We encountered a great term the other day when it comes to business financing – the term was ‘ expansionary finance ‘. Is it just us or does this term seem to perfectly cover off factoring and receivables financing.
Often though three key issues come up when Canadian business owners and financial managers consider this type of financing. What are those 3 issues? They are the total cost of this type of financing, the rates associated with this facility, and probably most importantly what type of firm offers the best facility to match your company’s own specific needs.
Let’s learn and cover off those issues, which will allow you to get more comfortable we think with this type of Canadian business financing.
So, why should you even be considering receivables factoring? Simply because it has become a common way for Canadian business to cash flow their accounts receivable and generate working capital based on your own policy of extending credit terms to your customers.
And, as most business owners know, sales does not equal cash flow and when business financing of your A/R is not available from your bank a logical place to turn to is to an independent finance firm that offers invoice financing.
But, what does this type of financing cost, and who offers it, and an even better question… ‘How do you pick the best factoring partner?
In Canada the financing and factoring of A/R varies widely. As a general rule we can say the cost is between 1-3% per month based on the size of the facility, your overall financial condition, and most importantly, whether you have sought out and picked the finance firm that best suits your needs.
Let’s clarify our comment on your overall financial condition. Receivable financing places much less emphasis on your firms overall financial health – in fact a huge amount of Canadian firms that utilize this type of financing are in stages of turn around, high growth, experiencing temporary financial losses, etc. So don’t despair that your firm isn’t eligible. But, as we said, your client base, the size of your A/R portfolio on a monthly basis and some other factors will dictate your overall pricing.
Frankly the best costs in factoring finance in Canada start to be achieved when your monthly financing capability for A/R is greater than 250k. Is there a ceiling on the amount of facility? Absolutely not, and facilities that go into the several millions of dollars on a monthly basis happen everyday in Canada.
Clients often ask our favorite most recommended type of facility. That’s a simple one – its called C I D – which stands for confidential invoice discounting, allowing you to be in total control of billing and collecting your own a/r without any notification to clients that comes with the U.S. and U.K.versions of a/r finance.
Remember also that when you are addressing the always top of the list issue with firms such as yourself, ‘ Cost ‘ that you need to factor in things you might never have thought about. They include your ability to grow your business and generate more profits simply because you now have the capital to do so, albeit at a higher cost. And couldn’t you offset some of the cost of factoring by taking discounts with your own suppliers (and improving relations with them along the way!), as well as purchasing more effectively with your new found working capital?
So, in summary, if you need a financing partner when you are considering a receivable management and financing solution seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will ensure your cost and partnership with your factoring firm is focused on a mutually beneficial relationship for financing success.
