Cash Flow Revolution: Invoice Factoring for the Modern Canadian Company

INTRODUCTION

Are you considering Receivable Financing in Canada ? If so, your thoughts and answers to two questions should help you out quite a bit regarding invoice factoring in Canada.

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Cash flow is a company's lifeblood. But when outstanding invoices create a cash flow squeeze, what can the business owner do? Enter accounts receivable factoring companies !?

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Factoring companies convert unpaid invoices into immediate cash, and they can help businesses bridge the gap between selling their products or services and receiving payment from clients.

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Let the 7 Park Avenue Financial team show you how AR Financing is a game-changer for businesses looking to improve their cash flow, grow, or meet day-to-day business obligations.

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HOW CAN? MY BUSINESS IMPROVE CASH FLOW?

? One of our favourite business writers recently focused on cash flow management and asked the following two questions - 1. Does your firm need cash right now? 2. Do you know what your cash balance needs will be a half year from now? ? The fact that you are considering an invoice factoring company/factoring fund in Canada suggests your business might be facing cash flow challenges or you're smart enough to address a future problem now!

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? WHAT IS FACTORING - HOW DOES ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FINANCING WORK?

? The basics of factoring finance are easy to understand - setting up a factoring facility allows you to, at your choice, sell invoices to an invoice factoring company, reducing your receivables and adding immediate cash flow to your balance sheet. ? The ' sale ' is made via a ' fee, 'not an interest rate. It is typically? .75%-1.25% / mo - the fee varies via several factors, including the size of your facility, overall quality and collectibility of the receivables, industry credit risk, etc. -

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For example, construction industry factoring might be viewed as having more industry risk. ? Although some business owners consider the whole process ' factoring loans, ' the reality is that you are simply accelerating the cash flow benefits of a collected account receivable. That ' invoice purchasing ' allows you to turn your company into a cash flow machine at your option.

? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INVOICE FACTORING VERSUS ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FINANCING? ? ?

Invoice factoring agreements stipulate the sale of outstanding receivables to factoring companies, usually independent non-bank commercial finance companies.

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On the other hand, receivable financing is used as working capital and a cash flow management solution, uses a business's accounts receivables as collateral to obtain funding. ? Banks offer unsecured loans via receivable financing solutions, and they typically register a general security agreement on the business's assets.

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So, the receivables are assigned to the bank under this arrangement. Both factoring and a/r financing provide valuable business funding, and each method of small business financing has advantages and disadvantages. ?

HOW DOES INVOICE FACTORING / ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FACTORING WORK IN CANADA? ?

In Canada, the invoice factoring company has a credit agreement with the customer to purchase invoices at a pre-agreed discount. In traditional ' old school ' factoring, many factoring companies also assume the collection role in the funding process.

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When a client pays the company for the invoice, the factoring company charges a fee on the invoice value and sends the company the funds less a fee for financing the invoice when the customer pays - ? The benefit is that companies can receive cash flow immediately on generating sales of products and services to their customer.? Many factoring companies use invoice tracking and automation systems to fund client transactions.

? ? IS INVOICE FACTORING AND RECEIVABLE FINANCING A GOOD OPTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

? Both invoice factoring and accounts receivable loan financing are solid credit risk management and cash flow solutions for small business financing in Canada.

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Businesses can improve cash flow and focus on collections management while obtaining cash advances for invoices before payment by the end user customer. Companies that cannot acquire a bank loan or line of credit are excellent candidates for factoring. ? However, business owners must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of these financing methods while considering issues around fees, interest rates, and credit risk.? Working with banks and reliable factoring companies is vital in assessing this method of Canadian business financing.

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FACTORING AND? OTHER RECEIVABLE FINANCING

? It's more of a technical issue that shouldn't concern business owners. Still, the paperwork around ' factoring' invoices an agreement to ' sell receivables '. Using a bank credit line as an example, the bank holds security against the receivables because you ' assign ' your a/r to the bank under a traditional business loan arrangement—somewhat much ado about nothing.

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? ? IMPORTANCE OF CASH CONVERSION CYCLE / OPERATING CYCLE

? A/R finance allows you to rapidly address what's going on with your firm’s working capital. It also puts you in control, which you might not be feeling now regarding your firm's overall cash/ business cycle. When we meet and talk to clients quite often, it’s clear they don't necessarily feel in control of their finances. ? Money's uses seem much more apparent when you can control your cash with receivable loans. You can now make or take on new lease payments or reduce debt in other areas, such as accounts payable.

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Keeping those suppliers and preferred vendors on the side is essential, pretty well, all the time!

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? MAXIMIZE CASH FLOW VIA FAST FUNDING OF YOUR SALES REVENUES ?

Let's cover some basics regarding invoice factoring in Canada, also known as invoice discounting. First, it’s a business-to-business financial strategy, so it doesn't work in a Business-to-consumer environment.

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(If you are selling in a retail environment, a merchant cash advance / short-term working capital loan strategy that finances future retail sales might work for your firm, but we digress...!)

