WELCOME !

Thanks for dropping in for some hopefully great business info and on occasion some hopefully not too sarcastic comments on the state of Business Financing in Canada and what we are doing about it !

In 2004 I founded 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL. At that time I had spent all my working life, at that time - Over 30 years in Commercial credit and lending and Canadian business financing. I believe the commercial lending landscape has drastically changed in Canada. I believe a void exists for business owners and finance managers for companies, large and small who want service, creativity, and alternatives.

Every day we strive to consistently deliver business financing that you feel meets the needs of your business. If you believe as we do that financing solutions and alternatives exist for your firm we want to talk to you. Our purpose is simple: we want to deliver the best business finance solutions for your company.



Showing posts with label P O FINANCE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label P O FINANCE. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Purchase Order Financing In Canada











THE PURCHASE ORDER FINANCE SOLUTION :



Purchase Order financing, as well as inventory financing, is two relatively new alternative financing solutions in the Canadian business environment. These two solutions provide additional flexibility when combined with traditional financing sources provided by your Canadian chartered bank or independent finance firm. Think of P O Financing as a short term finance options, allowing you to access capital to pay vendors and suppliers when you have a verifiable purchase order or contract.


WHAT IS PURCHASE ORDER FINANCING




It's a unique source of capital without giving up  equity. In P O Finance its all about the transaction specifically, providing you with the liquidity to grow your company without taking on additional debt. New clients at 7 Park Avenue Financial have quickly found that their current banking and funding arrangements formula are well beyond what they need in immediate financing. Let’s dig in.



P O Financing works very well in work-out situations, where the borrower’s existing bank/s do not want to finance all the purchase of the inventory as it goes beyond the borrowing formula set by the bank.



Traditional business and bank lending in Canada typically is unable to meet the SME need for financing of large purchase orders and contracts, and most clients we meet can't satisfy the bank requirements of collateral, strong financial statements, external guarantees, etc. Industry experts say that a significant percentage of all businesses requiring SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE solutions are constantly worrying about their cash flow, let alone the cash flowing of large new orders. Enter the P O FINANCE solution.


Who Uses Purchase Order Lending Facilities?


Growing and smaller and medium-sized businesses that have access to revenues otherwise not financeable utilize PO Finance - Your firm might not be able to generate the cash flow investment in a/r and inventory that comes with larger orders and contracts. The types of firms that use P O FINANCE are manufacturers, and distributors, as well as those firms that have an import/export business model. Typical clients looking for this type of creative financing have large bulges in incoming orders or some seasonality attached to their business.


Traditional business financing in the context of working capital and cash flow revolves of course around the traditional current assets of receivable and inventory. Even if your firm is well-financed and has a traditional bank line of operating credit you may have challenges in fulfilling large orders and contracts. This challenge becomes equally daunting when you don’t have traditional financing, so the ability to generate cash to fulfill larger orders and contracts becomes seemingly impossible. Utilizing P O Finance allows you to take on larger orders without the commitment of a debt financing/loan solution.


Purchase order financing/purchase order loans can provide you with the capital to fill those large orders and contracts, and, if properly put in place; can be very complimentary to your current financing.


As we have noted the concept of purchase order financing, aka ‘P.O. Financing ‘is a relatively speaking, new phenomenon in Canada.


HOW DOES P O FINANCING WORK?




So how do P O Loans work? Simply speaking financing is put in place to cover your material costs and direct labour costs, which are of course a significant part of your order or contract. We can safely say in many businesses that is 60-70% of the total order or contract based on most gross margins in any industry.

The purchase order funding process begins on your acceptance of an order from a verifiable customer. In the majority of these cases, clients of 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL require financing because our client's supplier requires payment in advance. The working capital cycle has now kicked in! Most clients know that full payment from their client won't be received for probably another 60-90  days. Business owners of course do not want to lose the order and are typically unable to obtain Canadian chartered bank financing based on whatever their current financial position is.

The verified purchase order represents opportunity and value though - it simply requires accelerated funding. So in the P O FINANCE process your supplier is paid either by direct cash or in some cases a letter of credit with conditions related to your purchase order re-delivery, amount, pricing, etc. Key to P O Finance approval is your ability to present your company and management experience. It's safe to say the complexity of this type of financing is why it is more costly - there are a number of moving parts: timeline around the order and delivery, credit risk, etc.




Purchase order lenders distinguish themselves by being experts in the area of alternative finance. They have the expertise and ability to look at the entire order cycle, including the creditworthiness and legitimacy of your supplier/suppliers.

