Member Article

Is Invoice Finance a Good Idea?

Invoice finance is a type of financing that allows businesses to access cash quickly by selling their unpaid invoices to a factor. This can be a good option for businesses that need to improve their cash flow, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros of invoice finance

• Improved cash flow: Invoice finance can help businesses improve their cash flow by providing them with access to cash quickly. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that have to wait for long periods of time for their customers to pay their invoices.
• Reduced risk of bad debt: Invoice financiers typically assume the credit risk of your customers, which means that you will not be responsible for losses if your customers do not pay their invoices.
• No personal guarantees: Invoice finance does not typically require personal guarantees, which means that you will not be personally liable for the debt if your business defaults.
• Flexible terms: Invoice finance companies typically offer flexible terms, which can be tailored to the specific needs of your business.

Cons of invoice finance

• Cost: Invoice finance can be expensive, with fees ranging from 1% to 6% of the invoice value.
• Loss of control over customer relationships: When you sell your invoices to a factor, you lose control over your customer relationships. The factor will be responsible for collecting payments from your customers, and they may not be as lenient as you are.
• Potential damage to your credit rating: If you use invoice finance too extensively, it could damage your credit rating. This is because invoice financiers will typically file a UCC-1 financing statement, which will put a lien on your accounts receivable.

Who should consider invoice finance?

Invoice finance can be a good option for businesses that:

• Have a history of strong sales
• Have a low risk of bad debt
• Need to improve their cash flow quickly
• Are willing to pay a fee for access to cash

How to decide if invoice finance is right for you

If you are considering invoice finance, it is important to talk to a financial advisor to discuss your specific needs and situation. They can help you understand the pros and cons of invoice finance and whether it is the right option for you.

Here are some additional things to consider when making your decision:

• The size of your invoices: Invoice finance is typically most cost-effective for businesses that have large invoices.
• Your industry: Invoice finance is more common in some industries than others.
• Your credit history: Your credit history will affect the interest rate you are offered.

If you decide to use invoice finance, be sure to shop around and compare the best invoice finance rates and terms.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by iCONQUER Ltd .