Bernard Linney on the Benefits of Invoice Factoring
In any recession, there are bound to be companies that extend their terms by maxing out their credit lines with one vendor, before moving to the next. This not only extends their terms, but provides these companies with what amounts to an expensive form of business credit. Companies must be able to protect themselves and ensure that they are never a victim of this practice. This involves being cognizant of the customer’s order patterns, keeping abreast of their credit rating and taking additional steps to protect the company’s interests. One of these steps includes pursuing invoice factoring. What is invoice factoring and how can it help protect against customers who take too long to pay, and may simply be trying to extend their credit?
Invoice factoring is the practice of selling a company’s receivables, or better put, the customer’s invoices, to a financing company. This sale allows the company to generate the working capital needed to finance their daily expenses, pay their own obligations and put plans in motion to finance the company’s future growth. Factoring works by allowing the finance company to collect directly on the invoice from the company’s customer. In return, the company is advanced its much needed cash. When the customer pays, the company is reimbursed the difference and is charged a fee by the financing company.
Factoring addresses that aforementioned issue of customers who may simply be extending their credit & terms. If companies are concerned that a customer is pursuing this practice, they can then use the non-recourse factoring option. This means a lower upfront payment to the company, but does mean the financing company assumes the risk on the receivable. For companies that are confident their customers will pay the invoice, they can choose the recourse factoring option. This means they’ll receive a higher upfront payment. However, it does mean the company must assume liability for the unpaid invoice.done
Factoring is not the end-all-be-all solution. Companies can’t merely rely upon factoring to lessen the impact of a customer who won’t pay their invoices. However, when factoring is coupled with common sense and sound business practices, it affords companies a position of strength by protecting their interests and easing their cash flow concerns.