Invoice finance is a dynamic and flexible financial solution that empowers you to unlock the value of your unpaid invoices and convert them into immediate working capital.
It addresses one of the most common challenges faced by companies of all sizes: the frustrating gap between providing goods or services to customers and receiving their payments.
This time lag can create cash flow constraints, hindering growth opportunities and putting unnecessary strain on day-to-day operations.
How does invoice finance work?
The invoice financing process is a straightforward and efficient way to manage cash flow and access working capital when your business needs it the most.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:
Step 1: Invoice Issuance
As a business owner, after providing goods or services to your customers, you generate an invoice as you would normally do. The invoice contains the details of the transaction, including the products or services provided, the amount due, payment terms, and the due date.
Step 2: Invoice Submission
Instead of waiting for the typical payment period, which can be anywhere from 30 to 90 days, you have the option to submit the invoice to an invoice finance provider. This financial institution specialises in providing working capital solutions for businesses like yours.
Step 3: Funding Advance
Upon receiving your invoice, the finance provider will conduct a quick evaluation to determine the creditworthiness of your customer and the validity of the invoice.
Once the verification process is complete, they will offer you an immediate funding advance. This advance typically ranges from 70% to 90% of the total invoice value, depending on the specific terms of your agreement with the finance provider.
Step 4: Customer Payment
The responsibility of collecting payment from your customer now shifts to the invoice finance provider. They will manage the entire collections process professionally and efficiently.
When the payment becomes due, the finance provider will directly collect the payment from your customer on your behalf.
Step 5: Remaining Balance
After the finance provider receives payment from your customer, they will deduct their fees, which typically include a small percentage of the invoice amount and any applicable processing fees. The remaining balance is known as the “reserve,” and it will be remitted back to you promptly.
Step 6: Ongoing Process
The invoice financing process is ongoing, allowing you to continuously access working capital as you generate new invoices. This dynamic nature of the financing arrangement makes it an excellent tool for managing your cash flow and supporting day-to-day business operations.
Step 7: Customer Communication
One essential aspect of invoice financing is maintaining a positive relationship with your customers. While the finance provider handles the collections process, you can choose to have transparent or non-transparent arrangements.
With transparent arrangements, your customers are aware of the financing arrangement, and payments are made directly to the finance provider.
With non-transparent arrangements, your customers are unaware of the financing, and they continue to pay you directly. This way, you maintain control over customer communications and relationships.
Types of Invoice Financing
Factoring:
Factoring involves selling your outstanding invoices to Apollo Business Finance at a discounted rate.
We take over the responsibility of collecting payments from customers, freeing up your time and resources to focus on core business activities.
Invoice Discounting:
With discounting, your business retains control of the collections process.
Benefits of Invoice Financing
Invoice financing offers several benefits for businesses:
Improved Cash Flow:
One of the most significant advantages of invoice finance is its ability to eliminate cash flow gaps. Rather than waiting for customers to settle invoices, businesses can access a significant portion of the invoice value within a short period after raising the invoice.
This injection of working capital ensures that the business can meet its financial obligations, such as paying suppliers, covering operational costs, and even investing in new ventures.
Business Growth:
Steady and predictable cash flow is the lifeblood of business growth. By utilizing invoice financing, companies can capitalize on opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach due to cash flow limitations.
Whether it’s expanding production capacity, launching new products, or exploring new markets, the availability of working capital can fuel ambitious growth strategies.
Credit Protection:
Factoring, in particular, provides an added layer of protection for businesses through credit insurance. The finance provider assumes the risk of customer defaults, insolvencies, or protracted payment issues.
This safeguard can be especially valuable when dealing with new or unknown customers, giving businesses the confidence to explore new markets without undue concerns about payment defaults impacting their financial health.
Flexible Financing:
As the business generates more sales and subsequently more invoices, the available financing through invoice finance automatically scales up.
Unlike traditional loans with fixed amounts, invoice financing grows in line with business performance. This flexibility ensures that the business can continually access the funds it needs as it expands and evolves.
Fast and Convenient:
Compared to traditional funding options, such as bank loans, invoice financing offers a streamlined and efficient application process.
The emphasis is primarily on the value of the outstanding invoices and the creditworthiness of the business’s customers, rather than complex assessments of the company’s financial history.
As a result, funds can be made available in as little as 24 to 48 hours after invoice submission, allowing businesses to act swiftly on opportunities or navigate through unforeseen challenges.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility criteria for invoice financing may vary between providers but often include factors like a minimum monthly turnover, a certain trading history, and the quality of your customer base.
The application process typically involves submitting financial documents, details of outstanding invoices, and customer information. Once approved, you can start accessing funds promptly.
Invoice financing is an invaluable tool for small and micro-businesses, as well as those facing credit challenges. It helps address cash flow gaps and provides the necessary financial support for growth and stability.
As a business owner, understanding how invoice financing works and exploring suitable options can pave the way for a successful and thriving venture. If you are interested in harnessing the power of invoice financing, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apollo Business Finance for expert guidance and tailored solutions.