Factoring is a kind of transaction in which a company sells its receivable, or invoices, to a third party (factor). The aim of taking this measure is to ensure that the business is able to receive cash at a quicker time than wait for a month or two for a client to make payments. Accounts receivable factoring is at times referred to as account receivable financing.
The nature and terms of factoring may differ among several industries and providers of financial services. Majority of the financing firms will buy your invoices and give you money within a very short period. Depending on the credit histories of your customers, the industry and other criteria, the advance rate may range from 80% to 95%.
A factor is likely to provide you with back-office support. Upon making collections from your debtors, a factor will provide you with payment of the reserve invoice balances and deduct a fee for taking a collection risk. What makes financing beneficial is that you will not have to wait long for payments from customers as you can get cash to run and grow your business. This funding method is quite different from bank loans and it does not assume debts. Funds are not restricted and will provide flexibility to a company.
There is existence of various reasons on why this type of financing stands out as the most favorite funding tool. One of the major advantage is that it provides a boost to cash flows. Majority of financial institutions are likely to give you the loan within a day. With this, it becomes possible to solve short-term hitches on cash flow and ensure a steady growth of your enterprise.
This kind of funding is not actually a new thing as it has existed for centuries. Its origin can be traced in international trade among countries. As early as 1400s, it was the norm of doing business in England, it was introduced into America in the 1600s by pilgrims. Just like other financial tools, it has also evolved over the years.
Companies irrespective of type or size can opt this financing method in order to boost up their cash flow. The funds generated by financing are used by companies to settle inventory costs, employ new staffs, add new equipment, widen their operations and cater for all operational costs.
The amount that you need to factor is dependent on the unique business needs of your company. Some of the firms factor all invoices, while others just factor for those customers who take longer to pay. The volume of receivables a firm may factor ranges from some few thousand dollars to millions a month.
The nature and terms of factoring may differ among several industries and providers of financial services. Majority of the financing firms will buy your invoices and give you money within a very short period. Depending on the credit histories of your customers, the industry and other criteria, the advance rate may range from 80% to 95%.
A factor is likely to provide you with back-office support. Upon making collections from your debtors, a factor will provide you with payment of the reserve invoice balances and deduct a fee for taking a collection risk. What makes financing beneficial is that you will not have to wait long for payments from customers as you can get cash to run and grow your business. This funding method is quite different from bank loans and it does not assume debts. Funds are not restricted and will provide flexibility to a company.
There is existence of various reasons on why this type of financing stands out as the most favorite funding tool. One of the major advantage is that it provides a boost to cash flows. Majority of financial institutions are likely to give you the loan within a day. With this, it becomes possible to solve short-term hitches on cash flow and ensure a steady growth of your enterprise.
This kind of funding is not actually a new thing as it has existed for centuries. Its origin can be traced in international trade among countries. As early as 1400s, it was the norm of doing business in England, it was introduced into America in the 1600s by pilgrims. Just like other financial tools, it has also evolved over the years.
Companies irrespective of type or size can opt this financing method in order to boost up their cash flow. The funds generated by financing are used by companies to settle inventory costs, employ new staffs, add new equipment, widen their operations and cater for all operational costs.
The amount that you need to factor is dependent on the unique business needs of your company. Some of the firms factor all invoices, while others just factor for those customers who take longer to pay. The volume of receivables a firm may factor ranges from some few thousand dollars to millions a month.
About the Author:
Connor G. Schiffman has 27 years of experience in commercial lending including factoring, asset based lending, and banking. Connor helps readers manuver through all the account receivable options providing practical and useful knowledge to better understand all your lending options. If you want to learn more about Factoring Debt he recommends you check out www.receivablefactoring.net.