What Does The P O FINANCE Company Look For In Your Transaction? Applying For Purchase Order Financing



As we have mentioned P O FINANCE is a more expensive form of financing so your firm must be able to sustain the gross profit margins that satisfy your profits and the financing cost in the transaction. You should be able to provide the following at the commencement of your purchase order finance financing request:

Supplier Invoicing

Your firm's sample invoice to the customer

General business information such as financials, legal name of your company, etc



Your firm, therefore, now has the working capital to finance your production and fund purchase orders. What’s left of course is essentially the profit on your P.O. or contract.


While it sounds relatively simple and easy we would point out some key critical issues that will allow the Canadian business owner and financial manager to determine if his or her firm qualifies for such financing. We can first of all say there has to be sufficient proof that your purchase order or contract is with a valid, creditworthy party. Naturally, if there is any doubt that your order might not get paid, or that the customer is not creditworthy that precludes the successful completion of any purchase order financing.


You should also not view the purchase order financing as a long term financing solution, it is not that. The funds are generally repaid immediately when you have completed your order/contract.

PURCHASE ORDER FINANCING VS. FACTORING


There are also some technical issues that need to be addressed if you have secured financing arrangements in place already. For example, if your firm has a bank line of credit they would be required to acknowledge the security that is taken in the Purchase order and resulting receivables that you create out of that order.


In our own experience Purchase order financing frankly works best when there is not a secured lender in place already, but that’s just our firm’s observation. Additionally, on occasion, certain other collateral or personal guarantees might be required. We would hasten to add that if you have already provided guarantees to the bank or other firms it would seem logical that you would provide them on the purchase order financing, which is somewhat of a riskier transaction for the lender.

Most clients at 7 Park Avenue Financial realize that purchase order finance companies are really providing a one-stop funding that takes you all the way from the order to the collection of the receivable. Note that P O loans that allow you to fund purchase orders is often very well received by suppliers who know they are going to be paid. Also government purchase order financing is also available.


Another very critical point is the whole issue of gross margin. The issues are that you need good gross margins to complete purchase order financing! A firm that is in low margin very commodity-oriented business is not a strong candidate for P.O. Financing, because the combination of cost of goods, labour, overhead costs, and financing costs of the financing leaves very little for the business owner. So categorically good gross margins make a much better P.O. Financing deal. Costs in P O FINANCE tend to be different for each transaction based on a number of factors including the cost of capital, time to complete the order, etc. International purchase order financing may also bring new complexities to your transaction regarding sovereign risk.

So for the business owner and financial manager looking at purchase order financing lenders it is important to weigh the costs and benefits of your transaction. In many cases larger P O 's and contracts are a key part of company growth plans so they are prepared to forgo some profit to achieve sales goals. In many cases traditional financing simply can't react quickly enough to satisfy the timelines of your order. So alternative finance solutions such as P O Finance, Inventory Financing and A/R financing solve your financing need.. quickly.


So why has this type of financing become popular – that’s fairly easy to understand. First of all the current Canadian business financing environment is challenging – therefore any alternative financing vehicle has a strong chance of being embraced and becoming more popular. After that it simply makes sense that p.o. financing can be very successful for your firm if it gives your company working capital you didn’t have, , it allows you to grow and profit at greater levels, and overall improves your competitive positioning within your industry.


We strongly recommend that if you consider Purchase order financing that you enlist the services of a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian Business Financing Advisor with a track record of business finance success who can assist in maximizing your cash flow and working capital with this unique innovative type of financing.






7 Park Avenue Financial :

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !




7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



Business financing for Canadian firms, specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing, Equipment Leasing, franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance. Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations.


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.


Stan has over 40 years of business and financing experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in-depth, hands-on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.







7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020




















Purchase Order Financing In Canada





Thursday, December 26, 2019

How Does Purchase Order Financing Work vs Traditional Financing : Finance Your Orders & Inventory









Information on Purchase Order Financing & Inventory Finance Companies





Purchase order financing is a relatively new addition to the Canadian business landscape . When utilized successfully it allows companies to take advantage of major opportunities that might otherwise not be possible .

Typically purchase order financing is most relevant to companies that are unable to obtain capital either in the amount required or at favorable rates . The financing is especially suited for firms such as importers, distributors, and manufacturers.

Other forms of financing highlight a clients historical financial results . P O finance looks to the future, without the collateral need that the former results require.

How does the financing work ? In essence the purchase order financier purchases the materials required by the client for their order or contract . Many transactions are time sensitive for the client , and the type and amount of financing required do not lend themselves to traditional lending time frames re due diligence required , etc . In essence the client is using the lenders capital to finance future growth .


