Purchase Order Financing

In the world of business, cash flow is king. But what happens when you receive a large purchase order and lack the necessary funds to fulfill it? This is where purchase order financing comes into play. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of purchase order financing, highlighting its benefits, risks, and considerations for small businesses. So, let’s dive in and demystify this valuable financial tool.

Introduction to Purchase Order Financing

Purchase order financing is a specialized funding solution that helps businesses fulfill customer orders when they lack the necessary capital. It is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs who face cash flow constraints but have potential for growth. By understanding the intricacies of purchase order financing, entrepreneurs can leverage it to unlock new opportunities and propel their businesses forward.

Purchase order financing is ideal for resellers and contract manufacturers who don’t have the necessary funds to fill large customer PO’s. A purchase order finance company funds or guarantees payment to your manufacturer or supplier so you can purchase necessary inventory of goods or supplies.

Benefits of Purchase Order Financing

Purchase order financing offers numerous benefits for small businesses, including:

• Improved cash flow: By receiving funds upfront, businesses can cover production costs and other expenses related to fulfilling the purchase order.
• Ability to fulfill large orders: Small businesses often struggle to fulfill large orders due to limited resources. Purchase order financing bridges this gap by providing the necessary funds to meet customer demands.
• Opportunities for growth: With access to immediate funding, businesses can take on larger and more lucrative orders, leading to accelerated growth and expansion.

Purchase order financing companies

Most PO finance companies will partner with an invoice factoring company to purchase your invoice upon the sale of goods to your customer. Sometimes, the PO finance company will handle both the PO financing and invoice factoring.

The process of purchase order financing can be broken down into several steps. First, a business receives a purchase order from a customer. Rather than struggling to secure funds to fulfill the order, the business can turn to a purchase order financing provider.

Due to its technical and risky nature, PO financing requires special expertise and a deep understanding of the risks involved with this unconventional type of financing. There are only a handful of companies that focus exclusively on PO financing. 

PO financing rates vary between 3% and 6% based on a variety of factors including the reliability of your suppliers; your industry background and experience; the credit-worthiness of your customers; and the length of time it takes to complete the order. Invoice factoring rates are typically 2-3%, making the total cost of PO financing and factoring somewhere in the range of 5% to 10%.

Qualifying for Purchase Order Financing

To qualify for purchase order financing, businesses typically need to meet certain criteria and requirements. These may include having a purchase order from a creditworthy customer, having a proven track record of successfully fulfilling orders, and providing necessary documentation to support the financing application. By understanding these qualifications, businesses can position themselves for a successful financing arrangement.

How PO financing works:

1. Submit your PO’s to the PO finance company (POFC).
2. The POFC guarantees payment to your supplier.
3. The finished goods are sold to your customer.
4. The factoring company buys your invoice; pays the POFC for supplier costs and POF fees; and holds the remainder as a reserve.
5. The POFC pays your supplier for the cost of goods.
6. When the invoice is due, your customer pays the factoring company.
7. The factoring company sends you the reserve, less factoring fees.