? WHAT DOES INVOICE FACTORING COST - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FINANCING RATES ? ?

The costs of receivable financing rates in Canada vary greatly, and it’s probably our most significant discussion point when we explain to clients the benefits and costs of an A/R finance strategy. ? What is important here is that you understand that the cost factor around receivable finance , in fact, is the costs you are bearing now, except that now you're winning, and using this financial solution allows you to win. Business owners and financial managers must understand that? overall financing costs take into account a variety of key factors - Some of those factors include: Overall creditworthiness of your client base The size and the monthly volume of invoices to clients In some cases, specific industries are significant users of factoring - i.e. trucking/staffing companies, distributors, etc. ? ? Factoring costs are expressed as fees, not interest rates, and some factoring companies charge miscellaneous fees around applications, funds transfers, etc. ? On-balance factoring is more expensive than traditional bank accounts receivable financing but provides access to unlimited cash flow that otherwise might not be available from Canadian banks.? Startups in the Canadian economy can also access this funding method, and firms can benefit from credit insurance and non-recourse financing programs. ? The cost of receivable financing has to be benchmarked against two or three critical points you might not be considering.

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One is that you are already in the banking business, whether you like it or not, because you already carry your customers for 30, 60, or 90 days. Congratulations on doing a great job growing your client's cash flow—although that’s probably not your goal, right?

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? USE THE POWER OF RECEIVABLE FINANCING SERVICES? TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GROWTH FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES

? Secondly, you are potentially missing the opportunity to grow your business because of the cash flow constraint that invoice factoring in Canada solves under the challenge of carrying a company's accounts receivable investment. ? At 7 Park Avenue Financial, we work with our factoring clients to ensure they understand the fees and costs of a/r financing and how they can benefit from this type of financing.

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Focusing on prompt invoice collection always reduces financing costs, and we are not big fans of miscellaneous fees, set-up costs, and locked-in contracts. ? Our most recommended and successful a/r finance solution is? CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING . It allows you to bill and collect your invoices and receive all the benefits of traditional, dare we call it? ' old school '? Canadian factoring companies. ? If you want to learn more about invoice financing, how it works, what it costs, and the best facility for being 'in control,' then seek and speak to a business financing expert today. ? You'll then see clear answers to those two nagging questions: Do you have enough cash today, and can you address your cash needs a half year from now?

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

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Solving Cash Flow Issues - Businesses sell products or services and issue customer invoices but often wait 30-60 days or more to receive payment. This creates a cash flow gap that can hinder operations and growth.

The Factoring Process -? Accounts receivable factoring companies purchase a business's outstanding invoices at a discount. The business receives immediate cash, typically 70-90% of the invoice value. The factoring company then collects payment from the customer at a later date.

Benefits-? Improved cash flow? / Easier to manage day-to-day operations/ Ability to take on new projects or expand- Invoice factoring converts unpaid invoices into immediate cash, improving liquidity for businesses.This financing method offers a debt-free alternative to traditional loans, preserving credit lines.

Fees- Discount rate: A percentage of the invoice value the factor charges. Additional fees: May include account management or early termination fees.

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? CONCLUSION ?

Invoice factoring allows your company to fund outstanding invoices via a third-party financing company in exchange for immediate cash, less a feel.

Factoring accelerates cash flow, enabling companies to meet operational expenses and invest in growth.

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Companies accessing receivable financing post their invoices as collateral for an invoice factoring loan/line of credit facility. These methods of financing sales offer key benefits, including managing working capital and accessing business capital. ? Factoring invoices is a solid solution to the cash flow problems of small and medium-sized businesses -? using financing companies in Canada for working capital increases cash, and as cash is added to the balance sheet, your company takes on no debt - you are simply monetizing your 2nd most liquid current asset - accounts receivable ( Cash is your most liquid asset !!? )

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In most cases, receivable financing complements other lenders your firm utilizes for banking, loans, leases, etc. ? Factoring receivables via a factored invoice program via accounts receivable financing companies in Canada should not confuse your cash flow needs.

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Call 7 Park Avenue Financial, a trusted, credible, experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your cash flow needs.

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? FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / PEOPLE ALSO ASK / MORE INFORMATION

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? How does a business qualify for accounts receivable factoring? There are six key qualifiers for a/r factoring : To qualify for accounts receivable factoring, a business must be able to meet specific lending criteria in the invoice discounting/factoring process - 1. Factoring is based on the general creditworthiness of? the customer of the businesses, so clients must generally be stable and have reasonable payment track records 2. Factoring is on a B2B basis, and factoring does not apply to individuals - Government Receivables qualify for financing 3. Unpaid Invoices eligible for financing must be less than 90 days old -? invoices older than 90 days are generally deemed uncollectible by the accounts receivable financing company 4. Certain factoring companies may require a minimum of monthly or annual sales to ensure factoring makes sense for the factoring company from a cost and time perspective 5. Receivables must not be encumbered by liens or other financing arrangements with other bank financing or a business loan from other business lenders. The lender often requires business bank statements and the business debt schedule around other secured lenders.

