How Does Invoice Financing Work, What Are the Pros and Cons and How to Qualify

“Get the fact, or the fact will get you.” That’s why many small business may need some extra funds at the wrong time. Invoice financing can be a possible answer to their needs.

How Does Invoice Financing Work?

How invoice financing works is that you send your invoices to your financing company. No changes to your invoicing procedure are necessary. You will simply send the invoices just as they are.

How does it work?

The use of a factor requires the establishment of a financing contract setting the conditions of delivery of your customer invoices. You can then transmit your invoices as and when they are issued:

The factor quickly advances you the amount of the entrusted invoices
For the service rendered and the cash advance awarded, the factor takes commissions on these invoices
The factor then manages the collection with your customers as soon as the deadlines of the invoices are exceeded

Many financing companies allow you to enter a summary of the invoice via an online website where you would show what the payment cycle is for the customer. The payment cycle will include how long the grace period is for delayed payments also.

Pros of Using Invoice Financing:

Better Manage Your Cash Flow: Financing makes it possible to optimize cash flow by reducing the impact of payment delays. The traditional financing company pays the financed amount directly to your account, within the week. This is often a real relief for businesses.
Eliminate The Risk Of Unpaid Bills: The banks propose to guarantee up to 100% of the risk of unpaid accounts receivable. On the other hand, “simple” credit insurance will often only cover part of this risk.
Focus on Your Business: A financing company takes care of the management of your customer account. This saves time and money to focus on what matters to your business.

Cons of Using Invoice Financing:

Contracts That Are Too Expensive For SMEs: Financing solutions offer attractive rates at the outset. Financing companies often ask that the manager be a personal surety.
A Very Restrictive Solution: Generally, a financing contract is binding over several months or even years. It is also common for financing companies to lock all receivables.
A Customer Relationship in Danger: The customer relationship is very important for many companies, who do not prefer to outsource the stimulus. If financing is often well received by customers, some factors can be indelicate in their recovery which can compromise the relationship with the customer.

How to Qualify For Using Invoice Financing

As with all financial services, some criteria do need to be met to ensure that the financing contract will be beneficial and sustainable:

Your business must issue invoices for goods or services of a reasonable amount
Must trade with other businesses and have several customers
Must offer credit terms that meet industry standards
Must prove that debts can be collected within a practical timescale
Must have a minimum turnover of £100,000 (although some invoice financing companies will consider smaller businesses or start-ups)
Sometimes a minimum or maximum number of invoices a month must be met

If you are unsure whether your business fully meets these conditions, it is still advisable to speak with a financial service provider.

Using invoice financing can get your money to you faster and can also allow for better payment terms for your customers. Invoice financing is easy to do when you use a reputable financing company to finance your business.