A simple breakdown of the transaction flow on a purchase order/contract financing is as follows :


* Company obtains a large contract or purchase order
* Payment is made by lender to the supplier directly
* Suppliers ships goods/product
* End user customer acknowledges receipt
* Company's receivable lender ( usually a bank or factor firm ) pays purchase order finance firm



It is important to note that purchase order financing usually focuses specifically on the order or contract . The client requires an additional credit facility in place in order to retire the receivable and payback the purchase order financier .

Our experience is that a purchase order finance firm is looking for a longer term relationship, this is not a one shot deal business .

In the current banking and lending environment, with more increased focus on risk, it has been very difficult for firms to get traditional bank type financing for large new orders and contracts . Most firms quickly realize that banks prefer more stable predictable growth, and large new contracts or orders are challenging to financing when they significantly increase a banks exposure . Needless to say that foreign aspects of many purchase order transactions only exacerbate that issue - i.e. how does a supplier in China get paid, or even ' vetted '.

Our experience is that purchase order/contract financing only works when the client has solid gross margins that can handle the additional financing expense .

Customers looking to finance purchase orders and contracts need to focus on solid partnerships with firms that have capital, experience, and relative ease of doing business re paper flow, documentation, etc . The proper mix of those attributes will foster a solid business relationship that is mutually profitable for all within the unique purchase order financing realm .


Hand in hand with P O financing we at 7 Park Avenue Financial find that more and more Canadian firms require inventory financing as a component of their business and sales growth . Inventory financing in Canada is relatively under utilized and most business owners don't understand how it works . This new form of financing is growing .

Inventory growth needs put financial pressure on the balance sheet as vendors and suppliers continue to dictate payment terms in order to meet their own business and profit goals . As more financial managers know the ability to turn inventory over as many times as possible is a significant operating measure for any firm .

A company computes its inventory turns by simply dividing the ' Cost of Goods Sold' by the amount of ending inventory and ending up with a turnover rate . The rate of inventory turns is never an absolute number , as different industries have different acceptable inventory turns . Also, we should note that there are sometimes different inventory components - i.e. raw materials, work in process, and of course the final finished goods .

Many Canadian, ( and U.S.!) firms moved significant purchases to China in the last number of years , As China has changed its banking policy, and has also been a victim of the world liquidity crisis , more and more Chinese manufacturers are not willing to carry accounts receivable in the manner they did several years ago .

The crux of the inventory problem issue for any firm is the inability of the company to convert orders into sales simply because they don't have the inventory to satisfy their customers . Without orders the firm has no financeable asset . Day to day cash flow rarely is enough to generate significant additional inventory purchases.

The ability of a inventory finance firm to finance required inventory in turn allows a firm to generate receivables which are converted in true working capital .

An inventory finance firm will evaluate the company's overall prospects , its management, inventory controls, etc and determine what per cent of the companies inventory can be financed . To take the matter further a lender might, on occasion, require the inventory to be inspected at regular intervals, or in extreme cases, held in a separate location under the control of the lender . The inventory lender is looking for an acceptable business model which is replicable . Generally speaking inventory financing is never done on a ' one shot deal ' basis.

The risk in this type of financing is reflecting in the pricing . Normally the only other way a company could attract capital to generate high inventory levels is to issue additional equity . This is categorically more expensive than debt, or in this case the inventory financing cost .

They types of companies that require inventory financing are usually in the following categories :

1. Growing importers who sell wholesale in North America

2. Importers who sell to consumers

3. Intermediaries who purchase product and ' flip ' the inventory to someone else

4. Manufacturing firms with fast turnaround business cycles


They also have good gross margins which can withstand the more expensive cost of this type of financing .

In summary , inventory financing is a growing component of business financing . It works well in certain industries . Most firms who require inventory financing are either start ups, or those who cannot get traditional bank financing . ( In our experiences banks can rarely, if ever, meet a company's inventory margining requirements .

If you are looking for purchase order finance solutions seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of business finance success.



7 Park Acvenue Financial:

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.



Sunday, November 3, 2019

The Most Important Purchase Order Financing Success Factors















A Little Known Way to Finance Sales - P.O. Finance !






Purchase order financing is a relatively new addition to the Canadian business landscape . When utilized successfully it allows companies to take advantage of major opportunities that might otherwise not be possible .

Typically purchase order financing is most relevant to companies that are unable to obtain capital either in the amount required or at favorable rates . The financing is especially suited for firms such as importers, distributors, and manufacturers.

Other forms of financing highlight a clients historical financial results . Purchase order financing looks to the future, without the collateral need that the former results require.

