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:
Deliver Your Service or Product
You complete work for your customer and issue an invoice with standard payment terms (typically 30-90 days).
Submit Invoice to Factor
You send a copy of the invoice to your factoring company, usually through an online portal or email.
Receive Advance Payment
The factoring company advances you 80-95% of the invoice value within 24 hours, giving you immediate working capital.
Customer Pays the Factor
Your customer pays the invoice directly to the factoring company on the due date.
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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Calculate Your AdvanceKey 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.
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Factoring vs. Traditional Financing
Understanding how invoice factoring differs from traditional business loans helps you make the right financing decision:
Feature | Invoice Factoring | Bank Loan |
---|---|---|
Is it debt? | No - you're selling an asset | Yes - borrowed money |
Approval time | 24-48 hours | 2-6 weeks |
Funding speed | Same day to 24 hours | 1-2 weeks after approval |
Credit requirements | Based on customer credit | Based on your credit |
Amount available | Grows with your sales | Fixed amount |
Repayment | Automatic when invoice is paid | Fixed monthly payments |
Collateral | The invoice itself | Business 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.
Related Resources
Recourse vs Non-Recourse Factoring
Understanding the two main types of factoring and which is right for you
Read MoreHow Factoring Payments Work
Learn about advances, reserves, and fees with detailed examples
Read MoreFactoring Costs & Fees
Complete breakdown of factoring fees and what affects your rate
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