You do the work, deliver the product or service, and wait. And wait. And wonder—will you get paid on time or have to make countless calls to get your money?
Let’s face it. One of the biggest challenges facing small and mid-size businesses (SMB) is getting paid—especially since many companies are increasingly stretching invoice payment from 30 days to 90 days or even longer.
In the meantime, you have employee salaries, vendor payments, and taxes to pay—regardless of whether or not your customer pays you. How, then, do you cover your day-to-day expenses, much less expand your business? You could, of course, apply for a bank loan and cope with its cumbersome paperwork, lengthy process, and restrictive funds limit—not to mention possible rejection. Or your can opt for a more business-friendly way to go—invoice factoring.
What is invoice factoring?
To understand invoice factoring, you have to understand what it is not. Invoice factoring is not debt collection—running after businesses to pay their bills. Nor is it a business loan or line of credit.
You simply convert your invoices into immediate cash to cover operating costs without taking on debt. Invoice factoring helps take the 30, 60, 90—or never—financial burden off your shoulders and, frankly, lets you sleep at night.
Invoice factoring goes by several names—accounts receivable financing, AR factoring, and invoice financing. No matter what you call it, the process is the same: you sell your invoices at a small discount to a factoring company and receive immediate cash for your business. No more need to process invoices. Depending on your agreement, bad debt is also reduced as the factor may assume financial risk if the invoice is not paid. The bottom line—invoice factoring gives you fast access to funds with greater flexibility, minus the bad debt.
Less stress, more cash
You could say that invoice factoring is a stress reliever. It takes the billing and collecting off your plate and transfers it onto the factor’s. It also gives you greater control of your company’s finances by providing the necessary capital when your company needs it. Say goodbye to your customers’ accounts payable procedures or terms, or a traditional bank’s underwriting processes or delays—and your own cash flow problems. How’s that for control?
Another benefit? With fast cash in hand, you can pay vendors more quickly and take advantage of their discount offers, saving you money.
How does invoice factoring work?
Unlike conventional lending methods, invoice factoring is based on the quality of your customers’ credit, not your own credit or business history. You receive cash based on your invoices, not your company’s net worth. That’s welcome relief for start-ups with minimal capital or for businesses experiencing financial challenges or bad credit. Worried about your balance sheet? This financing doesn’t show up as debt.
The factoring process works quickly and easily: you deliver a product or perform a service for your customer and send your invoice to a factoring company like Triumph Business Capital. You immediately receive a cash advance on your invoice from the factor, who then collects full payment from your customer, and pays you the balance of your invoice, minus a fee. After verifying the creditworthiness of your customer, the factor may not accept invoices for a customer that has a history of late or missed payments.
Invoice factoring vs. traditional loan
Still not sold on invoice factoring?
Consider this: bank loan processing can take weeks or longer. In that case, you might as well wait for the customer to pay you. Invoice factoring, on the other hand, is fast. You can be paid within 24 hours. You decide which invoices to factor and when.
Invoice factoring is also more flexible than a bank loan. You aren’t locked into a long repayment period. And the cash you receive for invoices is unrestricted—you can use the funds however you want. Compare that to a business loan that requires the money to be used for specific purposes.
Who factors?
Invoice factoring has been around for over 4,000 years, dating back to the time of King Hammurabi of Mesopotamia.
In the 1900s, the most popular industries for invoice factoring were the garment and textile industries. There was simply no better way to continue to buy raw materials to produce clothing and textiles.
In the 1940s, transportation industries were added to the roster of factoring participants. From the 1960s through the ’80s, rising interest rates and bank regulations made invoice factoring more popular because it didn’t require the same sort of credit checks. Today, small to mid-size businesses finance their working capital by factoring over $1 billion annually.
“Companies of all sizes, with annual revenues from $10,000 to $10 million, continually approach us for invoice factoring,” says Steven Hausman, President of Triumph Business Capital, an industry leader headquartered in Dallas, Texas. “We have provided factoring for over 7,000 small to mid-size businesses since 2004. We have a long track record with the transportation industry. Staffing agencies, government contractors, and small businesses are increasingly seeking us out to help solve their cash flow challenges.”
The difference between recourse and non-recourse factoring
Just as there are varying client needs, there are various types of factoring arrangements. With recourse factoring, the client ultimately takes the responsibility for the payment of the invoice. Larger companies often use lower-cost recourse factoring. If the customer doesn’t pay the debt, then the seller is liable to repay the factoring company.
