When Do Factoring Companies Decline Invoice Financing?

Factoring companies have a well-earned reputation for providing cash flow solutions when banks say “No” to business financing. But there are times when even they turn down a request for factoring help.

Improve your chances for approval by keeping four qualifiers in mind when courting receivable financing: Read more

Could You Tell a Client They Don’t Need Factoring Help?

I witnessed an odd exchange of dialogue the other day on the Internet. It would have been humorous except neither of the cash flow consultants came to the right decision – over a long period of opportunity.

The “Dilemma”

The exchange started with a simple post from a factoring broker that had a “dilemma” with a new soon-to-be client.

In going over the client’s information, the consultant discovered that the client really did not need factoring help. He had two other alternatives that were clearly better choices for the client , with no additional risk.

The consultant was concerned how he was going to keep is his client focused on factoring so he could get the deal. “Any feedback would be helpful.”

Enter the “Expert”

The post was almost immediately replied to by a so-called “industry expert” that had been involved with similar negotiations (all going his way of course).

His advice bordered between “bait and switch” and “smoke and mirrors.”

Seriously?

In the ongoing posts back and forth neither of them ever considered actually telling the client that there were better options available.

What? Risk losing the deal in exchange for taking the professional higher ground?

Yes, and here is why…

1. The client is going to find out anyway. When they do, you are going to look like either an idiot or a thief. Ok, maybe those sound a bit harsh, but you will probably be viewed somewhere in the not so favorable middle.

2. They have friends to send you. Your “missed opportunity” with this client could come back ten-fold if you actually help your client. Trust me, he is going to tell every one of his colleagues about you. You saved the day, even if it didn’t involve invoice factoring. Who do you think his friends are going to call?

3. They have friends to steer away from you. Same as the last point, but in a bad turn of reversal. Remember, he will find out what happened, and will be sure to tell his friends if he thinks you purposely didn’t help him in order to make a few bucks.

Look, the rule of thumb is simple…

Always do the right thing.

Help your client in any way, shape, or form that you can. If it involves factoring receivables and you get a commission on the deal – that’s great!

If it doesn’t, but you are still able to help, just consider that you put some future business on lay away – maybe it will show up just in time for the holidays!

What’s in Your Factoring Broker Package?

You know that feeling when you see something done right and want to share it with others?

Well we found several “must have” factoring broker kits while Read more

“Hey Millennium, I have a great Purchase Order Funding Deal”

Over the years, we have fielded many calls from consultants inquiring about Purchase Order Funding opportunities (PO Funding). These types of prospects seem to garner a great deal of excitement as most prospects looking for PO Funding are in dire need of cash, and they need it now. Read more

Why Factors say YES when banks say NO

Have you ever heard this from a prospect; “Don’t waste your time, I am not bankable?”

Did you then wonder why a factor would ever consider funding a company that a bank would decline? If you have, believe me, you are not alone (I get asked this all the time). Let me see if I can help clear this up.

Let me begin by defining a strong banking prospect:

• Prospect has been in business for a minimum of 2 years
• Prospect has audited financial statements reveal solid profit margins in the previous 12 month accounting period
• Prospect has steady revenue growth with no “Peaks or Valleys”
• Prospect’s management team is strong with a proven track record of success in the industry
• Prospect has absolutely no bankruptcies or judgments in the past
• Prospect’s business collateral specifically, liquid assets (Accounts Receivable and Inventory) are sufficient enough to cover any risk of default

Now, let’s move on to defining a strong factoring prospect:

• Debtors (clients) of prospect have a positive credit history
• Debtors are multiple – no concentration with any one client
• Debtors will verify that product or service has been received and there will be no setoffs against payments

Can you see the distinction?

While banks make their credit decisions by focusing on the PROSPECT, factors make their credit decisions by focusing on the DEBTOR(S).

Although the comparison seems simple in nature, the impact of this difference is monumental. For example – Will a bank fund a new start up company (No – see point #1), will a factor (Yes); Will a bank fund a company that had loses in the past 12 months (No – see point #2), will a factor (Yes); Will a bank fund a company that is growing rapidly and needs a steady flow of cash to manage its growth (No- see point #3), will a factor (Yes).

The next time a prospect tells you to “not waste your time, I am not bankable”, tell them “I know, we have been waiting for you!”

Timothy J. Sardinia – Mr. Sardinia is currently a Partner with Canfield Capital Management, LLC, a Member of Steelkilt, LLC, a Member of Millennium Automotive Group, a Member of Millennium Legal Funding. Tim can be reached at tim@millenniumfunding.com or by calling 716-204-4800.