Here at Fifo Capital we understand that running a business is no easy feat. It requires dedication, strategic planning, and, most importantly, a healthy cash flow. Yet, many businesses, despite having strong sales and promising prospects, find themselves struggling due to cash flow issues. This is where invoice finance can come to the rescue, providing much-needed funding without the drawbacks of traditional loans. Here’s how invoice finance can save a struggling business.
Understanding Invoice Finance
Invoice finance, also known as accounts receivable financing, is a financial solution where businesses sell their outstanding invoices to a finance company at a discount. This provides immediate cash flow, as opposed to waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for customers to pay their invoices. By converting receivables into cash, businesses can address their immediate financial needs and invest in growth opportunities.
How Invoice Finance Can Rescue a Struggling Business
1. Immediate Cash Flow Relief
One of the primary reasons businesses struggle is due to delayed payments from customers. When cash is tied up in unpaid invoices, it can severely restrict a company’s ability to cover operational expenses, pay employees, and invest in new projects. A Fifo Capital invoice finance provides immediate access to the cash locked in receivables, allowing businesses to meet their financial obligations without delay. This immediate cash flow relief can be the difference between survival and closure for many companies.
2. Avoiding Additional Debt
Traditional loans and lines of credit add to a business’s debt burden, which can be particularly problematic for already struggling companies. Invoice finance, on the other hand, is not a loan. It is an advance on money already earned but not yet received. This means businesses can improve their cash flow without taking on additional debt, preserving their balance sheets and credit ratings.
3. Flexible Financing
Invoice finance with Fifo Capital is inherently flexible. The amount of funding available grows with your sales. As your business issues more invoices, the available funding increases. This scalability makes invoice finance an ideal solution for businesses experiencing fluctuating cash flows or seasonal sales variations. Unlike traditional loans with fixed limits and terms, invoice finance adjusts to your business’s changing needs.
4. Fast Access to Funds
The speed of access to funds is a critical advantage of invoice finance. Traditional loans often involve lengthy application processes, credit checks, and approval times. In contrast, invoice finance can provide funds within 24 hours of submitting your invoices. This rapid access to capital allows businesses to seize new opportunities, address urgent expenses, and navigate financial challenges swiftly.
5. No Impact on Credit Score
Applying for multiple traditional loans can negatively impact a business’s credit score. Each application typically results in a hard inquiry on the credit report, which can lower the score and affect future borrowing ability. Invoice finance relies on the creditworthiness of your customers, not your business. This means even businesses with less-than-perfect credit can access the funding they need without further damaging their credit scores.
6. Sustaining Growth and Operations
For struggling businesses, maintaining operations while trying to grow can be a significant challenge. Invoice finance provides the necessary liquidity to sustain daily operations and invest in growth initiatives simultaneously. Whether you need to purchase inventory, hire additional staff, or invest in marketing, having a steady cash flow allows you to make strategic decisions that drive your business forward.
A Case Study: Turning Around a Struggling Business
Consider the example of a manufacturing company that was thriving in terms of sales but facing severe cash flow issues due to long payment cycles. Traditional loan options were either too slow or added to their debt burden. By opting for invoice finance, they could access immediate funds against their outstanding invoices. This allowed them to pay suppliers on time, take on new orders without delay, and ultimately stabilise their operations. The company not only survived the cash crunch but also positioned itself for sustainable growth.
To Conclude…
Invoice finance is a powerful tool that can rescue struggling businesses by providing immediate cash flow relief, avoiding additional debt, and offering flexible and scalable funding. It allows businesses to maintain operations, invest in growth, and improve their financial stability without the drawbacks of traditional loans. If your business is struggling due to cash flow issues, invoice finance might be the solution you need.
For more information about various available options and what’s best for you, give us a call – 0800 863 436, or email us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.