Invoice Finance

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Invoice Finance is a flexible, revolving finance facility providing up to 90% of the value of your outstanding invoices, easing cash flow and releasing cash back into your business.

There are many variants of invoice finance, such as factoring or CHOCS (Client handles own collection service) facilities, but by far, the most flexible is confidential invoice discounting.   This confidential facility increases with outstanding debtors, providing immediate working capital ideal for growing businesses.

Many Asset Based lenders (ABLs) have additional, flexible funding lines alongside invoice finance, such as short-term loans, asset, stock, and property finance.  These often provide a far more flexible funding mechanism than traditional term loans in isolation, especially for businesses with more than one asset class.

Invoice Finance Q&As

What is invoice finance, and how does it work?

Invoice finance is the generic term given to a form of business financing where a company uses its unpaid invoices as security to obtain funding from a finance provider. It allows businesses to access funds tied up in their debtor book before the customer pays the invoice. It provides an injection of working capital to help improve cash flow and support business growth.

Factoring and Invoice Discounting are both forms of Invoice Finance with the main difference relating to the level of credit control and the way the payments from the customer are handled.

The basic process of invoice finance typically involves the following steps:

  1. Issuing customer invoices for goods or services provided, per usual business practices.
  2. Selling unpaid invoices to an invoice finance provider, usually at a discounted value.
  3. The finance provider advances a percentage (typically 70% to 90%) of the invoice value to the business within 24 to 48 hours.
  4. The business uses advanced funds to meet immediate cash flow needs, such as paying suppliers, employees, or other expenses.
  5. When the customer pays the invoice, the remaining percentage of the invoice value, minus any fees or charges, is released to the business by the finance provider.

Invoice finance can benefit businesses that face cash flow challenges due to slow-paying customers or extended payment terms and need access to funds quickly to support their ongoing operations or growth plans. It provides a flexible and relatively quick financing solution tied to the business’s sales rather than its creditworthiness, making it suitable for companies with limited credit history or poor credit scores.

In the right circumstances Invoice Finance can transform a growing business, in the wrong circumstances it can be the biggest nightmare.  It is therefore important that you consider such a decision carefully and seek professional advice before entering into any agreement.

What are the different types of invoice finance available?

There are several different types of invoice finance available to businesses, including:

  1. Factoring
  2. Confidential Factoring
  3. Spot factoring
  4. Disclosed Invoice discounting
  5. Confidential Invoice Discounting

It’s important to note that the availability of different types of invoice finance may vary depending on the region, country, and specific finance provider. Each type of invoice finance has its advantages, disadvantages, and costs, and it’s essential to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions, fees, and implications of each type before choosing the one that best fits a business’s needs. I’d like you to please seek professional advice from a financial expert or accountant to make sure the correct type of invoice finance is selected for a business’s unique situation.

For more information about the different types of invoice finance available, read our Knowledge Base page – What are the different types of invoice finance available?

How can invoice finance help improve the cash flow of my business?

Invoice finance can help improve cash flow for your business in several ways:

  1. Access to immediate funds
  2. Faster cash flow cycle
  3. Reduced credit risk
  4. Flexibility and scalability
  5. Improved supplier relationships
  6. Focus on core business operations
  7. Enhanced creditworthiness

Overall, invoice finance can help businesses improve their cash flow by providing quick access to funds tied up in unpaid invoices, accelerating cash flow cycles, reducing credit risk, offering flexibility and scalability, improving supplier relationships, allowing focus on core business operations, and enhancing creditworthiness. However, it’s essential to carefully consider invoice finance’s costs, terms, and conditions and seek professional advice before entering into any agreement to ensure it’s the right fit for your specific business needs.

For more information about how invoice finance can help improve the cash flow of my business, read our Knowledge Base page – How can invoice finance help improve the cash flow of my business?

What are the requirements for a business to be eligible for invoice finance?

The requirements for a business to be eligible for invoice finance can vary depending on the specific type of invoice finance and the finance provider. However, some standard requirements typically include the following:

  1. Business-to-business (B2B) sales
  2. Established trading history
  3. Creditworthy customers
  4. Invoiced sales
  5. Minimum invoice value
  6. Clear title to invoices
  7. Proper record-keeping
  8. Legal and regulatory compliance
  9. Financial stability
  10. Ability to repay

Just to let you know, eligibility requirements may vary among invoice finance providers, and it’s best to carefully review and understand the specific needs of the provider you are considering working with. Also, seeking professional advice from an accountant, financial advisor, or legal professional can help determine if invoice finance suits your business and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

For more information about the requirements for a business to be eligible for invoice finance, read our Knowledge Base page – What are the requirements for a business to be eligible for invoice finance?

How much funding can my business receive through invoice finance?

The amount of funding your business can receive through invoice finance will depend on several factors, including the specific type of invoice finance, the finance provider, the creditworthiness of your customers and any concentration in your debtor ledger. In general, invoice finance providers typically advance a percentage of the invoice value as funding, ranging from 70% to 95%, with the remaining portion (less fees) paid to your business once the customer pays the invoice.

The actual percentage of the invoice value that you can receive will depend on various factors such as:

  1. Type of invoice finance
  2. Creditworthiness of customers
  3. Spread of customers
  4. Volume of invoices
  5. Industry and invoice characteristics
  6. Financial stability of your business

It’s important to note that fees, such as discount or service fees, may also be associated with invoice finance, affecting the total amount of funds you receive. It’s advisable to carefully review and understand the terms, fees, and conditions of any invoice finance arrangement before proceeding to ensure that it meets the financing needs of your business. Working with a reputable and experienced invoice finance provider and seeking professional financial advice can also help you determine the appropriate funding amount for your business.