How does the financing work ? In essence the purchase order financier purchases the materials required by the client for their order or contract . Many transactions are time sensitive for the client , and the type and amount of financing required do not lend themselves to traditional lending time frames re due diligence required , etc . In essence the client is using the lenders capital to finance future growth .



Purchase Order Financing Terms



A simple breakdown of the transaction flow on a purchase order/contract financing is as follows :

* Company obtains a large contract or purchase order
* Payment is made by lender to the supplier directly
* Suppliers ships goods/product
* End user customer acknowledges receipt
* Company's receivable lender ( usually a bank or factor firm ) pays purchase order finance firm

It is important to note that purchase order financing usually focuses specifically on the order or contract . The client requires an additional credit facility in place in order to retire the receivable and payback the purchase order financier .

Our experience is that a purchase order finance firm is looking for a longer term relationship, this is not a one shot deal business .

In the current banking and lending environment, with more increased focus on risk, it has been very difficult for firms to get traditional bank type financing for large new orders and contracts . Most firms quickly realize that banks prefer more stable predictable growth, and large new contracts or orders are challenging to financing when they significantly increase a banks exposure . Needless to say that foreign aspects of many purchase order transactions only exacerbate that issue - i.e. how does a supplier in China get paid, or even ' vetted '.

Our experience is that purchase order/contract financing only works when the client has solid gross margins that can handle the additional financing expense .

Customers looking to finance purchase orders and contracts need to focus on solid partnerships with firms that have capital, experience, and relative ease of doing business re paper flow, documentation, etc . The proper mix of those attributes will foster a solid business relationship that is mutually profitable for all within the unique purchase order financing realm .

Purchase Order Financing Lenders :


If you're looking for the right firm to finance your purchase orders and contracts seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian Business Financing expert with a track record of success .




7 Park Avenue Financial :

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !




7 Park Avenue Financial provides value added financing consultation for small and medium sized businesses in the area of cash flow , working capital , and debt financing .



Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.




Sunday, March 3, 2013

7 Park Avenue Financial - Canadian Business Financing Blog Stats













Our blog has surpassed 360,000 page views - Next goal = 400,000 !

Thanks to the Canadian business people and other readers and interested parties that make this possible !



CLICK ON THE PIC TO SEE DATA




7 Park Avenue Financial provides the financing you need for working capital, cash flow and business loan needs. Our reputation is based on 16+ years of trust and Canadian business financing expertise. All major Canadian banks have referred and continue to refer transactions to our firm for business finance solutions.

We strive to provide flexible alternative finance as well as traditional finance solutions to companies that are growing or experiencing cash flow challenges. We are experts in alternative finance solutions.

We focus on financing solutions that are available in the least amount of time possible and strive to provide the finance solution most applicable to your firm's needs. That might be acquisitions, growth, or restructuring and refinancing needs.

Our solutions include asset based credit facilities, purchase order financing, accounts receivable and factoring solutions, term loans, equipment leasing, and franchise finance as well as tax credit loans.

Referral sources for 7 Park Avenue Financial solutions come from bankers, consultants and advisors, brokers, accountants, law firms, and of course our clients!


Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial









7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020







Sunday, December 26, 2010

Guess Who’s financing inventory and using purchase order Finance ( P O finance) ? Only Your Competitors – that’s who !

It's time. We're talking about purchase order finance in Canada, how P O finance works, and how financing inventory and contracts under those purchase orders really works in Canada. And yes, as we said, its time... to get creative with your financing challenges, and we'll demonstrate how.

And as a starter, being second never really counts, so Canadian business needs to be aware that your competitors are utilizing creative financing and inventory options for the growth and sales and profits, so why shouldn’t your firm?

Canadian business owners and financial managers know that you can have all the new orders and contracts in the world, but if you can’t finance them properly then you're generally fighting a losing battle to your competitors.

The reason purchase order financing is rising in popularity generally stems from the fact that traditional financing via Canadian banks for inventory and purchase orders is exceptionally, in our opinion, difficult to finance. Where the banks say no is where purchase order financing begins!

It's important for us to clarify to clients that P O finance is a general concept that might in fact include the financing of the order or contract, the inventory that might be required to fulfill the contract, and the receivable that is generated out of that sale. So it’s clearly an all encompassing strategy.

The additional beauty of P O finance is simply that it gets creative, unlike many traditional types of financing that are routine and formulaic.

It’s all about sitting down with your P O financing partner and discussing how unique your particular needs are. Typically when we sit down with clients this type of financing revolves around the requirements of the supplier, as well as your firm’s customer, and how both of these requirements can be met with timelines and financial guidelines that make sense for all parties.

