Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Important Info About Invoice Discounting Finance

By Ray Rogers

When a business is in need of cash quickly, invoice discounting services should be considered. One of the top reasons that any business, but particularly a small business, fails is because of a lack of available cash. Using open invoices is a way to keep the business afloat with working capital until more money comes in.

A finance company needs to be contacted for this kind of service. It is basically the use of unpaid receivables to obtain needed funds. The finance company will lend a business money and use the sales invoices that have not been paid as collateral. Typically up to 80 percent of their value is able to be financed. Detailed reports will be requested regarding sales and collection procedures.

The business receives its money up front and will rely on paying back its loan through the customers paying their invoices. The amount of the loan is able to change along with how well business is doing. As some receivables are paid and used toward the loan, new invoices may be borrowed against. Depending on what finance company is used that money could be available in as little as 24 hours. The loan can grow along with business.

Since it is a loan there will be interest due. It is also standard for there to be a monthly fee due. The amount of interest paid will change according to the amount borrowed against the invoices. The interest that is paid will always be a reflection of the actual borrowed amount.

Among the open invoices the finance company will choose which ones it will fund. All of those that present an unacceptable amount of risk will be rejected. Invoices for companies that are foreign based are usually rejected. The same for a company with extended repayment terms. Any with small amounts are automatically rejected. These always cost more to collect on than the original amount of the invoice.

Regardless of the finance company loaning the cash, the business is completely responsible for collecting on their outstanding invoices. This is good because then it stays in control of its receivables. These can contain valuable customer information, such as, who pays and how quickly. It allows that business to stay in control of its own customer service as well. This is much better than selling invoices to a collection company because the agency may not treat the customers in the same manner. It can cause a business to lose repeat sales.

If possible this should be done confidentially as there may be some adverse reactions to the business. It can be viewed as a business that is not stable and suppliers, as well as customers, may view them as a risk. Suppliers will wonder if they will be paid and customers may start searching for a new supplier.

There are mostly pros and very few cons when it comes to invoice discounting services. The pros far outweigh the cons for a business in need of immediate cash. The best part is that no part of the customer base is given up. All customer information and buying and payment details are still available. Control of customer service remains in company hands.

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