Invoice Finance (2024)

What is invoice finance?

Invoice finance is a special type of commercial funding which involves accessing the money tied up in unpaid invoices. There are two main types of invoice finance: invoice factoring and invoice discounting. Both achieve the same outcome of releasing the value of unpaid invoices, however, there is a difference when it comes to how this money is then collected from customers and clients.

How an invoice finance facility can help your business

Boost cash for your business by releasing up to 90% of an invoice’s value typically within 24 hours, rather than waiting for standard payment terms such as 30, 60 or even 90 days.

Invoice factoring and discounting offer an alternative to traditional bank lending. They may be a good option if you have a steady customer base, the majority of whom pay on time and in full. Although very similar in nature, the two types of invoice finance have one main difference that may make one more suitable for your business than the other.

By definition, invoice funding based on the total value of your sales ledger is a less risky form of finance than bank lending, which potentially involves providing a personal guarantee. Invoice finance still requires careful consideration, however, even if you have a company willing to lend.

So what are the main characteristics of invoice factoring and discounting? Firstly, let’s have a look at invoice factoring.

Invoice factoring for business

The main premise behind this type of funding is the introduction of a cash lump sum on a regular basis throughout the month, offering a dependable inflow of cash that stabilises business finances without great risk to the owner/directors.

How much a factoring company is willing to lend will depend on the value of your sales ledger, and how reliable your debtors are in making payments. Having minimal bad debts is the ideal scenario, and one that could attract favourable rates of interest and charges on the monies loaned.

Who provides invoice finance services, and how does the system work?

Factoring services are sometimes provided by specialist departments within well-known large financial institutions, but independent lenders have also emerged in this growing market, and some might offer greater flexibility to small businesses.

A percentage of each unpaid debtor invoice is offered by the lender – usually between 80% and 90% - and this amount is provided when the invoice is sent to the debtor. Once the full amount has been paid by your customer, the factoring company sends you the remaining amount minus their fees and charges for the service they provide.

One downside of this type of finance facility is that control over the sales ledger is handed over to the factor, who send out all reminders, statements and other necessary correspondence related to the debt. Whether this is actually a negative aspect depends on your point-of-view, and the value you place on personalising contact with your customers.

Are factoring loans the best option for your business?

Whether or not invoice factoring is the right choice for you depends largely on the importance of retaining control of your credit function. Some business owners prefer to stay in contact with their customers to maintain confidentiality and goodwill, ensuring that all correspondence is in line with their business ‘values.’

This form of lending is becoming increasingly mainstream, however, and it is not uncommon to receive payment reminders from a third party.

Retaining control of the sales ledger is not important to some businesses, but either way invoice financing offers many advantages that need to be considered. These include:

What is invoice discounting?

Invoice discounting differs slightly from factoring in that control of the sales ledger remains in your hands - you continue to collect in customer payments and chase outstanding amounts. In this way, confidentiality is maintained as customers will be unaware that an invoice finance facility is in place, which as we said earlier, is important for some businesses.

The system works largely in the same way as factoring – a percentage of each invoice is provided by the lender when the invoice is issued. This offers smoother cash flow and greater confidence that working capital will be available when required, whether to pay upcoming bills or with a view to growing the business.

The meaning of ‘with and without recourse’

You may have the option of invoice funding ‘with recourse’ or ‘without recourse.’ Which one you choose determines whether or not your business becomes liable for any debt that the customer does not pay.

Clearly, ‘without recourse’ is the safer option from your point-of-view, as you would not be liable, but this is also likely to attract a higher fee to address the lender’s increased level of risk.

Some business owners have confidence that non-payment by a customer will be the exception rather than the rule, and choose to take invoice finance ‘with recourse’ in order to reduce their ongoing costs.

Single invoice financing

Businesses with long-term contracts and large projects may opt for single invoice factoring as their facility of choice. This means that a single large invoice rather than the entire sales ledger is sold to the finance lender, which again offers a degree of certainty over the availability of working capital.

Industries with ‘non-standard’ operating methods, such as construction, may benefit from single invoice finance, and be able to plan ahead using the end of the next project as a marker for the influx of cash.

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Which types of business might benefit from invoice funding?

The make-up of each individual company dictates whether invoice factoring or discounting is the most appropriate invoice finance choice, but the general theme that runs through this type of lending is its flexible nature and low risk for both lender and borrower.

Industries that could benefit from invoice factoring and discounting in general, include manufacturing, engineering, transport, and construction, although the advantages for any business with a relatively stable sales ledger are clear to see.

Real Business Rescue has connections with a wide range of invoice finance lendersacross the UK, and can put you in touch with the most appropriate for your business. So for those that have been refused commercial finance,call today to discuss your financial needs.

Further Reading on Invoice Finance