For more information about how much funding can my business receive through invoice finance? read our Knowledge Base page – How much funding can my business receive through invoice finance?

What fees are associated with invoice finance?

Invoice finance providers typically charge various fees associated with their services. These can vary depending on the specific provider, the type of invoice finance, and the terms of the arrangement. Some standard fees associated with invoice finance may include the following:

  1. Discount fee or discount rate (Interest)
  2. Service fee
  3. Set-up fee
  4. Termination fee
  5. Other fees

I think it’s important to carefully review and understand the fees associated with any invoice finance arrangement before proceeding. Working with a reputable and experienced invoice finance provider and seeking professional financial advice can help you fully understand the fees involved. Could you make sure to ask the invoice finance provider for a clear breakdown of all fees and consider the overall cost of the financing when evaluating the suitability of invoice finance for your business?

For more information about fees are associated with invoice finance, read our Knowledge Base page –  What fees are associated with invoice finance?

How long does it take to set up an invoice finance facility?

The time it takes to set up an invoice finance facility can vary depending on several factors, including the invoice finance provider, the complexity of your business operations, and the documentation required. In general, the setup process for an invoice finance facility typically involves the following steps:

  1. Application
  2. Due diligence
  3. Agreement negotiation
  4. Documentation
  5. Set-up and implementation

Overall, the time it takes to set up an invoice finance facility can range from days to months, depending on the specific circumstances. It’s essential to work closely with the invoice finance provider, promptly provide all the required information, and be responsive during the setup process to help expedite the timeline.

For more information about how long it takes to set up an invoice finance facility, read our Knowledge Base page –  How long does it take to set up an invoice finance facility?

What happens if my customers do not pay their invoices?

If your customers do not pay their invoices, it can impact your invoice finance facility and the funds advanced against those invoices. The exact process and consequences may vary depending on the terms and conditions of your specific invoice finance arrangement and the policies of the invoice finance provider. Here are some general scenarios that may occur:

  1. Recourse vs Non-recourse
  2. Repayment from future invoice collections
  3. Additional collateral or replacement of unpaid invoices
  4. Collections and legal actions

It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your invoice finance arrangement, including the recourse or non-recourse nature of the facility, and understand the potential consequences if your customers do not pay their invoices. Discussing and clarifying these scenarios with your invoice finance provider beforehand can help you better understand the risks and implications and take appropriate actions to minimise any potential impacts on your business.

For more information about what happens if my customers do not pay their invoices, read our Knowledge Base page –  What happens if my customers do not pay their invoices?

What are the risks and potential drawbacks of invoice finance?

Like any financial arrangement, invoice finance also comes with risks and potential drawbacks that businesses should be aware of before opting for this type of funding. Some of the risks and potential disadvantages of invoice finance include:

  1. Cost
  2. Impact on customer relationships
  3. Dependence on customer creditworthiness
  4. Potential recourse obligations
  5. Restrictions on invoice eligibility
  6. Termination and repayment obligations
  7. Legal and regulatory considerations
  8. Integration and administrative challenges

It’s crucial to carefully assess the risks and potential drawbacks of invoice finance and thoroughly review the terms and conditions of any invoice finance arrangement before proceeding. Consulting with a financial advisor or seeking legal counsel can also help understand invoice finance’s potential risks and implications for your business.

For more information about the risks and potential drawbacks of invoice finance read our Knowledge Base page –  What are the risks and potential drawbacks of invoice finance?

How does invoice finance differ from traditional bank loans or other forms of business financing?

Invoice finance differs from traditional bank loans and other forms of business financing in several key ways:

  1. Collateral
  2. Funding based on invoices
  3. Speed and flexibility
  4. Customer creditworthiness
  5. Collection and administration
  6. Recourse vs non-recourse
  7. Fees

It’s essential to carefully assess the differences between invoice finance and traditional bank loans or other forms of business financing to determine which option best aligns with your business’s financial needs and circumstances. Consulting with a financial advisor or seeking professional advice can also help understand the nuances of different funding options and make an informed decision.

For more information about how invoice finance differs from traditional bank loans or other forms of business financing read our Knowledge Base page – How does invoice finance differ from traditional bank loans or other forms of business financing?

David Griffiths

Our invoice finance service is designed to assist businesses in optimising their cash flow and managing their working capital effectively. We understand that unpaid invoices can create financial challenges and hinder growth opportunities. That’s why we offer a flexible and reliable solution to bridge the gap between invoice issuance and payment receipt.

Our invoice finance service offers numerous benefits to businesses. It provides immediate access to working capital, enabling companies to manage their day-to-day operations, pay suppliers, invest in growth initiatives, and seize business opportunities without waiting for customer payments. Additionally, our service helps mitigate the risks associated with late or non-payment of invoices by transferring the responsibility of collection to our experienced team, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.

Just so you know, specific details, terms, and conditions of our invoice finance service may vary. We recommend contacting our representatives to comprehensively understand how our service can cater to your unique business needs.

David Griffiths

Knowledge Bank
Invoice Finance - Contact Us
Discuss your Invoice Finance needs with David on 0115 9849800 or email info@sterlingcommmercialfinance.co.uk

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Apply now for Invoice Finance