who pay late.
- Empower your production and sales teams with consistent cash flow.
- Leverage expert services in payment collections and credit checks.
- Ensure reliable payroll management for a motivated workforce.
- Always have sufficient funds to meet your payroll tax obligations.
- Capitalize on bulk purchase discounts through immediate cash availability.
- Strengthen your negotiating power for early payments or bulk orders.
- Positively impact your credit score with on-time bill payments.
- Access the capital you need for business expansion and growth.
- Invest in effective marketing strategies with available funds.
- Notice an improvement in your financial statements' health.
- Get comprehensive reports for a clear view of 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 History
Discover the hidden engine that has propelled American businesses to unprecedented heights: factoring. This isn't just another financial term; it's a revolution that's been silently shaping the fate of enterprises for centuries.
Curiously overlooked in most business curricula, factoring is the unsung hero in the business world, releasing billions of dollars, powering growth, and saving businesses from the brink. It's not just a financial tactic; it's a lifeline.
What is factoring? Imagine a financial maneuver that dates back to Hammurabi's Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, and has evolved to become a modern-day business savior. This ancient practice, buying receivables at a discount, is a testament to the ingenuity of human commerce.
From the Romans to the American colonists, factoring was the secret behind many successful ventures. In a world where traditional banking was a bottleneck, factoring emerged as the swift solution to financial woes.
Today, factoring stands tall as a beacon of hope and strategy for businesses navigating the turbulent waters of finance. From large institutions to private ventures, factoring is the key to unlocking potential, turning receivables into billions of dollars of growth and success.
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
Changing Invoice Financing Providers
Want to switch your invoice financing provider? Not satisfied with your current one? Planning to bid goodbye to your present provider? Not sure what to know before making the switch? Here's a simple guide with all the answers.
Understanding UCC and its role in changing providers
Typically, an invoice financing company (also called a factor) will file a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). This is like staking a claim on the invoices they've funded. This helps to keep track of who's got a claim on what assets, especially because invoices change every day - some are paid, some are collected, and some new ones are created.
So, the factor files a 'blanket' UCC covering all your invoices, even though you might not be getting funding for all your sales. It's just not practical to file a new UCC for every single invoice. The UCC is like a warning sign for other lenders that there's a deal between your business and the factor.
The specifics of your agreement with the factor, like rates and which accounts are factored, are outlined in a private Security Agreement. A UCC is kind of like having a first mortgage on your business.
The process of changing factors
The factor with the oldest UCC is said to be in the 'First Position' on the collateral. This means they have the first right to collect payments on your invoices and any related items.
If you want to change factors, the old one must be paid off by the new one. This is similar to refinancing your house. The old factor's claim is released and the new one's claim is filed.
The process where the new factor pays off the old one using money from your first funding is called a 'buyout'. The Buyout Agreement, which outlines the transition process, is signed by the old factor, new factor, and your company. In this agreement, you approve the 'buyout figure' provided by the old factor.
How is the Buyout Figure Calculated:
The buyout figure is usually calculated by subtracting any reserves from the Gross Receivables Outstanding and adding in fees due to the old factor. It's good to ask for a breakdown of this figure so you can understand if there are any early termination fees or other charges added to your usual factoring fees.
Once the old factor is paid off, you only have to deal with the new factor. If you're changing from an 80% advance rate to a 90% advance rate, you might have enough money to pay off the old factor without needing more invoices.
How much does the buyout cost?
If you can give the new factor new invoices to pay off the old ones, there's no additional cost for the switch. As payments come in on the old invoices, those payments are forwarded to the new factor who then sends them to you.
However, if you need to resubmit some invoices already factored with the old factor to the new one, those invoices will incur fees from both factors. As a result, your factoring fees for the first month after the change could be higher than normal. If the new factor's rate is lower, you can calculate how long it will take to recover this cost and make a cost-benefit analysis.
How long does a buyout take?
When changing factors, expect the first funding to take a couple of days more than the usual setup process. This extra time is needed for invoice verification and for calculating the buyout figures.
What if my situation is not that easy?
In some cases, the old factor and the new one can work together via an Intercreditor or Subordination Agreement until the old factor is paid off. The old factor has rights to invoices up to a certain date and the new one has rights to all invoices after that date.
Questions you might have wished you asked before signing up with your current factor:
- How many factors can I use at one time? (The universal answer is one, according to the UCC.)
- If I want to change factors, how much notice do I need to give?
- What is the penalty if I leave without giving the required notice?
- Do you use a bank lock box to post my customer payments? If so, how long does it take for a customer's payment to post to my account from the date the bank receives it?
- How long do you hold my original invoices before sending them to my customers?
- How many different people will I work with at your company?
- Do I need to pay for postage for you to mail my invoices?
- Do you charge me every time I have a new customer to check or set up?
- Do you start holding reserves once a customer hits 60 days even though I have 90 day recourse?
