How does debt Factoring work?

A brief explanation of Factoring debts

Invoice Factoring is a way of ensuring you’re paid on time, every time. Rather than wait for your customers to pay your invoices – anything from 30 - 120 days depending on the payment terms - you can access your funds, usually within 24 hours of issuing your invoices.

So how does it work? You can be considered for Invoice Factoring services if you’re a new business with relatively little financial history or an organisation seeking cash to fund expansion, or you might need access to cash faster to pay employees and your own bills.

Even if there’s a bankruptcy in the background, a factoring debts service will still consider your application if you can demonstrate creditworthy customers and a sound business strategy. This avenue is not always available to you through traditional bank funding.

It’s important to read the small print when you apply. Not all factoring providers offer the same terms, or the same services.

Talk to us about your finance needs

How exactly does debt Factoring work?

A factoring service pays you an agreed percentage of your invoice while they wait to be paid by your customer. The great thing is that as your business grows, and you increase the number of invoices issued, so the amount of accessible cash grows. This means you can continue to pay for business expenses, new assets and pay wages, without needing to renegotiate terms with the factoring company.

Renegotiating bank finance can take longer to arrange, meaning you might have to miss opportunities while you wait for decisions to be made. Debt Factoring providers work much faster, often making decisions within days of you approaching them with the information and documents they need.

When you’ve agreed terms between you and the debt factoring company, you can receive anything from 80 to 95 percent of the invoice up front, within 24 hours of the invoice being issued. The remainder of the invoice, less the factor’s fee, is paid as soon as the invoice is paid by the customer.

Simply:

The terms of business are agreed between you and the factoring organisation
You issue your invoice (or the factor does if they’re looking after your entire collections capability)
You receive 80 to 95 percent of the value of the invoice within 24 hours

The factor receives payment of the invoice within the designated time period – 30-120 days
The factoring company pays you the remainder of the invoice, less their percentage
Many factoring companies help keep you on track with your payments using online apps – check that out when you first enquire

Not all debt factoring companies are the same

Sometimes going for the cheapest factoring organisation is not in your best interest. Make sure you understand the added value available to you. Check out the credentials of the factoring company – ask:

How global they are if you do business abroad – what offices are available overseas?
Who do they partner with if you require further legal or HR assistance?
How often do they keep in touch with you and provide updates about your industry – how knowledgeable are their people on your industry sector?
What commendations do they have?
What professional organisations do they belong to?
Who regulates them?

Once you contact a debt factoring company, they’ll generally arrange a meeting or a phone call and ask for specific documents and information about you and the business. From there, they make an offer to you which you can agree to or not.

Assuming you agree to their terms, you’re ready to follow the process to start selling your invoices to them. Make sure you’re clear on how you will receive your monies – some use bank transfers, others use wire transfers which can be faster. Check this all out upfront.

Most factoring organisations pay in two instalments: the first payment anything from 80 to 95 percent of the value of the invoice; the second payment the remainder less the agreed percentage. Check when these payments are due. Some companies will pay per invoice - others will batch up these payments and you’ll receive a lump sum.

Factoring is a great option for businesses looking for a way to access monies owed fast, without adding to their debt profile. Look for a factoring organisation that has expertise in your industry, one that understands the challenges and opportunities of keeping cash flowing so that you can invest in growing your business.

Speak to one of our team today on 01-297-4911

or

Request a Callback

How does debt Factoring work?

A brief explanation of Factoring debts

Simply:

Speak to one of our team today on 01-297-4911

or

Alternative funding for successful businesses

Banishing Invoice Finance myths

Do you need to release cash to help drive forward your business?