INTURN s Guide to Escrow

INTURN'S GUIDE TO ESCROW 5 Types of B2B Payment Transactions A BANK TRANSFER B FACTOR C CREDIT CARD / PAYPAL D COMMERCIAL LETTER OF CREDIT E ESCROW

BANK TRANSFER In a bank transfer, the seller sends an authorization request to the buyer through an ACH (Automated Clearing House) form. Once the buyer authorizes the request the funds from the buyer will be transferred to an ACH bank and released to the seller s bank. Buyer makes a deal with seller Seller sends request to buyer through ACH form Buyer s bank authorizes the request Funds from buyer will be transferred to an ACH processor bank Funds are released to seller s bank

FACTOR In a factor transaction, the seller sells a transactional invoice to a third party company (the factor) at a discount. This factor then owns the invoice, so the buyer must make the invoice payment to the factor rather than to the seller. 1 BUYER MAKES A DEAL WITH SELLER 2 SELLER SELLS THE INVOICE FOR THAT DEAL TO FACTOR AT A DISCOUNT While the seller loses part of his profit, he increases his company s working capital and cash flow. 3 THE FACTOR THEN OWNS THE INVOICE 4 BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE INVOICE PAYMENT TO THE FACTOR AND NOT SELLER The difference between the discount price and the invoice is the profit the factor makes.

CREDIT CARD / PAYPAL Using a credit card or a payment system such as PayPal, the buyer purchases goods and/or services from the seller on a credit.

COMMERCIAL LETTER OF CREDIT In a commerical letter of credit transaction, the buyer applies for a credit at a bank for the transaction amount. Once the bank confirms the buyer s ability to pay back that credit, it issues and forwards the letter of credit to the seller s bank. When the seller s bank receives the credit, the bank authenticates it and pays the seller. Simply put, the buyer s bank finances the payment. Buyer applies for credit at the bank The bank approves buyer s credit risk The bank then issues the credit to the seller s bank, meaning the seller s bank pays the seller

ESCROW Escrow is a business-to-business service that allows buyers and sellers to transact with each other in a quick and simple manner. Finances are regulated and held by a third party and released once the buyer receives the product. Buyer makes a deal with seller Buyer deposits payment into a holding bank account via a wire transfer Seller sends the goods to buyer Buyer receives, inspects, and approves the goods Funds are released to the seller

SELECTING A TYPE OF ESCROW SERVICE There are many forms of escrow services. Thus, there are certain criteria that B2B companies use when deciding which form to use for their business. These criteria vary by business but are important in selecting the most efficient and safe transaction method. $ FINANCIAL STABILITY Investor preferences, parent company, funding level, cost, transaction amount USABILITY Flexibility of clients, requirement of automatic shipment tracking, payment mechanisms being used! RISK Ability to handle foreign exchange risk, open to alternative methods of payment EXPERIENCE Number of years in business, size of business, marketplaces worked with

BUYER BENEFITS SELLER BENEFITS High protection and security for the buyer's purchases Quick and simple payment process High level of transaction protection Effective security to explore new markets and regions Cost-effective methods for receiving payment BENEFITS FOR BOTH Frequent status updates on transaction process Funds are held in a completely secure bank Transparent dispute platform

CONCLUSIONS While there are many types of B2B transactions, escrow services prove to be the most efficient and trustworthy method of payment for marketplaces. It is a safe and simple way for buyers and sellers to transact that protects the assets of both parties until the deal has been fulfilled. INTURN is an online B2B marketplace enabling brands and retailers to efficiently and more profitably sell and buy excess inventory on a global scale. INTURN provides improved decision-making to turn inventory faster, improve cash flow, and optimize returns. Online inventory management system Selling and negotiation platform Customized analytics and reporting Team permissions and security system