Small business owners carry a lot of responsibility on their backs. From hiring and firing, to growth and crisis management. As any owner would testify, things aren’t as easy as they look, particularly when you’re talking about cash flow. Cash flow, or working capital, is critical to any business. In order to stay on top […]
If you’ve already determined that invoice factoring is a good fit for your business, the next step is to identify the best factoring company for you. There are tons of different providers to choose from – so how do you know which is best? This article helps describe the differences between an independent factor and […]
Your business is looking for a working capital solution, but you don’t know where to turn. You see banks advertising traditional loan rates and lines of credit, or you consider seeking an investment. That said, you may not be sure about taking on debt or losing equity, or due to certain situations, those means of […]
Considering invoice factoring as a cash flow solution for your business? With so many options, choosing the best factoring company for your business may seem overwhelming. No two factoring companies do things exactly the same – they specialize in different industries, offer different terms and use different language. These differences make comparing factoring companies difficult. […]
No one likes to pay too much for a product or service, which is why we all shop and compare when we buy just about anything. But, when it comes to certain types of business services, you typically get what you pay for, which can end up costing you much more in many ways. You […]
For businesses looking for a quick cash infusion, accounts receivable factoring (also referred to as accounts receivable financing) may be an ideal solution. However, there is a popular misconception that may be preventing many businesses from considering it as a financing option, which is when you are factoring accounts receivable, you are taking out a […]
There’s nothing more worth celebrating for a business than getting a major new customer or a big new order. It’s an exciting time for everyone in the business as it ramps up production, adds staff, and buys inventory in anticipation of new revenue. However, if it’s a typical business that operates from invoice to invoice, […]
Successful business owners know how important their business credit score is. Building and maintaining a solid credit score is crucial for businesses as it can impact their ability to access capital as well as their credibility with vendors and customers. However, as less established businesses work to build their credit score, their access to traditional […]
Anyone who has started a business understands the immense challenges of getting it to the next level where it can grow and prosper. The central challenge for startup businesses is having sufficient working capital on hand to manage operations and pursue growth opportunities. In fact, the working capital requirements of startups can actually become a […]
The rising popularity of invoice factoring as a no-fuss, no-muss funding source for businesses has spawned an entire industry of factoring companies offering a range of options to address the varying types, needs, and preferences of businesses. Two of the more popular options – invoice factoring and invoice discounting – are often mistaken for each […]
An increasing number of businesses are discovering the advantages of invoice factoring, the biggest of which is quick access to capital. Anyone who has applied for a business loan through a bank understands how cumbersome and lengthy the process can be, often taking weeks for approval. Compare that to three or four business days for […]
Invoice factoring can help business owners fill the gap between when an invoice is created and when the customer actually pays. It’s a way of obtaining cash to invest back into your company sooner rather than later, though you’ll want to be wary of extraneous fees and sneaky policies before sealing the deal. What are […]
All growing businesses reach a critical juncture when they need access to capital to get to the next level. Whether it’s for hiring more staff, expanding operations, buying inventory, or taking on new customers, small businesses often come up short due to the lag between growing sales and the cash flow it creates. Invoice factoring […]
If you own or manage a consulting firm, you know that cash flow can be a problem. You incur unusually heavy upfront costs—to hire the best professionals and ensure they receive the ongoing training they need to remain up-to-date. What’s the Main Cause of The Problem? However, the very clients you work so hard to […]
Staffing companies face unique working capital challenges. Nearly all staffing firms face cash crunches. This is primarily the result of the payment terms that the staffing firm’s customers require at the outset of a relationship. However, long payment terms in itself is not necessarily the issue. Nor is it the cash intensive nature of supplying […]
Earning a top position among manufacturing companies is becoming increasingly difficult due to the rapidly changing landscape of the manufacturing industry. Amid the many challenges facing manufacturers today are employee skills gaps, cash flow hindrances, and keeping up with innovation. Here at altLINE, our team specializes in invoice factoring for manufacturing companies. Below we look […]
Running a successful staffing company requires managing multiple priorities, relationships and partnerships. This balance often presents a tough challenge even for seasoned staffing professionals. Staffing companies that find the right employees and reliable partners stand to enjoy greater profitability and growth. In this post, we’ll address key points related to financing for staffing companies: industry […]
The comparison of factoring vs bank loans comes up often among businesses looking to access working capital. As a factoring bank, altLINE by The Southern Bank offers a unique perspective on answering this question. We provide businesses in all industries and sizes a broad range of commercial lending options. These include invoice factoring and traditional […]
Q: What is factoring? A: Factoring, also known as invoice factoring, allows a business to receive money owed to it in advance of collection. Rather than waiting 30, 60 or 90 days to receive payment, factoring provides a business-to-business company with much faster access to its money. Q: How does factoring work? A: A business […]
Does your business need financing to grow or improve cash flow? If so, invoice factoring and accounts receivable financing may be options you’re exploring. A tremendous amount of information exists online, but the viewpoints often prove more confusing than helpful. Many financing and factoring companies use the terms factoring and accounts receivable financing interchangeably. In […]
As with any financing relationship, make it a priority to understand your exit strategy options with your factoring company. Before you enter into the relationship, ensure you know the steps to take and associated penalties in case you need to break the contract. When is the Right Time to Switch Factoring Companies? Switching your financing […]
If you’re a business owner considering invoice factoring, the Notice of Assignment (NOA) may cause you some concern. What will my customers think? Why is it necessary? Can we skip sending it? Let’s address these questions to clarify what the NOA covers and put to rest any lingering apprehension. What is a Factoring Notice of […]
Every invoice factoring company structures a deal a little differently, so it’s often difficult to compare proposals. By focusing on a few key aspects of invoice factoring agreements, we aim to help business owners make better, more informed financing decisions. We’ll be taking a closer look at four important areas of an invoice factoring agreement: […]
Invoice factoring is a financing arrangement that gives a business fast access to cash. Many small businesses in need of working capital utilize factoring as a reliable alternative to a traditional line of credit. When cash flow strains a business, invoice factoring unlocks the value tied up in the business’s accounts receivable. Also, the term […]
Before beginning a financing relationship with a funding partner, understand the steps required to terminate the relationship if needed before the end of the term. Complex structure and lengthy verbiage make contracts difficult to decipher, particularly payroll funding agreements. Transparency and clarity are “must haves” in your payroll funding relationship. Why You May Want to […]
If you are like most small business owners, securing financing often involves emotions ranging from uncertainty to frustration as you navigate the alternatives. In addition to your daily job responsibilities, the demands of evaluating borrowing options can be stressful and overwhelming. This straightforward buyer’s guide serves as a starting point to help you with the […]
For many companies Accounts Receivable collection can at best be described as a chore and at worst as an anxiety-inducing experience where one large delinquent customer can put their own business in jeopardy. As a bank that offers factoring, or Accounts Receivable financing, The Southern Bank has a wealth of experience optimizing accounts receivable collection […]
What do agencies, staffing companies, manufacturers, consultants and other industries all have in common? In addition to supplying products and services to Fortune 500 companies, they’re all subject to the same strain caused by one of the latest trends in corporate finance – longer payment terms. More often than not, cash flow problems and extended […]
