This can be quite a daunting and overwhelming task in itself. Selecting superior Logistics Finance solutions, however, can relieve the stress of the financial demands, which allows businesses to focus on business. However it is common knowledge that Business Leaders or entrepreneurs do not have the wherewithal to understand the best finance options with the most innovative solutions.
From small to medium to large enterprises the requirements could vary and therefore palpable that most times expert help is drawn to execute the requirements. In India one would turn to Banks, NBFCs, Financial Institutions, High net worth Individuals HNIs, Private Equity, Venture Capital Funds, Global Financial Institutions, Start-up funds etc.
In the current markets, banks can provide relatively low-cost capital to help finance a company’s growth. These options include operating leases, capital leases, and term loan purchase financing. Banks that operate equipment finance and commercial vehicle finance divisions can provide a full array of financing options, revolving credit facilities to fit the client’s needs.
(The attempt here is to put out a primer for awareness as to what options could the enterprise seek out for raising capital for their business growth)
Some of the Financial Products that could be leveraged by Logistics stakeholders are :
Hire Purchase Loans:- Spread the cost over time
Hire Purchase enables you to acquire an asset while paying for it in installments over an agreed timescale – the term. At the end of the term, you have the option to purchase the asset outright.
Far more flexible than a conventional loan, Hire Purchase lets you spread the cost of your investment over the life of the asset, making it easier to budget. Hire Purchase is particularly suitable for acquiring vehicles.
Refinancing:- When you need a cash injection
Refinancing is a quick way to access the value of assets on your existing balance sheet and redeploy that value elsewhere within your business – for example, to fund a deposit on new equipment or unlock some working capital to ease cash flow
Invoice Discounting:
Invoice Discounting is an alternate finance solution for businesses to unleash the power of Invoices.
In essence, it means you can sell your invoice at a discount and use that money for the smooth functioning of your business operations.
Invoice discounting can help fund the Logistics & Transportation industry by freeing up cash sitting in unpaid invoices. The dependency on unpredictable and fluctuating factors makes it all the more necessary for organizations to have a strong cash flow system. Factors like increased competition, tighter margins, longer & delayed payment cycle, payment defaults only add on to the many challenges that one could face.
Working Capital Loans:
Overdraft Facility and Credit Line- Here the borrower only pays for the interest applicable to the amount that has been overdrawn. The rates are typically set between 1 and 2 percent above the prime rate of the bank.
Short term Loans- A short term loan comes with a fixed interest rate and payment period. The loan repayment period is typically 12 months. Among all types of working capital loans, this particular credit facility is usually secured.
Account Receivable Loans- Another way to secure working capital is by applying for loans that take into consideration the accounts receivable, or confirmed sales order value of your company. This type of debt is ideal if your company lacks funds to fulfill a sales contract or order
Trade Creditor- A loan that is provided by a present or potential supplier is called a trade creditor working capital loan.
Factoring- Cash advances are made basis the sale of future logistics company revenue (at a discount to the factoring company) in return for immediate financing.
Buyer’s credit (BC)
Buyer’s credit is a loan facility extended to an importer by a bank or financial institution to finance the purchase of capital goods or services and other big-ticket items. Buyer’s credit is a very useful mode of financing in international trade, since foreign buyers seldom pay cash for large purchases, while few exporters have the capacity to extend substantial amounts of long-term credit to their buyers
Letter of Credit (LC)
A letter of credit is a letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer’s payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount. In the event that the buyer is unable to make payment on the purchase, the bank will be required to cover the full or remaining amount of the purchase.
Bank Guarantee (BG)
A bank guarantee is a guarantee from a lending institution ensuring the liabilities of a debtor will be met. In other words, if the debtor fails to settle a debt, the bank covers it. A bank guarantee enables the customer, or debtor, to acquire goods, buy equipment or draw down loans, and thereby expand business activity
Packing Credit:
Packing credit is basically a loan provided to exporters or sellers to finance the goods’ procurement before shipment. The bank will make the funds available to a letter of credit issued favoring the seller and a confirmed order for selling the goods or services.
Warehouse Finance
Warehouse financing allows companies to borrow money using inventory as collateral, and often on better, more flexible terms than other forms of short-term financing. In many cases, borrowers can keep the collateral inventory in their existing warehouses, and the lenders often require them to separate the collateral inventory from the rest of the inventory with a fence and signage
Warehouse receipt Finance:
It is sometimes called “inventory credit”. It allows clients, such as farmers, traders, processors and others, to deposit commodities in a secure warehouse against a receipt certifying the deposit of goods of a particular quantity, quality and grade
The above listed loans may not be an exhaustive list and will have many variants and customised options available. The Rate of Interest ROI will vary depending on the Interest rate regime, clients credit risk and repayment ability and also the institution that is lending. Credit ratings from bureau are also referred to whilst sanctioning loans.
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