Lack of cash flow management is a severe impediment to the growth of a business. At some point in your entrepreneurial journey—whether you are a startup, small or medium-sized business, or a large corporation—you would have faced a cash flow crunch.
In the last few decades, businesses have started opting for non-traditional financing methods when they require immediate cash flow. Invoice financing is one of the most popular types of lending businesses use to access working capital loans. It is faster and much easier than obtaining a bank loan. Through this method, you can quickly convert your outstanding invoices into cash to maintain your operating costs—without the burden of taking a debt.
Table Of Contents :
1) Four Risk Factors of Invoice Financing You Must Know
2) The Benefits Prevail Over The Risks
3) How to Mitigate These Risks?
In the last few decades, businesses have started opting for non-traditional financing methods when they require immediate cash flow. Invoice financing is one of the most popular types of lending businesses use to access working capital loans. It is faster and much easier than obtaining a bank loan. Through this method, you can quickly convert your outstanding invoices into cash to maintain your operating costs—without the burden of taking a debt.
It is always wise to be fully aware of the pros and cons of all financing options before you choose one. As a business owner if you have questions such as what are the risk factors of invoice financing? Is invoice financing suitable for my business? How can I mitigate the risks associated with invoice discounting and make it beneficial? KredX has the right answers. Read on.
Four Risk Factors of Invoice Financing You Must Know:
The four mistakes a business must not commit while choosing invoice financing are:
- Not calculating invoice financing frequency and associated costs.
- Ignoring hidden charges.
- Not analysing the impact of invoice financing on customer relations.
- Not choosing the right financing company.
Invoice Financing Frequency And Costs: Yes, it is tempting to choose invoice financing as a permanent solution for your business’s immediate cash requirements. However, it is not a healthy practice. The main risk associated with this financing option is that businesses become too dependent on it.
Additionally, if your customers are not paying on time or if you are experiencing lengthy delays, invoice financing costs that you incur can go high. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an invoice financing platform that is cost-efficient for your business.
Hidden Costs: Some lenders charge you hidden fees even without you noticing it. It will be buried in your agreement if you take the time out to read it line by line. Choose a reputable lending platform to avoid hidden costs and always read your contract. You must know how much you pay and what exactly you are paying for.
Impact On Customer Relationships: Invoice financing is a broad concept. You must be aware of the difference between invoice factoring and invoice discounting. With invoice factoring, the lender will manage your sales ledger. Your customers will know that you have opted for this facility. However, with invoice discounting, you will continue to manage your sales ledger and collect invoices. You will have a confidential agreement where you invoice your customers like you always did—ensuring there is no impact on customer relationships.
Not Choosing The Right Invoice Financing Company: Even businesses who understand the invoice financing process may have a bad experience if they do not choose the right financing company. The wrong company might charge you excessive fees and offer unprofessional services. Therefore, it is very crucial to choose a reputable financing company.
The Benefits Prevail Over The Risks:
The benefits of invoice financing overweigh the associated risks. Some of the benefits of invoice discounting are:
- Instant access to working capital.
- Collateral-free working capital loans.
- Easy eligibility criteria.
- No debt incurred.
- No impact on the company’s balance sheet.
- Helps in saving tax liability.
- Simple documentation process.
How to Mitigate These Risks?
While there are certain factors you need to consider before opting invoice financing, you can mitigate the risks if you choose the right lender, have customers who pay you promptly, and you use this facility wisely.
Is Invoice Financing Right For My Business?
You can be sure that invoice financing is right for your business when:
- You have loyal customers who are valuable to your business but request for longer credit terms.
- You are facing a short-term financial crunch, and you have high operating expenses.
- You have exhausted your working capital account.
- You forecast high profits and are sure you can cope with the charges.
- You do not want to avail a traditional bank loan as it is time-consuming.
- If you have a low credit score to get a conventional loan.
The Verdict:
Talk to an expert and get the right advice before making a decision when it comes to your company’s financial health. At KredX, we help businesses gain quick access to working capital by leveraging their unpaid invoices. Get in touch with us and increase your company’s efficiency through our integrated cash flow solutions. Contact us today and get all your questions answered!
