Invoice Factoring for Import-Export Companies

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any company; however, it isn’t always easy to manage. Securing capital for a growing business is easier said than done, especially in the import and export sector, where international laws, tariffs, and procedures compound the challenges in accessing working capital.

Exports invoice factoring – sometimes referred to as international factoring, foreign accounts factoring, or import-export factoring – can help eliminate the inherent cash flow bottlenecks in this industry.

Import Export Factoring vs. Bank Loans

International or cross-border trade demands fast cash flow. Unfortunately, the industry is renowned for longer payment wait times due to the lengthy export process and all the compliance requirements. Additionally, numerous banks and other traditional lenders strictly limit the levels of import and export financing they are willing to approve because they view it as too risky. This is the same reason many factoring companies also avoid the international trade industry.

However, the factors that do offer import and export factoring services are fully aware of the risks involved. An experienced import or export factoring company will be able to navigate the different time zones, language barriers, and international tariffs involved in collecting payments from your customers and know exactly how to operate so that their business is protected and yours.

Import Export Factoring

International factoring involves selling your foreign accounts receivables to a third party (factoring company) at a discounted rate. You will receive a percentage of the invoice value upfront and be able to continue and grow your business operations. This type of service provides quick and flexible access to working capital by eliminating the long wait for importers to make payments. International factoring can be a great alternative to bank loans, bank financing, and other financing options that have high-debt costs.

Investing in export and import financing can help your business overcome its financial challenges and risks – allowing you to focus on what you do best: buying and selling abroad.

Top Financial Challenges in the Import-Export Industry

  • Financial Risk In Currency Exchange Rates – The consistent fluctuations in foreign exchange can cause significant changes in your balance sheet and potentially compromise your financial stability. Political and economic changes can make evaluating the evolution of current exchange rates a lot more difficult, which introduces a higher level of risk and can lead to a significant loss in profits or earnings.

  • Minimize Your Risk Of Failure – Disagreements regarding exchange and interest rate fluctuations are common in the international trade industry, and unfortunately, this often results in customers refusing to pay. This is why businesses in this sector need to invest in legal teams that are experts in local protocols in order to improve their protection against risks. Strategies and business plans will also need to be adjusted to plan for other international risks, such as infrastructure problems in other countries, trading obstacles (tariffs and taxes), customs clearance, and whether the foreign country has special trade zones or other red tape areas. This is why fast and substantial working capital is so important in this industry.

  • Fluctuating Costs – Capital markets experienced a convulsive shock at the same time that key commodities experienced steep price increases. This had a steep effect on the prices of raw materials, food, commodities, and fuel. The higher fuel prices will also mean that costs throughout the supply chain will continue to increase. The impact on the global economy and the consistent fluctuation in costs means that many business owners may have to review their logistics and distribution strategies.

How to Run a Successful Import Export Company

Canada is one of the cheapest countries in the world to do business but exporting can be very expensive due to how quickly the costs add up and the large number of unforeseen or fluctuating costs. This is why export and import operations need reliable cash flow and comprehensive financial plans. To run a successful import-export company, you need to:

  • Understand the risks involved.
  • Put risk mitigation strategies in place from both a financial and legal standpoint.
  • Understand and plan for the regulations and requirements involved in the industry.
  • Prioritize cash flow management and budgeting.
  • Ensure you always have positive cash flow (this usually requires leveraging financing options).
  • Improve your invoicing practices.
  • Research the current market and target a specific niche in order to set your business apart from competitors and improve your chances for success.

  • Be flexible and adaptable to make sure that you can effectively respond to the consistent changes in the industry, helping you stay competitive.

Exporting is a time-intensive process, and this can result in slow capital circulation, which results in higher costs and missed sales opportunities. Invoice factoring can help make your cash flow more predictable, and because you won’t have to worry about short-term cash flow as much, you will be in a better position to extend favorable payment terms to your customers and extend your competitive advantage.

Financing Options for Import Export Companies

We have established that cash is king, and without effective financing solutions in place, your import or export business will not be well-positioned to combat the numerous risks in the industry. So, what financing options are available?

  • Government Funding – The Government of Canada offers numerous programs to help businesses obtain working capital. The Trade Commissioner Service, for instance, offers funding to Canadian companies that sell their products overseas or are entering new markets through the CanExport program.

  • Letter of Credit – A documentary letter of credit is a form of payment between a buyer and a seller, brokered by their respective banks. Your client’s bank will promise to pay you for the goods or services you are selling, provided you present all the required documents outlined in the letter of credit to your bank.

  • Purchase Order (PO) Financing – PO financing is a trade finance tool that enables companies to access capital for specific purchase orders. While waiting for payment from their customer, companies can finance up to 90% of their purchase order costs. This financing option can be very flexible, but if your financial institution doesn’t offer it, invoice factoring is another valuable option.

  • Import or Export Invoice Factoring – This is one of the most transparent, flexible, and cost-effective financing solutions available. You can extend more generous payment terms to your international customers yet still receive the money you are owed for goods delivered upfront. The factoring company (depending on who you partner with) will usually advance between 70% and 90% of your total invoice value, and your clients will pay them instead of you. The remaining balance will be sent back to you (minus a small factoring fee) once all your customers have paid. Instead of waiting for 30, 60, or 90 days for your international customers to pay, or waiting months for banks to pay out a loan (if you get approved), invoice factoring gives you the working capital you need when you need it.

Your industry has its unique cash flow challenges, and you want to partner with someone who understands your financial needs and business model. If you’re in the import or export business and are looking to boost your cash flow, speak to an industry-specific factoring company about your financing options.

Browse our Factoring Guide to discover what you should look for when selecting the best factoring company to partner with or request a quote for invoice factoring for import-export companies today.

Get Your Free Factoring Quote

Request a Quote

GET YOUR FREE FACTORING QUOTE