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supply-chain-finance-vs-factoring
November 8, 2023
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7
min read
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Written by: 
Nikolaus Hilgenfeldt
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Category:
Finance

Supply Chain Finance vs Factoring - What’s the Difference?

In today's world, well-managed finances are everything, particularly cash in economic turmoil.

So, fast access to cash is necessary these days.

However, there are several ways to handle a steady income infusion, including Supply Chain Financing and Factoring.

Their popularity demonstrates that the Total Turnover value in the Factoring Industry of the EU in 2022 was 2.4 million euros, up from 2 million euros in 2021.

This implies an increase of 20% in one calendar year.

To grasp the reasons behind the popularity of these financing methods, this article will explore both of them.

Let’s start!

1. What Is Supply Chain Finance and How Does It Work?

Supply Chain Finance is a business tool that reduces costs and improves business efficiency. It is a set of funding financial methods that optimize cash flow.

Between Buyer and Supplier exists a 3rd party or Financier to pay the Invoices earlier than stated as due date.

It is quite like Invoice Factoring, and yet there are differences.

supply-chain-finance

Supply Chain Finance is not a loan or a debt. It is a useful tool for freeing up cash including the Financier. 

Large institutions and corporations favor this approach for rapid cash influx, while small and medium-sized businesses also prefer Supply Chain Finance due to its speedy performance.

2. What is Factoring and how does it work?

Another option for businesses is Factoring, which functions like a business loan.

With this type of financing, you give your unpaid invoices to a third party through Factoring.

This involves collecting money from clients through the mediation of a Factoring company, often known as a Factor (which charges for its services).

So, let’s briefly review what are the Factoring company's roles:

✅ notifies your customers about the transaction

✅ gives instruction about the payment method

✅ provides immediate access to cash after invoicing, without waiting 30-90 days

Additionally to the above listed, you can receive up to 70-90% of invoice value.

invoice-factoring-how-it-works

Factoring is a helpful instrument that is becoming increasingly popular as a global source of outside funding.

For instance, we are witnessing an increase of +18,3% in 2022, compared to 2021 Total volume in the Factoring industry.

Furthermore, in the EU, the Factoring industry represents 12,3% of Europe's GDP in 2022.

Because of the above-mentioned benefits, Factoring is good for corporations of all sizes.

3. What is the Difference Between Supply Chain Finance and Factoring?

Both of those above-mentioned financial methods manage Finances.

The main difference between Supply Chain Finance and Factoring is Assets.

difference-between-supply-chain-finance-and-factoring

Supply Chain Financing vs Factoring Crucial Difference #1 – Type of Financing

  • While Supply Chain Finance is not asset-based, Factoring is.
  • Moreover, in Supply Chain Finance the Buyer controls the process. In other words, the Buyer initializes the funding process.
  • While in Factoring, the Supplier is in charge of control.
  • That means, the Supplier initializes the whole process and takes care of his Credit rating.

Supply Chain Financing vs Factoring Crucial Difference #2 – Confidentiality Process

  • Supply Chain Finance is not a Confidential process. The process includes all parties in each step.
  • But, Factoring could be a Confidential process, and the Buyer may never be aware of it.

Supply Chain Financing vs Factoring Crucial Difference #3 – Financing Purpose

  • Invoice Factoring is a flexible financial tool that helps companies with cash flow problems and payment delays.
  • Supply Chain Financing functions best when the Buyer's credit rating is higher than the Seller's.
  • Yet, both have the power to improve cash inflow, which is crucial for the existence and further development of the Company.
  • Further, this leads us to the high importance of evaluating them to choose which finance option would improve your Business the most.

In the Table below, there are more differences between Supply Chain Finance and Factoring.

crucial-differences


4. Supply Chain Finance vs Factoring: Which One Should You Choose?

Like any other business tool, Supply Chain Finance and Factoring have advantages and disadvantages.

So let’s check them out!

4.1. Supply Chain Finance pros and cons:

In Supply Chain Finance there is a faster and easier path for working capital

Large Supplying Companies prefer this kind of business cooperation with Buyers, due to receiving cash in advance, for a small fee.

And yet, Small and medium-sized Companies like this, because of the inexpensive kind of short-term credit. Plus, the risk of debt is minimal.

Supply Chain Finance Pros & Cons

Fast & secure way for collecting cash.

✅ Invoices are paid promptly, avoiding debt or penalties.

✅ Offers greater flexibility to the company.

✅ Can improve the supplier's balance sheet.

🔴 Typically, a fee is charged by the third party.

🔴 The third party may require control over all receivables, reducing flexibility.

🔴 Companies may have limited control over the entire process.

4.2. Factoring Pros and Cons in Business

Likewise, Factoring also obtains pros as well as the Supply Chain Finance tool. 

Factoring with upfront payment improves a good Balance Sheet.

This leads us to the fact that a strong Balance Sheet provides every company with more flexibility.

Factoring Pros & Cons

✅ Allows the supplier to maintain control throughout the entire process.

✅ Suppliers can choose which invoices to include in the process.

✅ Effective in managing fluctuations in seasonal sales.

✅ Does not require collateral for financing.

✅ Provides fast access to capital for the supplier.

🔴 Associated with higher risk due to the above-mentioned factors.

🔴 Advance payment often incurs higher fees.

🔴 Certain factors may impose hidden costs, potentially reducing profit margins.

🔴 Suppliers bear the responsibility of assessing the customer's creditworthiness, which can be expensive.

Conclusion

These days, with business changing, it's very important to collect money

Nonetheless, adaptability and flexibility are essential survival skills for everyone. To do those targets, Factoring and Supply Chain Financing proved to be a good choice.

However, when you opt between these two types of financing, businesses still need to deliberate about what will be useful for them.

And, as we can see above, both Supply Chain Finance, as well as Factoring have their drawbacks and advantages as well.

Selection between two of these methods depends on individual needs and preferences including risk related to each industry.

What You Can Do About It?

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With Myos, you can grow without stressing about cash flow issues or running out of money since we provide you with the operating capital you need.

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👍 Myos does not operate as an intermediary for you, your vendors, and your clients. By doing this, you keep your connections with them and your competitive advantage intact.

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✅ It has been selling products for at least 50 days.

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