Invoice factoring is the immediate injection of cash against value of outstanding invoices. Also known as account receivable factoring, invoices are raised up to 90% of the invoice value is released within 24 hours, the remaining 10% is paid, less a small service fee, once invoice factoring payment is received from the customer.
A factoring facility provided by the most appropriate finance company will leave you free to unlock the true potential of your business rather than spend your time juggling bills and chasing customers for outstanding invoices.
Choose the wrong finance company however, and it could have disastrous consequences on your business.
The factoring company which will best suit your business depends on a number of differing factors.
Geographic location – independents can be regionalised rather than nationalised.
Turnover – Some Factoring companies specialise in a certain turnover level.
Length of time trading.
Credit rating – Banks will only fund businesses with reasonable credit.
Number and quality of invoices.
Concentration levels – Some funders may exclude you if you have only one or two customers.
Any foreign invoices? – Some factoring companies have an international presence.
Is part of your business contractual? – There are only two factoring companies that can provide a facility.
Do you need credit insurance? – Banks and independents provide very different types of credit insurance.
Do you need an overpayment? – Certain factoring companies can provide a top up via an EFG loan.
Do you have any other borrowing facilities with your bank? – This may or may not work in your favour depending on the circumstance.
We advise;
Always see two and a maximum of three – any more and the factoring companies won’t take you seriously.
Make sure you understand the charging structure – rmember the headline rates do not always show the full picture.
Make sure you are comfortable with the individuals involved in the business.
Make sure you know the credit limits of your top ten customers.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and arrange a visit to their premises.
For more information please do not hesitate to call us.
Tags: Factoring