What Are The Risks Of Invoice Factoring (And How To Reduce Them)?

Last Updated January 19, 2024

It is not uncommon for businesses to struggle while working on net 30 or net 60 payment terms with clients. Since obtaining a loan from banks is not easy for most small business owners, they often turn to invoice factoring.

However, like every other financing option, invoice factoring does not come without a few risks.

Invoice factoring offers significant benefits for business owners, but this article will detail everything B2B business owners need to know about the risks of invoice factoring and how to reduce them.

Why Do Businesses Use Invoice Factoring?

First, let’s touch on why businesses use factoring.

Funding invoices helps businesses build consistent revenue. With invoice factoring, a business sells its invoices to a factoring company, who then takes charge of handling the invoice collections process. Companies use invoice factoring for many reasons ranging from supporting growth to paying operating expenses to increasing profits through consistent cash flow. It is an alternative financing solution for small businesses in particular that are looking to expand, as it provides an immediate increase in working capital.

Invoice Factoring Risks

Any financing option comes with its own set of risks. Below is an overview of common concerns you might hear about invoice factoring to help you better understand the potential risks associated with this funding option. Do note, however, that a few of these risks can be alleviated by working hand-in-hand with your factoring company to find solutions to any potential causes of concern.

Loss Of Control Over Invoice Payments

Working with a factoring company relegates control of certain financial aspects of a business to a third party. This is because involving the factoring company to pursue and collect invoices and deficit funds is a loss of privacy for both customers and business owners. This leads to the loss of control over the collections process and invoice payments.

While many business owners enjoy having one less item on their plates, some do not like this loss of control. This is why it is important to thoroughly research invoice factoring companies before selecting one to work with. You want to make sure the company is reputable and has good reviews from its existing clientele so that you can feel comfortable handing over the collections process.

The Business-Customer Relationship Can Be Effected

Invoice factoring actively involves your business’s customers, so they are fully aware of the transfer of the invoice rights and payment process. This process change can cause friction in the customer-business relationship.

Let’s face it, many of these customers did not sign up for a third-party influence in business relations, and finding out, later on, can upset this balance. That’s why altLINE has an account manager dedicated to the customer onboarding process, ensuring your customer relationship remains in good standing as you begin the factoring process.

Potential For Unpaid Customer Invoices Remains

There are two types of invoice factoring: recourse vs. non-recourse factoring. Some business owners may see recourse factoring as a risk, because under this type of agreement, businesses are still required to chase the payments of unpaid invoices if their customers refuse to pay. With recourse factoring, the business buys back the unpaid invoice if the factoring company cannot collect payment on it – they are held liable for non-payment.

However, this risk of non-payment by customers is not typically an issue if your customers reliably make invoice payments. Also note that recourse factoring provides certain benefits, such as lower cost and a faster approval process than non-recourse factoring.

Slightly Lower Profit Margins

Invoice factoring fees are typically 1-5% of the total invoice value, which is usually a bit more expensive than other forms of financing. These higher fees can lead to a lower profit margin for businesses. For instance, if an invoice of $5,000 is sold with a 3% factoring fee, the business owner receives $4,850, resulting in a lower profit with the $150 loss.

While invoice factoring tends to be more expensive than more traditional forms of financing, it is easier to qualify for, which could make it a good fit for your business. Plus, it takes a significant amount of work off your plate.

Long Contract Terms

Many factoring companies require long contract terms that might span at least one year, which can prevent business owners from easily pulling out of the agreement. If you are looking for a solution to improve cash flow for your small business, it may be difficult to cope with the long duration of a factoring agreement.

Minimum Factoring Requirements

Some factoring companies require clients to factor a certain number of invoices per month at a certain value for an agreement to be reached. This can be challenging for small business owners who are just starting or do not yet have a well-defined, loyal client base. If you are concerned about having a minimum factoring requirement in your contract, you can try to negotiate it out prior to signing. These types of contract terms tend to be flexible and negotiable.

Interest Rates And Additional Charges

In addition to factoring being a slightly more expensive route than traditional bank loans, there’s also the risk of hidden charges and fees, resulting in this type of financing option being even more expensive.

It’s important to research the company and its operations before committing to an agreement. Forbes, for example, recently published their list of “Best Factoring Companies of 2024.”

Regardless, keep an eye out for additional charges in the contract, such as origination fees, monthly access fees, lockbox fees, and credit approvals. Many of these charges can be negotiated out of a factoring agreement prior to signing, although some of them will be required no matter the factoring company.

Client Restrictions

Working with a factoring company incorporates the factor into the day-to-day operations of a business, and as such, they can have influence over which client invoices are factored. Many factoring companies will not factor invoices for customers that are not creditworthy or reliable. However, if your customers consistently make on-time payments, this should not be an issue for your business.

Negative Perception/Stigma

Because invoice factoring is not a well-known financing option, there can be a stigma attached to business owners that regularly use factoring to improve cash flow. Some customers perceive them to be financially insecure and may not be willing to do business with them. On the other hand, some consider it a smart business decision as it is a source of financial stability.

This is why it is important to only work with trustworthy factoring companies so that customers do not feel uncomfortable remitting payment to the factor. Additionally, you should be aware of the myths and misconceptions of invoice factoring.

In Summary: How To Reduce Invoice Factoring Risks

To reduce the risks listed above, it is ideal to use a trustworthy and reliable factoring company so that you and your customers can feel secure in the factoring relationship. Independent factoring companies are largely unregulated, which can make the risks outlined in this article more worrisome if you choose the wrong factoring company. We recommend doing thorough research and vetting of your factoring company prior to signing a contract with them.

altLINE is a unique factoring company because it is a division of the Southern Bank Company. Working with a bank factoring company that’s FDIC insured and state regulated, ensures there’s maximum transparency between the factor and you.

To work with an invoice factoring company that has 88 years of experience serving customers, you can get a free quote or give altLINE a call at +1 (205) 607-0811. We would love to help you get started on an easy funding journey.