Fashion factoring is a fast and effective way to convert outstanding invoices into immediate working capital. Instead of waiting up to 90 days for payment, you gain the liquidity needed to keep operations running smoothly – without unnecessary financial strain.
With the global fashion industry exceeding $1.7 trillion, managing liquidity is essential for designers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors. However, factoring isn’t just for businesses in distress. It’s a strategic financing solution that enables fashion brands to scale efficiently.
Are you worried about how factoring affects customer relationships? Most retailers recognize it as a standard financial practice. Many factoring companies also handle invoicing and collections, giving you more time to focus on design, production and sales.
Learn how Business Factors & Finance can help your fashion brand access quick, flexible funding and stay ahead in a competitive industry.
How Fashion Factoring Works
The Right Financing at the Right Time
Fashion factoring helps companies cover operational costs without delays. Unlike traditional loans, apparel factoring companies assess the creditworthiness of retailers and wholesalers, making funding accessible without adding debt to the business.
Here's how it works:
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Submit Your Invoices
Businesses in the factoring textile industry send unpaid invoices to a fashion factoring provider. These invoices represent completed orders awaiting payment from retailers or distributors.
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Verification and Credit Check
Apparel factoring companies will verify the invoices and review the credit strength of the buyers. Since approval depends on customer credit rather than the supplier’s, even brands with limited financial history can access clothing finance.
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Receive an Advance Payment
Once approved, the factoring company advances 65% to 85% of the invoice value. This funding helps businesses pay suppliers, cover production costs and secure apparel PO financing for future orders.
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Final Payment & Fee Deduction
After the retailer pays the invoice, the factoring company releases the remaining balance minus fees. This process allows brands to reinvest quickly and take on new opportunities without waiting for extended payment terms.
Costs and Fees
Fair Rates, Full Transparency—Nothing Hidden
Securing apparel PO financing is crucial for brands managing long payment cycles. Understanding the costs involved allows businesses to compare fashion factoring with other financing options and choose the best fit.
Below is a side-by-side comparison to help evaluate the differences:
How Factoring Fees Are Structured
Factoring agreements typically follow one of two pricing structures: a monthly fee model or a weekly fee model. The best option depends on how quickly your customers pay their invoices.
Example 1: Monthly Fee Model
A fashion wholesaler factors a $100,000 invoice with an 85% advance rate, receiving $85,000 upfront, while $15,000 is held in reserve.
The factoring company charges a 3% monthly fee ($3,000) plus a one-time $200 due diligence fee. Fees are applied at the start of each month. If the retailer pays after five weeks, the total fee is $6,000. This makes shorter-term financing more costly.Example 2: Weekly Fee Model
A clothing manufacturer factors the same $100,000 invoice with an 85% advance rate. Instead of a flat monthly fee, the company pays 0.75% per week ($750).
The $15,000 reserve remains until the invoice is paid. If the retailer pays in five weeks, the total cost is $3,750—lower than the monthly model. If payment takes longer, weekly fees accumulate, increasing costs over time.Hidden Fees and How To Avoid Them
While fashion factoring offers a fast and flexible way to improve cash flow, not all agreements are created equal. Some factoring companies add hidden costs that can significantly impact your bottom line. Knowing these potential fees upfront can help you protect your profits and choose the right factoring partner.
Common hidden costs include:
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Monthly Minimums:
Some factoring firms require you to factor in a minimum dollar amount per month or face penalties.
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Processing and Admin Fees:
Additional charges for credit checks, invoice verification or wire transfers.
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Long-Term Contracts:
Some agreements lock businesses into long commitments with high early termination fees.
Practical Tips to Avoid Hidden Fees
To avoid hidden fees and maximize your funding, follow these best practices:
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Request a detailed fee breakdown:
Ask for a complete list of charges before signing.
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Compare multiple factoring companies:
Don’t settle for the first offer you receive.
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Negotiate terms upfront:
Some providers may be willing to lower specific fees.
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Monitor your invoices:
Stay informed about processing times and payouts.
