Single Invoice Discounting, Invoice Finance

Single Invoice Discounting can release up to 100% of the invoice value – less the Single Invoice Discounting Company fee – on the day the client company raises its invoice. This provides the company with vital cash just when they need it most at the end of the sales cycle. The company can then carry on with new sales without waiting for payment, secure in the knowledge that the invoice will be settled.

The typical Single Invoice Discounting facility operates in a distinctive niche market. Typically the Single Invoice Discounting Company offers Single Invoice Discounting for a single fee without any ongoing commitment to continue using their Single Invoice Discounting services. Currently unique in the UK Financial Services sector, Single Invoice Discounting is a solution that all companies from start ups to multinationals, and including specialists and professionals working for themselves in a self-employed capacity, can tailor to suit their own business finance needs.

Single Invoice Discounting is different to Factoring in that the Single Invoice Discounter does not come between the client company and their customers, nor chase any debt on their behalf. The client company remains in control of  its own accounts receivable and the goodwill relationships they have built with their customers.

The Single Invoice Discounting charging structure is simple. Single Invoice Discounters do not charge annual administration fees, nor do they have minimum monthly fees. Typically aside from a one-time account setup fee, Single Invoice Discounters charge one fee for one invoice.

The Single Invoice Discounter typical process flow:

Step 1: Agree terms with the Single Invoice Discounter
Step 2: Single Invoice Discounter opens Client Bank Account in name of ‘ABC Trading’
Step 3: ABC Trading adds Client Bank Account details to invoice
Step 4: Single Invoice Discounter confirms goods receipt with XYZ Supplies
Step 5: Single Invoice Discounter makes an initial payment to ABC Trading of up to 95% of invoice value
Step 6: ABC Trading retains goodwill relationship with XYZ Supplies and manages own receivable
Step 7: XYZ Supplies settles invoice to Client Bank Account
Step 8: Single Invoice Discounter settles balance of invoice to ABC Trading less fee.

Author: Tony Platts, Managing Director, First Factor Finance Limited, 03/03/2010