Post Shipment Finance

A Practical Guide for Exporters

 

If you’re exploring post shipment finance, you’re likely dealing with the cash flow gap that occurs after shipping goods internationally: needing immediate working capital while waiting for foreign buyers to pay, or seeking financing specifically for the period between shipment and payment receipt.

Post shipment finance addresses the critical period when goods have been shipped but payment hasn’t yet arrived. This guide explains what post shipment finance means, how it works, and shows how Trade Finance Solutions can address your underlying business challenges.

Cash Flow Gap After Shipping Goods

Need immediate funds while waiting for international customers to pay.

Our Solution:
Immediate funding within 48 hours of shipment.

Long International Payment Cycles

Foreign buyers typically take 60-120 days to pay after receiving goods.

Our Solution:
Instant liquidity against shipped orders.

Want to Ship More Without Cash Flow Constraints

Limited working capital restricts ability to fulfill additional orders.

Our Solution:
Continuous funding that grows with shipments.

Concerns About Post-Shipment Payment Risks

Goods are delivered but payment from foreign buyers isn’t guaranteed.

Our Solution:
Complete protection against buyer payment defaults.

What is

Post Shipment Finance?

Post shipment finance refers to funding provided to exporters after goods have been shipped but before payment is received from international buyers. This financing bridges the critical cash flow gap between shipment and payment, addressing the period when exporters have fulfilled their obligations but haven’t yet been paid.

This specialized financing recognizes that exporters face unique working capital challenges in the post-shipment period, when they’ve invested in production and shipping but must wait for foreign buyers to complete payment according to agreed terms.

Post-shipment funding

specifically for the period after goods delivery

Export document financing

against shipping documents and invoices

International receivables support

for foreign buyer payments

Credit risk coverage

protecting against buyer defaults after shipment

Multi-currency capabilities

for various international markets

Flexible payment terms

accommodating different buyer requirements

Professional collections

for post-shipment receivables management

Country risk protection

against political and transfer risks

How post shipment finance works

Post shipment finance typically begins when you ship goods and obtain the necessary export documents including bills of lading, commercial invoices, and other trade documentation.

These documents are presented to the financing provider who advances immediate funds against the shipped goods and expected payments. The advance typically ranges from 80-90% of the invoice value, providing immediate working capital.

The financing provider then manages the collection process, working with foreign buyers to ensure timely payment according to the agreed terms. When buyers pay, the remaining balance is released minus financing fees.

If buyers default after shipment, non-recourse structures protect you from loss, with the financing provider absorbing the credit risk rather than seeking repayment.

Common Variations and Types

Export Bill Discounting

provides immediate cash against post-shipment export bills.

Invoice Financing

advances funds against post-shipment invoices and receivables.

Documentary Credit Financing

offers funding against letters of credit after shipment.

Receivables Purchase

involves selling post-shipment receivables for immediate cash.

Export Credit Insurance

protects against post-shipment payment defaults.

Multi-Currency Post-Shipment Finance

handles various currencies in international trade.

Want to understand which approach works best for your business?

Get expert guidance on the most suitable approach for your trade flows.

Understanding Your Business Needs

Whether you choose post shipment finance or other approaches, the key is solving your underlying business challenges:

Bridging cash flow gaps after international shipments

Supporting continuous export operations and growth

Managing post-shipment payment and collection risks

Optimizing working capital during export payment cycles

Modern Trade Finance Solutions focus on comprehensive business outcomes rather than individual product features.

How Trade Finance Solutions Address Your Needs

Our Process

Ready to experience these benefits for your business?

Schedule a Consultation to see how our Trade Finance Solutions can transform your operations.

FAQs

What is Export Factoring?

Export factoring is a comprehensive financial service that combines export working capital financing, credit protection, foreign accounts receivable bookkeeping, and collection services. This service allows for the strategic selling of foreign accounts receivable to Tradewind, a leading export trade finance company, thus enabling exporters to receive immediate cash. This comprehensive solution skillfully merges export working capital financing, credit protection, and accounts receivable management, making it an indispensable financial tool for exporters.

The process of export factoring involves several key steps. Initially, the exporter delivers goods to the overseas buyer and invoices them. The exporter then sells these invoices to the factoring company, which pays an advance, typically 70-90% of the invoice value. Tradewind, standing out among export factoring companies in India, assumes the role of managing debt collection from foreign buyers. Subsequently, after deducting a service fee, the remaining invoice balance is transferred to the exporter.

In India, export factoring is broadly categorized into two types: recourse and non-recourse factoring. Recourse factoring involves the exporter taking the risk of non-payment by the buyer, while non-recourse factoring transfers this risk to the factor. Besides, there are several export finance options in India, like pre-shipment and post-shipment finance, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) backed financing, and packing credit. Tradewind customizes export finance solutions to suit the specific needs of exporters, cementing its reputation as one of the preeminent export finance companies in India.

International factoring, similar to export factoring, is a financial transaction where an exporter sells its invoices to a factor, who then manages the credit control and collection of outstanding sales from international buyers. Tradewind’s international factoring services include immediate working capital provision, credit protection, and professional ledger management, all tailored for global trade engagements.

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Export factoring and export finance are both aimed at supporting exporters, but they operate differently. Export factoring involves the sale of receivables for immediate cash and transfer of credit risk, whereas export finance typically refers to loans or advances provided against confirmed export orders or receivables. Export finance can take various forms, including pre-shipment finance, post-shipment finance, and buyer’s credit, focusing more on funding than on credit management and collections.

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When selecting an export factoring company like Tradewind Finance, it’s crucial to assess their global footprint, expertise in international trade, industry-specific insights, and their capability to manage credit risks. The efficiency of service provision, advanced technological infrastructure for account management, and overall financial stability are also key considerations.

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Pledging, unlike the services provided by export factoring companies, involves using receivables as collateral for a loan. The company retains control and responsibility for collection. Factoring, particularly as offered by Tradewind Finance, means selling these receivables, thereby shifting the collection responsibility and credit risk to the factoring firm.

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Export factoring in India provides immediate cash flow, reduces administration costs, and offers protection against bad debts. It also helps in ledger management and collection services. Export finance, on the other hand, provides much-needed working capital support, helps meet manufacturing and operational expenses, and offers a competitive edge in global markets. Both services enhance creditworthiness and allow for better financial planning. As one of the leading export finance companies in India, Tradewind’s export finance solutions support operational expenses and enable businesses to maintain a competitive edge in the global market.

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While export factoring offers numerous benefits, it also has limitations. It can be more expensive than traditional financing due to higher fees. The factor’s control over customer relationships may not always be desirable. Also, it may not be suitable for all types of businesses, especially those with low margins or high levels of disputed invoices. Moreover, factors generally require a good credit history, which might exclude some businesses.

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What Clients Say

Success stories like this could be yours. Connect with our team to discuss how Trade Finance Solutions can drive similar results for your business.

"Post shipment finance was exactly what we needed to maintain cash flow after shipping to international customers. Trade Finance Solutions provided immediate funding plus complete protection against the payment risks we faced in export markets."
Export Operations Manager
Industrial Company, Netherlands

Ready to Solve Your International Trade Challenges?

Understanding post shipment finance helps clarify your export funding options, but successful international trade requires comprehensive post-shipment support. Trade Finance Solutions address immediate funding needs and broader objectives: export growth, risk management, and operational efficiency.

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with a reputation built on integrity and transparency.

Trusted partner

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and local experts in 14+ countries worldwide.

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