There is nothing complex about factoring. It is simply a unique package of services designed to ease the traditional problems of selling on open account. Typical services include investigating the creditworthiness of buyers, assuming credit risk and giving 100% protection against write-offs, collection and management of receivables and provision of finance through immediate cash advances against outstanding receivables.
When export factoring is carried out by members of FCI, the service involves a five or six stage operation.
- The exporter signs a factoring contract assigning all agreed receivables to an export factor. The factor then becomes responsible for all aspects of the factoring operation.
- The export factor chooses an FCI correspondent to serve as an import factor in the country where goods are to be shipped. The receivables are then reassigned to the import factor.
- At the same time, the import factor investigates the credit standing of the buyer of the exporter's goods and establishes lines of credit. This allows the buyer to place an order on open account terms without opening letters of credit.
- Once the goods have been shipped, the export factor may advance up to 80% of the invoice value to the exporter.
- Once the sale has taken place, the import factor collects the full invoice value at maturity and is responsible for the swift transmission of funds to the export factor who then pays the exporter the outstanding balance.
- If after 90 days past due date an approved invoice remains unpaid, the import factor will pay 100% of the invoice value under guarantee.
Not only is each stage designed to ensure risk-free export sales, it lets the exporter offer more attractive terms to overseas customers. Both the exporter and the customer also benefit by spending less time and money on administration and documentation.
In all cases, exporters are assured of the best deal in each country. This is because export factors never appoint an import factor solely because the company is a fellow member of FCI. Import factors are invited to compete for business and those with superior services are selected.
In some situations, FCI members handle their client's business without involving another factor. This is becoming more common in the European Union where national boundaries are disappearing. However FCI members conduct their business, one thing remains certain. Their aim is to make selling in the complex world of international trade as easy for clients as dealing with local customers.
