The Key Differences between Undisclosed and Disclosed Invoice Discounting Facilities

Not many are familiar with the differences between these two invoice discounting products. But in today's article, we aim to explain the critical differences between them so you know which would suit your business's needs best when looking for a cashflow solution.

Invoice discounting is a financial practice where businesses utilise their unpaid invoices to secure immediate working capital from a financing provider. By entering into an agreement, businesses receive a percentage of the invoice value as an advance, aiding cash flow needs. Unlike invoice factoring, the business maintains control over its collections process and customer interactions. As customers settle their invoices, the collected funds are used to repay the advance, with fees and interest deducted by the financing provider. This discrete form of financing is especially beneficial for businesses seeking to bolster their liquidity while retaining autonomy over customer relationships.

Now that we’ve revised what invoice discounting entails let’s chat about the two variations…

Also known as “confidential invoice discounting”, the customers of the business are not informed about the financing provider's involvement. From the customers' perspective, they continue to interact solely with the business as they normally would for payments. The business handles the collections process without revealing that it has used its invoices to obtain financing.

Now here, the customers of the business are aware of the financing provider's involvement in the transaction. This means that the customers are informed that the business has used its outstanding invoices to secure financing from a third-party provider. The financing provider's name and contact information might be included on the invoice or in communications related to payment.

Now here are a few advantages when using disclosed discounting:

Openly partnering with a financing provider enhances the business's credibility by showcasing its commitment to financial stability and growth.

With disclosed discounting, the financing provider might offer additional services or support, such as credit analysis, which can aid the business in making informed credit decisions.

Disclosing the financing arrangement to customers establishes transparency, which can strengthen customer trust and communication. Customers are aware that the business is taking steps to manage its cash flow efficiently.

Since customers are aware of the financing arrangement, there's less potential for confusion or misunderstandings about payment instructions and terms.

At the end of the day, it comes down to each business to decide on which one of the two they prefer when applying for invoice discounting. We at DiscountDesk often prefer disclosed as the benefits for us as the financier, the business and the customer outweigh those from undisclosed.

Visit DiscountDesk for more information.