How An Asset Based Lender Converts Paper Into Cash

Raising the money you need for your business doesn't always have to be an uphill battle.

Do you know that you, a partner, or an investor in your business may have certain assets that can be used as collateral to obtain the funding you need?

Turning paper into cash is not a new strategy but it is definitely an option worth considering if you have access to the types paper that can be converted.

A lender that extends financing using these assets as security is known as an asset based lender. If the loan your business obtains is not repaid then the asset is taken by the lender for repayment.

For example, if Midway Games took out a line of credit secured by its Mortal Kombat franchise and failed to pay then the bank would own the Mortal Kombat franchise and could sell the rights to it in order to recover funds.

Here is a list of the typical types of paper that can convert to cash:

*Financial Contracts - If you hold a contract that pays you a fixed amount of funds on a yearly basis to deliver your products then you can use it as a paper asset.

*Line of Credit - Holding a line of credit from a bank or lender can be used as collateral to secure a loan.

*Real Estate Cash Flow - If you have a lease on a piece of property that brings in positive cash flow each and every year.

*Promissory Notes - Owning a signed document from a borrower that states that a specific amount of money will be paid to you over a set period of time.

*Letter of Credit - A letter of credit from a financial institution can be used as collateral for a business loan.

*Equity Line of Credit - You can use the equity you have in real estate or other valuable assets like equity ownership in your business.

*Lawsuit Settlements - If you have a guaranteed payment of a set amount over a set period of time from a lawsuit settlement then this can be a great way to turn paper into cash.

Other typical assets you can convert to cash include inventory, accounts receivable, machinery, and equipment. Some other not so typical assets include trademarks or even intellectual property.

But before you decide to convert a paper you hold into cash take the following steps:

1) Determine how much funding you need.

2) Select an asset based lender that specializes in your type of asset.

3) Obtain the lender's loan application and review completely prior to applying.

4) Contact the lender and ask any questions you have regarding the loan application process.

Using an asset based lender to convert paper into cash is a good way for you to raise the money you need for your business. While building business credit can also provide you access to financing without putting your personal credit at risk using paper assets is a quick and viable option.

Paper can be the answer when you need a business loan so take the time to review your assets and determine if you have paper that you can convert to cash.


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About the Author
Marco Carbajo is founder of the Business Credit Insider's Circle. Want to learn more about business credit building? Claim Marco's FREE business credit seminar ($597 Value)! Follow Marco on Twitter @MarcoCarbajo and read more of his insights on using an asset based lender.