Invoice Discounting: Converting Receivables to Working Capital
Unlock the value of your unpaid invoices and improve business cash flow
What is Invoice Discounting?
Invoice discounting is a financial solution that allows businesses to unlock the cash tied up in their unpaid invoices before customers pay. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for payment, companies can receive an advance of up to 90% of the invoice value immediately, improving cash flow and working capital position.
This financing option is particularly valuable for businesses that experience significant gaps between delivering goods or services and receiving payment, which can create cash flow challenges that impact operations and growth opportunities.
Key Characteristics of Invoice Discounting
- Confidential Service: Customers are typically unaware that their invoices are being discounted
- Control Retained: Your business maintains control of sales ledger and collection processes
- Flexible Financing: Funding grows in line with your sales
- Quick Access: Funds typically available within 24-48 hours
- Short-Term Solution: Resolves immediate cash flow needs
Unlike traditional loans that create additional debt on your balance sheet, invoice discounting is a form of asset-based financing that leverages your existing receivables. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to manage cash flow without taking on conventional debt.
How Invoice Discounting Works
The process of invoice discounting is straightforward and designed to provide quick access to working capital. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how it typically works:
Invoice Issuance
Your business delivers goods or services to customers and issues invoices with standard payment terms.
Submit Invoices
You submit selected invoices to the financing provider (either individually or in batches).
Advance Payment
The provider advances a percentage (typically 70-90%) of the invoice value to your business account, often within 24-48 hours.
Customer Payment
Your business continues to manage the sales ledger and collects payment from customers as usual.
Settlement
Once the customer pays, you receive the remaining balance (10-30%) minus the financing provider's fees.
Key Benefits for Businesses
Invoice discounting offers numerous advantages that can transform how businesses manage their finances:
Improved Cash Flow
Convert sales invoices to immediate cash, closing the gap between sales and payment collection.
Supports Business Growth
Access to increased working capital allows you to accept larger orders and pursue growth opportunities.
Better Supplier Relationships
Pay suppliers promptly to negotiate better terms, early payment discounts, or priority service.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing
Unlike traditional loans, invoice discounting doesn't appear as debt on your balance sheet.
Client Confidentiality
Customers remain unaware that their invoices are being financed (unlike factoring).
Scalable Financing
Funding limits grow alongside your business as sales volume increases.
"Invoice discounting transformed our cash flow situation completely. Instead of waiting 60-90 days for payment from our corporate clients, we now have immediate access to those funds. This has enabled us to take on larger contracts and negotiate better terms with our suppliers."— Manufacturing Business Owner, Pune
Are You Eligible?
We have a straightforward eligibility process. Here's what we typically look for:
- Business Vintage: Minimum 2 years of operational history.
- Annual Turnover: At least ₹1 Crore (varies by provider).
- Invoice Quality: Invoices issued to creditworthy customers with good payment history.
- Industry Type: Most B2B businesses qualify, with some restrictions for certain industries.
- Documentation: Clean financial records and proper invoice documentation.
- Credit History: Reasonable credit score and good banking history.
Documents Required
- Business registration documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, etc.)
- GST registration certificate
- Business PAN card
- Address proof of business premises
- Bank account statements for the last 6-12 months
- Last 2 years' audited financial statements
- Income tax returns for the past 2 years
- GST returns for the last year
- Projected cash flow statements
- Aged debtor and creditor analysis
- Copies of invoices to be discounted
- Proof of delivery or service completion
- Customer contracts or purchase orders
- List of major customers with credit terms
- Customer contact information for verification (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions
The key difference is control and confidentiality. With invoice discounting, you maintain control of your sales ledger and customer relationships, with customers typically unaware their invoices have been financed. Factoring involves the finance provider taking control of your sales ledger and collecting payment directly from customers, making it visible to them that their invoices have been factored.
Invoice discounting typically involves two types of fees: a service fee (usually 0.5-2.5% of turnover) and a discount charge (similar to interest, typically 1.5-3% over base rate). The exact cost depends on factors like your business's size, invoice volume, customer creditworthiness, and industry sector.
Once your invoice discounting facility is set up, funds are typically available within 24-48 hours after submitting invoices. The initial setup process usually takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your business and the finance provider's processes.
Yes, with selective invoice discounting, you can choose specific invoices to discount based on your cash flow needs. Whole turnover discounting, on the other hand, requires all eligible invoices to be processed through the facility.
This depends on whether your agreement includes recourse or non-recourse terms. With recourse invoice discounting (most common), you're ultimately responsible if your customer doesn't pay, and you may need to repay the advance. Non-recourse arrangements provide protection against customer insolvency or protracted default but come with higher fees.