The ABC’s of Factoring
By Debbie Gregory.
When your small business faces a cash flow issue or sluggish accounts receivable, one alternative to consider is factoring.
Factoring is when a business sells their accounts receivable or invoices to a third party, known as a factoring company, at a discount. In a typical factoring arrangement, the client (you) makes a sale, delivers the product or service and generates an invoice. The factor (the funding source) buys the right to collect on that invoice by agreeing to pay you the invoice’s face value less the discount, which is typically 2 to 6 percent. The factor pays 75 percent to 80 percent of the face value immediately and forwards the remainder (less the discount) when your customer pays.
Even though invoices are sold to the factoring company at a discount, the arrangement gives your business immediate funds for the invoices.
Once used mostly by large corporations, factoring is becoming more widespread as it provides a win-win situation for both parties involved. Factoring is not a loan; it does not create a liability on the balance sheet or encumber assets. It is the sale of an asset; in this case, the invoice.
Factoring usually consists of two parts, beginning with the advance, and ending with the rebate,
One of the advantages of factoring is that your company gets money quickly rather than waiting the usual 30 or 60 days for payment. After sending an invoice to a factoring firm, a business can usually have money in its hands within 24 to 48 hours. Another advantage is that you can use the instant cash to generate growth or buy needed equipment. Furthermore, unlike traditional bank loans, factoring doesn’t require you to risk your home or other property as collateral.
On the downside, factoring will have an impact on your profit. And once you accept cash for your receivables, you give up a measure of control. For example, the factoring company could deny your ability to do business with a particular customer if they have a poor credit history or rating.
Factoring can be a great solution when your business needs a solution to short-term cash crunches. To find the best factoring company, make sure you understand your business’s needs and ask the right questions of the factoring companies, taking care to avoid getting locked into contracts or paying hidden fees.
Veteran and Military Business Owners Association, VAMBOA,
