The Dreaded “F” Word

See Also:
What is Factoring Receivables
Accounting for Factored Receivables
Journal Entries for Factored Receivables
Can Factoring Be Better Than a Bank Loan?
History of Factoring
How Factoring Can Make or Save Money
Factoring is Not for My Company
The What, When, and Where About Factoring
Working Capital

Factoring: The Dreaded “F” Word

The dreaded “F” word, FACTORING. Now that factoring has been said, I am sure we all are feeling a little more at ease. I was in a meeting recently with a prospect, a Houston based oilfield servicing company, and their CPA whose name was John.
The company was experiencing cash flow problems because of growth. And they have more new business opportunities coming up in the near future. They were trying to determine how to capitalize on these opportunities in their situation of stressed cash flow. The topic of factoring their accounts receivable came up and John said “Only companies about to go broke factor their accounts receivable!” Knowing the CPA profession as I do since I was a CPA earlier in my career, I knew John’s concern was cost. So I had to ask him why he felt that way. He did not disappoint me when he said “factoring is too expensive.” I then told him that I would not normally recommend factoring to any client unless it will make or save them money.

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Situations Where Factoring Would Make or Save Money

John then asked me “Tell us some situations where factoring would make or save money.” Knowing that he thought he had me now, I gave him the following examples:

• New companies with owner(s) who have verifiable experience within the industry.
• Companies with identifiable growth opportunities that have been constrained by an inability to attract adequate growth capital (cash).
• Companies with solid profit margins.
• Companies with credit worthy customers who pay invoices according to terms.
• Companies in nearly any service, transportation, manufacturing or distribution industry that meet the above points.
• Companies that have a comprehensive business plan with a strategy to achieve solid growth and profitability through sales to credit worthy customers.

Conclusion

Taken back a bit John still held his ground by saying “It is still to expensive and it will break a company!” Being more perplexed than ever, I told John “Let me explain in terms I think you will understand.”
Let’s say the oilfield service company sells their service for $50 and has a resulting profit of $5. Now let’s say they have an opportunity for more business but do not have the capital (cash) to take on the jobs. So, would you agree they will not make any profits? John reluctantly responded with “Yes”. Let’s say the company has access to the capital (cash) presently locked up in their accounts receivable. Now, they can take advantage of their opportunity in the following manner. They still sell their services for $50 and now have a $3.50 profit instead of a $5 profit. In other words, your client will make $3.50 with me or $0 without me.
Before John had a chance to comment, the business owner said “I like your deal. Factoring can make me money.” Finally, John agreed, and the meeting moved forward.
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