Factoring Company Guide
Starting Point: The Client Application
First, you'll fill out a basic client profile form we'll give you. This will ask for straightforward information such as your company's name, location, business type, and some details about your clients.
Additionally, you might have to provide documents like an accounts receivable aging report or details on your clients' credit limits. Keep in mind, we (the factor) are trying to determine how creditworthy your clients are, not just based on their history with you but their overall credit status.
At this stage, we'll also talk about some financial arrangements. Questions like, how many invoices do you want to factor each month (or how much cash you need immediately)? What will be the advance rate and the discount rate? And, how soon can we give you the advance?
Typically, the answers to these questions depend on the financial health of your clients and the expected monthly sales to be factored. Other aspects like your industry, the duration of your business, and the risk profile of your clients also play a part. For example, a long list of high-risk clients would mean higher factoring fees than a list of slow-paying government agencies.
In the factoring world, volume is key. The more invoices you factor (the higher your volume), the better rates you will get.
We'll use the client profile you provide to see if your business fits well with factoring. Basically, we're assessing the risks and rewards based on the information you've shared.
Once we approve, you'll then negotiate terms and conditions. This process considers various aspects of the deal. For example, factoring $10,000 won't get you as good a deal as a company factoring $500,000.
During negotiations, you'll fully understand the cost of factoring your accounts receivable. Once an agreement is reached, the funding process starts. We'll conduct due diligence by researching your clients' credit and any liens against your company. We also make sure your invoice is genuine before purchasing your receivables and advancing cash to you.
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
"Only when the payment is made, is a sale truly complete." This adage rings true, especially if you find yourself playing the role of a banker for your clients. Time for a financial health check.
Scrutinize your accounts receivable. Those overdue accounts? They signify interest-free credit you're extending. This is likely a detour from your original business objectives.
Think about it: your customers would incur interest charges on a bank loan. In your case, not only are you not earning interest, but you're also missing out on vital capital utilization. The opportunity cost here is sig
The Importance of Factoring
"Remember, a sale's not done until you've got the cash." Feeling like you're stuck in the role of a part-time banker for your clients? Let's break it down.
Have a gander at your accounts receivable. Those overdue accounts are more than just numbers – they're interest-free loans you're dishing out. That's not why you're in business, is it?
Put it this way: if your clients borrowed from a bank, they'd be coughing up interest left and right. But with you? They're getting a sweet deal. Meanwhile, you're missing out on cash that could be pumping up your own business. Think about what that's costing you in missed chances.
You’re in the business of selling, not financing. It's time to flip the script and stop letting your clients use your cash to float their business. Let’s get real about the costs here.
nificant.
By allowing extended payment terms, you're inadvertently financing your customers' businesses. It's essential to recognize the financial implications and adopt a more efficient approach to managing your accounts receivable.
Factoring History
Factoring History
Step into the world of factoring, the secret ingredient to business success in America. This is for every business owner and entrepreneur who's ever dreamed of financial breakthroughs and transformative growth.
Oddly enough, this powerhouse of business finance is barely mentioned in academia. Yet, it’s the silent force behind billions of dollars in business liquidity, enabling companies to reach new heights.
But what is factoring? It's a timeless financial strategy, originating from the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. This practice of buying invoices at a discount has shaped the course of business history.
Throughout the ages, from the Romans to the early American economy, factoring was the ace in the hole. In an era of sluggish banking, it was the swift solution for urgent financial needs.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, factoring stands as a critical tool for growth. Across industries, it’s the bridge turning receivables into billions of dollars of success. Factoring isn't just finance; it's your business's future, reimagined.
Credit Risk
Unleash Your Business Potential with Quick and Reliable Cash Flow
Expert Credit Risk Assessment Included at No Additional Cost
Accurately assessing credit risk is a critical aspect of our factoring business. Very few clients can perform this function as objectively as we do.
As part of our comprehensive service, we act as your dedicated credit department for both new and existing customers, providing you with a valuable advantage over handling these tasks in-house.
Imagine a scenario where a salesperson is pursuing a new account with significant potential for sales. In their eagerness to secure the business, they might overlook warning signs of credit difficulties and bypass your internal credit checks. While this approach may lead to a quick sale, it doesn't guarantee timely payment, and without payment, there is no true success.
With us, such situations are avoided. We make credit decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the new customer's credit situation. We exercise caution by not purchasing invoices from customers with poor credit ratings, minimizing the risk of nonpayment. It's important to note that our involvement does not imply a tightening of credit that would negatively impact your business beyond your control.
Ultimately, the decision to engage with a new customer of questionable creditworthiness remains yours. (However, we reserve the right to say, "We warned you!")
While we may not purchase those invoices, you still have the freedom to extend credit terms as you see fit. You retain full control. Regardless of the decisions you make, our participation ensures that 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 diligently monitor the credit ratings of your existing customers. This stands in stark contrast to the common practice of neglecting routine credit updates on the established customer base, which can lead to costly mistakes.
Most businesses conduct credit checks only when it's too late and the problem has already escalated. 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 detailed reports on your accounts receivables as a whole. Our comprehensive reports include accounting details, transactional insights, aging reports, and financial management reports. This data empowers you to analyze your sales performance, track account history, and make informed decisions.
With over 70 years of successful experience in managing cash flow and credit, we are eager to leverage our expertise for your benefit. Let us put our knowledge to work for you, helping you achieve your financial goals and unlocking your business's true potential. Experience the benefits of quick and reliable cash flow, supported by expert credit risk assessment at no additional cost.
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!