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Work with a transparent factoring partner:
Choose a company with clear, upfront pricing and no surprises.
Why Your Business Needs Factoring
Turn Unpaid Invoices Into Immediate Growth
We know that long payment cycles and seasonal demand shifts can make it difficult for fashion and apparel businesses to maintain cash flow. Retailers often operate on net-30, net-60 or even net-90 terms, leaving designers, manufacturers and wholesalers waiting on payments. While production, payroll and material costs continue to rise.
With fashion factoring, you don’t have to wait. Instead of delaying growth or struggling with cash shortages, you can turn your unpaid invoices into fast working capital. This allows you to scale production, take on larger orders and focus on expanding your brand.
Industries that Benefit from Factoring
Turning Ambition into Opportunity
Delayed payments impact the entire fashion supply chain. From raw material suppliers to finished garment manufacturers, businesses across the industry depend on apparel PO finance to keep operations running.
Here’s how factoring apparel businesses helps companies across different sectors:
Clothing Manufacturing
Fabric Suppliers
Fashion Wholesalers
Footwear and Accessories
eCommerce and DTC Brands
Private Label and White-Label Apparel
Recourse vs. Non-Recourse Factoring
Your Growth, Your Terms—We Make It Possible
Both recourse and non-recourse factoring provide fast cash flow solutions, but they differ in terms of liability and cost. Selecting the right option depends on your business’s risk tolerance and client payment reliability.
Recourse Factoring
Non-Recourse Factoring
With recourse factoring, your business is responsible for unpaid invoices. If a retailer or distributor fails to pay, you must repurchase the invoice or replace it with another collectible one.
Benefits:
- Lower Factoring Fees: Since your business takes on the risk, fees are lower.
- Higher Advance Rates: You receive a larger upfront percentage of your invoice value.
- Easier Approval: Since the factoring company assumes less risk, approval is more straightforward.
Risks:
- If a retailer doesn’t pay, you must cover the loss or provide an alternate invoice.
- Your business remains responsible for customer creditworthiness.
- Multiple defaults can impact your financial stability.
With non-recourse factoring, the apparel factoring company assumes the risk. If a retailer defaults on payment due to insolvency or bankruptcy, the factoring company absorbs the loss.
Benefits:
- No Risk of Unpaid Invoices: You aren’t responsible if your customer fails to pay.
- Protects Against Retailer Insolvency: Fashion brands and manufacturers often work with large retailers facing financial instability. Non-recourse factoring eliminates this risk.
- Less Time Spent on Collections: The factoring company handles collections so that you can focus on production and sales.
Risks:
- Factoring fees may be higher to compensate for the added risk.
- Initial advance rates may be lower than recourse factoring.
- The factoring company may have strict credit requirements for your retailers.
Get Started with Fashion Factoring Today
With Business Factors & Finance, you can access immediate working capital to cover production costs, purchase inventory and take on larger retail orders.
Our factoring garment industry solutions allow you to scale your business without relying on loans or credit lines. Whether you’re a manufacturer, wholesaler, private label brand or distributor, we provide fast funding to keep your operations running smoothly.
Get the capital your business needs—without the wait.
FAQs
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What types of apparel businesses qualify for invoice factoring?
Fashion factoring is available to many businesses within the apparel, textile and garment industries. If your company sells to retailers, wholesalers or distributors on credit terms, you likely qualify for factoring.
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How quickly can my apparel business receive funding through factoring?
Once approved, your business can access funding within 24 to 72 hours after submitting invoices. For first-time clients, approval may take slightly longer, but once set up, factoring textile industry businesses allows for continuous, rapid funding whenever you need it.
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What percentage of my fashion invoices can I receive upfront?
The advance rate for fashion factoring typically ranges from 70% to 96% of the invoice value. The exact percentage depends on factors such as:
- Your customers' creditworthiness and payment history
- The size and frequency of your invoices
- The overall risk profile of your transactions
Once your customer pays the invoice in full, the remaining balance, minus a small factoring fee, is released. With apparel purchase order funding, you can access the working capital needed to keep your business running without waiting on long payment terms.