6. Companies must acknowledge in the factoring agreement with the invoice financing company? the advance rates and fees under invoice financing for small business ? ?

Is invoice factoring right for my business?

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Accounts receivable factoring can be a good option for small businesses and SME's that:

Have a history of slow-paying customers.

Are experiencing rapid growth, need immediate cash flow, and have a lower business credit score and difficulty in obtaining traditional loans

Offer credit terms to their customers.

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How quickly can I receive cash after selling an invoice?

Typically, accounts receivable factoring companies will advance you 70-90% of the invoice value within 24-48 hours of approval.

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What are the fees associated with invoice factoring?

The main fee is the discount rate, a percentage of the invoice value the factoring company charges. Additional fees may also apply for account management or early termination.

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Will using a factoring company damage my customer relationships?

Some factoring companies offer recourse factoring, in which you are responsible for collecting payment if your customer defaults. However, many offer non-recourse factoring, in which the factoring company assumes the risk of non-payment. In this case, your customer may receive notification that a factoring company is involved, but this shouldn't negatively impact your relationship and the focus on good, consistent cash flow.

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Are there any alternatives to accounts receivable factoring?

Yes, several alternatives exist for business funding solutions. A business line of credit offers access to funds but requires repayment with interest. Merchant cash advances provide a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of future sales. Invoice factoring can be a good option when these alternatives are unavailable or unsuitable.

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What happens if my customer disputes an invoice?

The process will depend on your factoring agreement. Sometimes, you may be responsible for resolving the dispute with your customer.

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How can I choose the right accounts receivable factoring company?

Get quotes from several factoring companies and compare their discount rates, fees, and services. Consider the company's experience in your industry and its customer service reputation.

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What is the difference between recourse and non-recourse factoring?

With recourse factoring, you are responsible for collecting payment if your customer defaults. With non-recourse factoring, the factoring company assumes the risk of non-payment, and it typically comes with a higher discount rate.

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Can I negotiate the discount rate with a factoring company?

Yes, in some cases, you may be able to negotiate the discount rate with a factoring company. This will depend on your creditworthiness, the size of your invoices, and the overall volume of business you bring to the factor.

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How does invoice factoring improve my business's cash flow?

Invoice factoring provides immediate access to cash tied up in unpaid invoices, allowing you to cover expenses and invest in growth without waiting for customer payments.

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What types of businesses can benefit from invoice factoring in Canada?

Any B2B company with creditworthy customers, including manufacturers, wholesalers, service providers, and startups looking to manage cash flow effectively, can benefit.

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Is invoice factoring a form of debt?

No, invoice factoring services are not loans. They are sales of your accounts receivable, which means you do not incur debt or make monthly loan payments as in business loans.

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How quickly can I receive funds through invoice factoring?

Typically, you can receive funds within 24-48 hours of submitting your invoices to the factoring company, providing rapid access to working capital into the business bank account as soon as sales are made? and invoiced.

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What are the costs associated with invoice factoring?

Costs usually include a factoring fee, which is a percentage of the invoice value. This fee varies based on invoice volume, customer creditworthiness, and industry risk.

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What's the difference between invoice factoring and invoice discounting?

Invoice factoring involves selling your invoices to a factor who manages collections, while invoice discounting allows you to borrow against invoices while maintaining control over collections.

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Can I choose which invoices to factor?

Yes, most factoring companies allow you to select which invoices to factor in, giving you flexibility in managing your cash flow needs.

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Will my customers know I'm using invoice factoring?

It depends on the arrangement. Some factoring agreements involve notifying customers, while others allow for confidential factoring , in which customers are unaware of the process.

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How does invoice factoring affect my business's credit score?

Invoice factoring generally doesn't impact your business credit score as it's not a loan. However, it may indirectly improve your creditworthiness by enhancing cash flow management.

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Are there any industries that typically don't qualify for invoice factoring?

While most B2B industries qualify, businesses with primarily cash transactions or those in high-risk sectors may face challenges in securing invoice factoring arrangements.

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What are the key factors to consider when choosing an invoice factoring company in Canada?

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To find the best fit for your business needs, consider factors such as fee structure, advance rates, contract terms, industry expertise, and customer service reputation.

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How can invoice factoring help my business during economic uncertainties?

Invoice factoring provides a stable source of working capital, enabling businesses to maintain operations, meet payroll, and seize opportunities even when traditional lending tightens during economic downturns.

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What are the potential drawbacks of using invoice factoring, and how can they be mitigated?

Potential drawbacks include higher costs than traditional loans and possible strain on customer relationships. Mitigate these by carefully selecting a reputable factor, clearly communicating with customers, and using factoring strategically as part of a broader financial management plan.

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' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

?STAN PROKOP 7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2024

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Stan Prokop is the founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial and a recognized expert on Canadian Business Financing. Since 2004 Stan has helped hundreds of small, medium and large organizations achieve the financing they need to survive and grow. He has decades of credit and lending experience working for firms such as Hewlett Packard / Cable & Wireless / Ashland Oil