Non-Recourse Factoring
Non-recourse factoring protects businesses from customer non-payment risk by shifting liability to the factoring company. Learn how it works, its benefits, costs, and eligibility requirements.
Overview
Non-recourse factoring is a financing arrangement where businesses sell their unpaid invoices to a factoring company (factor) at a discount, receiving immediate cash. Unlike recourse factoring, the factor assumes the risk of non-payment if the customer becomes insolvent or bankrupt during the agreed period. This provides businesses with protection against bad debt while improving cash flow.
How Non-Recourse Factoring Works
- Invoice Submission: A business sells its unpaid invoices to a factoring company.
- Funding Advance: The factor pays the business an upfront "advance" (typically 80-90% of the invoice value).
- Collections Handling: The factor manages collections from the business’s customers.
- Final Payment: After the customer pays the invoice, the factor releases the remaining balance (minus fees) to the business.
Key Protection: If the customer fails to pay due to insolvency or bankruptcy, the factor absorbs the loss. The business is not required to repay the advanced funds.
Benefits of Non-Recourse Factoring
- Risk Mitigation: Shifts credit risk to the factor, protecting against losses from customer defaults.
- Cash Flow Stability: Provides immediate working capital without waiting for customer payments.
- Business Growth: Enables companies to fulfill larger orders, expand operations, or manage seasonal fluctuations.
- Simplified Operations: The factor handles collections, reducing administrative burdens.
- Access to Capital: Easier qualification compared to traditional loans, especially for startups or businesses with weaker credit histories.
Costs and Considerations
- Higher Fees: Non-recourse factoring typically costs 1-3% more than recourse factoring due to the increased risk borne by the factor.
- Lower Advance Rates: Businesses may receive slightly lower upfront funding percentages compared to recourse arrangements.
- Stricter Eligibility: Factors often require customers to have strong credit histories and payment records.
- Limited Coverage: Protection usually applies only to customer insolvency or bankruptcy, not disputes or late payments.
Eligibility Requirements
Business Types
- Companies selling goods/services to other businesses (B2B).
- Industries with reliable customer payments (e.g., freight, staffing, manufacturing).
- Businesses with stable cash flow and predictable invoicing.
Invoice Criteria
- Invoices must be for completed goods/services with clear repayment terms.
- Customers must have strong creditworthiness.
- Invoices should not be overdue or disputed.
Key Takeaways
- Risk Protection: Non-recourse factoring shields businesses from losses due to customer insolvency.
- Cost Tradeoff: Higher fees and lower advance rates are the tradeoff for reduced risk.
- Ideal Use Cases: Best for businesses with high-risk customers, startups, or those in volatile industries.
- Thorough Review: Carefully review contract terms to understand coverage limitations and exceptions.
Non-recourse factoring can be a strategic tool for managing cash flow and mitigating credit risk, but businesses should weigh its costs against their specific needs and customer reliability.