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 Benefits: Elevate Your Business Efficiency
- Focus on business growth, free from cash flow concerns.
- Experience the ease of obtaining cash without loan repayments, available in days.
- Retain full control and decision-making power in your business.
- Minimize the costs involved in chasing down payments.
- Exercise superior control over your cash flow through strategic invoice selection.
- Stay financially ahead of clients with delayed payments.
- Use a reliable cash flow to boost your production and sales.
- Leverage expert services for efficient payment collections and credit checks.
- Ensure you can always meet your payroll obligations.
- Maintain sufficient funds for payroll taxes at all times.
- Access discounts for bulk purchases, enhancing your bottom line.
- Improve your purchasing power, leading to significant savings.
- Enhance your credit rating with consistent cash flow for bill payments.
- Ensure capital availability for expanding your business.
- Allocate enough resources for effective marketing strategies.
- Observe a positive transformation in your financial statements.
- Receive detailed, actionable reports on 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: Empowering Businesses for Success
Welcome to the world of factoring, where businesses find the power to thrive and achieve unparalleled success. Whether you're an established business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, factoring can be the driving force behind your financial growth and prosperity.
It's surprising that factoring often remains a well-kept secret, with many business owners unaware of its transformative benefits. However, factoring holds the key to unlocking your business's potential, providing the necessary financial support to fuel your ambitions.
But what exactly is factoring? At its core, factoring involves selling your accounts receivable (invoices) to a specialized financing company at a discounted rate. In today's competitive landscape, offering credit terms to customers is essential for business growth. However, delayed payments can hinder your cash flow and impede your ability to invest, expand, and seize new opportunities.
Factoring has a rich history that spans centuries, adapting to the evolving needs of businesses over time. Today, factoring acts as a catalyst for growth, empowering businesses to access immediate cash flow by converting their outstanding invoices into working capital. This infusion of funds provides the flexibility to cover expenses, invest in innovation, and fuel your journey towards success.
Factoring is not limited to specific industries or business sizes. Whether you're in manufacturing, services, wholesale, or beyond, factoring can be tailored to your unique needs. It accommodates the diverse requirements of businesses, offering scalability and adaptability as you navigate the ever-changing business landscape.
By partnering with a reputable factor, you gain more than just financial support. Factors bring expertise in credit analysis, collections, and risk management. They assume the responsibility of managing your receivables, freeing up your time and resources to focus on core business operations and strategic decision-making. This collaborative approach ensures a steady cash flow, minimizes the risks of late payments, and provides peace of mind.
Factoring liberates businesses from the limitations of traditional financing options. It offers a faster, more accessible alternative that aligns with the dynamic nature of modern business. With factoring, you can unlock working capital, seize growth opportunities, expand your market reach, and take your business to new heights.
Join the ranks of businesses that have embraced factoring and experience the transformation it brings. Harness the power of financial stability, enhanced liquidity, and accelerated growth. Factoring is the catalyst that empowers your business to thrive, exceed expectations, and conquer new horizons of success.
Credit Risk
Quick Continuous Cash: Unlock Expert Credit Risk Assessment at No Additional Cost – A Strategic Move for Your Business!
Mastering credit risk is essential in factoring, and our expertise is unmatched in the industry. Now, we offer this vital service to you without any extra fees. As your dedicated credit department, we bring a level of insight and analysis that elevates your business above the competition.
Imagine the risk of a salesperson overlooking crucial credit warnings in their pursuit of new business. Such missteps can result in sales that don't convert to actual revenue. We're here to safeguard you from these potential losses.
Our comprehensive evaluation of each customer's credit situation informs our decisions, minimizing the risk of nonpayment. While we guide you with our expertise, the final business decisions remain yours, now made with enhanced information and confidence.
Our proactive approach includes continuous monitoring of your clients' credit ratings and delivering detailed financial reports, a level of attention that is rare yet crucial for maintaining a healthy business.
With a legacy of over 70 years in cash flow and credit management, we're more than just experts; we're strategic partners in your financial journey. Let's join forces to achieve your business goals.
How To Change Factoring Companies
Changing Your Invoice Factoring Service Provider
Need-to-know info about switching invoice factoring firms.
Are you considering a different invoice factoring firm?
Are you dissatisfied with your current one?
Planning on ditching your current factoring firm?
What should I know before I switch factoring companies?
Here's a guide answering all these queries and more:
Understanding UCC and its role in switching factoring firms:
Usually, factoring companies file a general Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to secure their claim over the invoices they've funded.
The UCC helps factoring companies, banks, and lenders know who's lent money on which assets. As invoices change daily, factoring companies need to file a 'blanket' UCC that secures all your receivables, even if you're only factoring a part of your sales. This 'blanket' UCC acts as a signal to other lenders, showing a Security Agreement exists between you and the factoring company.
Your specific factoring details, like rates and which accounts are factored, are laid out in the Security Agreement, which is not publicly accessible. Essentially, a UCC works like a first mortgage on your business.
The Process of Switching Companies
The lender with the earliest UCC filing gets 'First Position' on the promised collateral. For instance, a factoring firm has first rights to collect payments on your invoices.
To switch factoring firms, the new factoring firm has to pay off the old one. At the same time, the old factoring company's claim is released, and the new company's claim is filed, similar to refinancing a house.
A 'buyout' is when the new factoring firm pays off the old one using funds from your first financing.
The Buyout Agreement details the transition process and is signed by the old factoring firm, new factoring firm, and your company. In this agreement, you agree to the 'buyout figure' provided by the old factoring company.
How is the Buyout Figure Determined:
The buyout figure is usually the total outstanding receivables minus any reserves and then plus any fees owed to the old factoring firm. It's a good idea to ask for a detailed breakdown of your figure to ensure you understand if there are any early termination fees or additional charges.
What does the buyout cost?
If you can provide new invoices to the new factoring company, which they can use to pay off the outstanding invoices at your old firm, then you wouldn't incur additional costs for the switch. However, most companies need to resubmit some of the invoices already factored with the old company to the new one. In this case, the 'overlap' invoices will incur fees from both factoring firms.
How long does a buyout take?
When you're switching factoring firms, plan for the first funding to take two to three more days than the normal setup process. The extra days will be used to verify the invoices and calculate buyout figures for your approval.
What if my situation is more complex?
Although it's not usual, the old and new factoring firms can collaborate via an Intercreditor or Subordination Agreement until the old firm is paid off. Depending on the situation, factoring firms have managed to 'draw a line in the sand,' where the old firm has rights to invoices up to a certain date, and the new firm has rights to all invoices after that date.
Questions you should have asked before signing up with your current factoring firm:
- Can I use multiple factoring firms at once? The universal answer is one, according to the Uniform Commercial Code/UCC.
- If I decide to switch factoring firms, how much notice do I need to give?
- What is the penalty for leaving without giving the required notice and can you provide an example of how the fees are calculated? Beware of 13-month contracts that require a certain monthly factoring volume.
For example, a 13-month contract where you've agreed to factor $100,000 per month at a rate of 3% means you promise to pay them $3,000 per month in factoring fees or $34,000 in total over the next year. If you want to leave after 6 months, they will charge you the fees for the remaining 6 months, which equals $13,000. This can be too expensive for most companies, especially those with low profit margins. You're stuck!
