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What is Invoice Factoring?

A complete guide to understanding invoice factoring, how it works, and why thousands of businesses use it to improve cash flow and grow faster.

Invoice factoring is a financial solution that allows businesses to convert their outstanding invoices into immediate cash. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or 90 days for customers to pay their invoices, businesses can sell those invoices to a factoring company and receive funds within 24 hours. This powerful tool has helped thousands of businesses maintain steady cash flow, meet payroll, purchase inventory, and seize growth opportunities without taking on debt.

How Invoice Factoring Works

The factoring process is straightforward and can be broken down into five simple steps:

1

Deliver Your Service or Product

You complete work for your customer and issue an invoice with standard payment terms (typically 30-90 days).

2

Submit Invoice to Factor

You send a copy of the invoice to your factoring company, usually through an online portal or email.

3

Receive Advance Payment

The factoring company advances you 80-95% of the invoice value within 24 hours, giving you immediate working capital.

4

Customer Pays the Factor

Your customer pays the invoice directly to the factoring company on the due date.

5

Receive Remaining Balance

Once payment is received, the factoring company sends you the remaining balance minus their fee (typically 1-5%).

Real Example

You invoice a customer $10,000 with 60-day payment terms:

  • Day 1: You receive $9,000 (90% advance) within 24 hours
  • Day 60: Customer pays $10,000 to factoring company
  • Day 61: You receive $700 (remaining balance minus 3% fee)
  • Total received: $9,700 vs waiting 60 days for $10,000

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Key Benefits of Invoice Factoring

Immediate Cash Flow

Access funds within 24 hours instead of waiting 30-90 days. This eliminates cash flow gaps that can cripple business operations and growth.

Not a Loan

Factoring isn't debt—it's selling an asset you already own. No monthly payments, no accumulating interest, and no impact on your credit score.

Grow Without Limits

Your funding grows with your sales. The more invoices you generate, the more working capital becomes available—no need to reapply.

Easy Approval

Approval is based on your customers' creditworthiness, not yours. Startups and businesses with challenged credit can qualify.

Additional Advantages

  • No monthly minimums or maximums
  • Professional invoice management
  • Credit checks on customers
  • Collections support
  • Free up time to focus on growth
  • Take on larger projects with confidence

Who Uses Invoice Factoring?

Invoice factoring is used across virtually every B2B industry. It's particularly valuable for service-based businesses and industries where payment terms create cash flow challenges:

Trucking & Logistics

Cover fuel, maintenance, and payroll between loads

Staffing Agencies

Meet weekly payroll while waiting on client payments

Manufacturing

Purchase raw materials and maintain production

Construction

Fund materials and labor for multiple projects

Wholesale/Distribution

Maintain inventory and fulfill large orders

Professional Services

Cover operational costs during long billing cycles

Companies of all sizes use factoring—from startups with their first few clients to established businesses doing millions in annual revenue. If you issue invoices to commercial customers with payment terms, factoring can work for you.

Ready to Get Started?

Speak with a factoring expert today

307-655-6999

Factoring vs. Traditional Financing

Understanding how invoice factoring differs from traditional business loans helps you make the right financing decision:

FeatureInvoice FactoringBank Loan
Is it debt?No - you're selling an assetYes - borrowed money
Approval time24-48 hours2-6 weeks
Funding speedSame day to 24 hours1-2 weeks after approval
Credit requirementsBased on customer creditBased on your credit
Amount availableGrows with your salesFixed amount
RepaymentAutomatic when invoice is paidFixed monthly payments
CollateralThe invoice itselfBusiness assets, personal guarantee

Common Questions About Factoring

Will my customers know I'm factoring?

Yes, customers are notified to pay the factoring company instead of you. However, this is presented professionally and most businesses find their customers are completely comfortable with the arrangement. Many large corporations expect their vendors to factor invoices.

Does factoring affect my credit score?

No. Since factoring isn't a loan, it doesn't appear as debt on your credit report and won't impact your credit score. In fact, by improving your cash flow, factoring can help you pay other obligations on time, potentially improving your credit.

Do I have to factor all my invoices?

It depends on your agreement. Some factors offer "spot factoring" where you choose which invoices to factor. Others require "whole ledger factoring" where you factor all invoices from approved customers. Both options have benefits depending on your needs.

What if my customer doesn't pay?

This depends on whether you choose recourse or non-recourse factoring. With recourse factoring (most common), you're responsible if the customer doesn't pay. With non-recourse factoring, the factor assumes the risk of non-payment, though fees are higher.

Getting Started with Invoice Factoring

Starting with invoice factoring is simpler than most business financing options. Here's what you'll typically need:

Required Documentation:

  • Business information (name, address, tax ID)
  • Customer list with contact information
  • Sample invoices
  • Accounts receivable aging report (if available)
  • Bank statements (last 3 months)

Most businesses can get approved within 24-48 hours and receive their first advance the same day. The application process is straightforward, and you'll work with a dedicated factoring specialist who guides you through each step.

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