Non-recourse factoring allows companies to sell their invoices to the factoring company, which then assumes all of the credit risks for the collection of the invoice. Triumph Business Capital employs non-recourse factoring and assumes all the risk of collecting the debt. That’s a lower risk option for small companies that can’t absorb the cost of unpaid invoices, but it does cost slightly more than recourse factoring.
A small price to pay for substantial relief
What will all this convenience cost you? Invoice factoring can have higher fees than traditional financing, with non-recourse factoring fees based on a variety of considerations.
During the application process, Triumph analyzes the credit risk associated with your customers, the time it takes them to pay their invoices, and the monthly funding volume forecast for your business.
Triumph then offers pricing options that match each client’s budget and risk tolerance. As an added benefit, factoring fees are deductible as a business expense.
Why Triumph Business Capital?
Triumph Business Capital is a proud member of the International Factoring Association (IFA), and strictly adheres to the IFA’s code of ethics.
Originally called Advance Business Capital, the company changed its name when it joined Triumph Bancorp, Inc. in 2012. As a financial holding company, Triumph Bancorp, Inc. maintains a diversified line of community banking, commercial finance, and asset management activities. Since day one, the company’s vision has focused on four core business priorities.
- Delivering value
- Developing people
- Demonstrating expertise
- Displaying a commitment to enterprise success
“Many clients have been with us since our early days—testament to the integrity of our service and dedication to their business,” says Hausman. “Our team is professional and courteous. We’re a partner with our clients to help them find success with their customers.”
Triumph customers couldn’t agree more. A senior executive at JP Transport, LLC spoke about Triumph: “I have been beyond impressed with the service from Triumph Business Capital. My payments are processed on time every time. The online submission process is fast and easy. Reports on various payment statistics are helpful. I’ve been contacted by Triumph staff just to check on how things are going. Couldn’t be more satisfied.”
Is invoice factoring right for you?
If you’re often caught in the net-30, -60, -90—or never—battle with customers, let us help you determine if invoice factoring is right for your business. Our answers to the following frequently asked questions may get you one step closer to the cash flow relief and improved client relationships that invoice factoring provides.
Q. How much do I have to factor?
A. You have total control over which invoices you want to factor and when. Keep in mind, though, that once you decide to factor one of your accounts, it’s generally required that you factor all the invoices for that customer in order to reduce payment confusion.
Q. What are the costs?
A. The fees for invoice factoring depend on several items, including your customer’s credit risk, how long they take to pay your invoices, and your monthly funding volume. Always transparent, always fair. In any case, your factoring fees will stay the same throughout your entire contract and are contract determined before we purchase your first invoice.
Q. What if I’ve been rejected for a bank loan? Will a factor reject me?
A. Unlike traditional lending, invoice factoring does not rely solely on your credit. Invoice factoring is based on the quality of your customers’ credit, not your own credit or business history.
Q. Can invoice factoring improve relationships with my customers?
A. Absolutely! First, invoice factoring can help increase your credibility. Here’s how: invoice factoring is a recognized, established method for a company to optimize cash flow. Since banks have tightened credit policies for small businesses and startups, many companies now use factoring instead. A factoring company’s willingness to finance your invoices serves as an endorsement of your business as a solid company and a good risk.
Invoice factoring also allows you to give more attention to your customer’s needs—instead of worrying about their payments. Triumph has a decade of experience and dedicated teams that work closely with you to handle the invoicing and collecting of payments. These courteous professionals partner with you to enhance the relationship you’ve built with your customers.
Transitioning to invoice factoring is seamless. Triumph stamps each invoice with payment instructions known as a Notice of Assignment. It’s a very smooth transition for both you and your customers.
Lastly, invoice factoring helps you keep better track of your invoices. Triumph’s online account management, for instance, provides a full array of client reporting and real-time information. The goal is to keep you totally informed on the status of your customers and accounts—and give you the cash you need, when you need it.
Trucking? Staffing? SMB? Government Contractor? Get paid today!
Any business owner or consultant would readily agree that getting paid shouldn’t be the hardest part of the job. Thanks to factors like Triumph Business Capital, it doesn’t have to be.
Freight factoring lets trucking companies get the show on the road. They can pay drivers, insurance, fuel, and other expenses on time, and never have to turn down another job due to lack of cash in hand.
Staffing companies can relax, knowing that they’ll make payroll on time, every time. Small and mid-size businesses can easily replenish their operating capital and get back in business. Government contractors can have the working capital they need to keep the company going strong, without monthly minimums, long-term requirements, or “risk” contracts.
If large invoices or slow payments are standing in the way of your company’s production and expansion, it’s time to learn how invoice factoring can work for your industry—and how Triumph Business Capital can help you get paid today. Get started now, and leave the net 30, 60, 90—or never—far behind.