The key elements of a successful P O finance transaction are a solid non cancelable order, a qualified customer from a credit worth perspective, and specific identification around who pays who and when . It's as simple as that.

So how does all this work, asks our clients .Lets keep it simple so we can clearly demonstrate the power of this type of financing. Your firm receives an order. The P O financing firm pays your supplier via a cash or letter of credit - with your firm then receiving the goods and fulfilling the order and contract. The P O finance firm takes title to the rights in the purchase order, the inventory they have purchased on your behalf, and the receivable that is generated out of the sale. It's as simple as that. When you customer pays per the terms of your contract with them the transaction is closed and the purchase order finance firm is paid in full, less their financing charge which is typically in the 2.5-3% per month range in Canada .

In certain cases financing inventory can be arranged purely on a separate basis, but as we have noted, the total sale cycle often relies on the order, the inventory and the receivable being collateralized to make this financing work.

Speak to a credible, trusted and experienced Canadian business financing advisor as to how this type of financing can benefit your firm.

--
Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/p_o_purchase_order_finance_financing_inventory.html

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Purchase Order Financing Tips and Secrets for Canadian Firms Seeking Trade Finance

Your worst business nightmare just occurred. You got the order/contract! Now what?!

Purchase order financing is a great tool for firms that have unusual purchase order and contract sales financing needs but are potentially unable to access traditional financing via banks or their own capital resources within their firm. How does trade finance P O financing work, does your firm qualify, what are the costs, and how does it work? Great questions, now let’s explore some answers!

Typically Canadian firms looking for this type of financing are distributors, manufacturers, or perhaps wholesalers. A variety of industries in Canada have access to this type of financing, but those certainly tend to be the typical firms needing assistance.

Your need for purchase order financing arises out of what we call the classic working capital gap. What do we mean by that? It’s a case of your suppliers requiring payment either up front or within 30 days, with your firm unable to generate those funds for payment and therefore unable to fill large purchase order and contracts in your favor . Your supplier is asking your for payment in advance or 30 days, and you wont receive payment for at least 60-90 days, perhaps more depending on your build cycle, etc.
Naturally you don’t want to turn down orders or lose competitive market position.

The obvious solution for low cost large amounts of funds are Canadian chartered banks, but our observation is that many firms simply cant satisfy the banks requirements for this type of financing to occur. If your firm is growing, profitable, has a clean balance sheet and strong historical cash flows and history you of course have a solid chance of meeting bank requirements, however that typically is not the case, certainly in the amount of clients we talk to who are looking for alternatives to their growth challenge !


When you access p o financing you can have comfort that your suppliers will be paid, and at the same time you generally have access to all the funds you need. Typical purchase order financing applications take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to complete and involve basic financial due diligence on your firms ability to fulfill the order, who your customer is (they must be credit worthy), and your proper supplier sources must be identified and vetted. It’s as simple as that.

So what are the basic pre requisites for a solid P.O. Financing deal? Naturally your company must be in possession of a contract or order that is not cancelable by your client. The P O finance firm arranges to pay your suppliers directly, that alleviates all you cash flow and working capital concerns. The transaction is completed when you ship the goods and your receivables are generated on the sale. It is at this time the purchase order finance firm expects to be paid, and this is traditionally handled by your firms monetizing of its receivable via a bank or factoring facility. Factoring facilities are great partners to the P O financing strategy, because use of them guarantees payment to your P O firm.

Let’s cover off a couple tips and secrets around the cost of purchase order financing – It generally is in the 2-3% per month range in Canada, and that means you have to have solid gross profit margins in order to be able to sustain the finance charges. But let’s be honest, let’s say your firm has been doing 750k of revenue for the last couple years and you finally get the large order from a major customer for 1 Million dollars. Wouldn’t you give up 2-3 % of your profit margin in order to make one sale which is the equivalent of your entire year’s business? We think you should positively consider that! Clearly the higher cost of this type of financing covers off the complexity and risk that the P O finance firm takes in paying for goods , waiting to get paid, and having the belief that your firm will fulfill the contract order .

It has been our observation with certain clients that your successful completion of a purchase order finance deal typically significantly enhances your relationship with your major suppliers and of course customers, that’s a secret benefit that is intangible but invaluable at the same time.

Is P O financing for everyone. Maybe not. Could it be possibly the solution to major working capital needs if your business is growing and can’t be financed traditionally – we certainly think so? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced purchase order finance expert to explore your options.
--
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/purchase_order_financing_trade_finance.html