Managing cash flow while offering competitive payment terms is the tightrope electrical distributors walk daily. With surveys often finding roughly 40%–55% of B2B invoices becoming overdue and pressure mounting from both suppliers and customers, the right payment platform isn't just convenient—it's critical for survival. Electrical distributors face unique challenges: high inventory costs, contractor customers expecting net terms, seasonal demand fluctuations, and tight margins requiring efficient accounts receivable management. The stakes are high—industry research suggests a meaningful share of B2B receivables are written off as bad debt. Yet 85% of B2B buyers want the option to pay on net terms and are likely to buy more when they can pay this way. This creates a fundamental tension: extend credit to drive sales, but risk cash flow disruptions from late payments or defaults.
Key Takeaways
- Non-recourse net terms financing eliminates bad debt risk while enabling competitive payment terms that drive sales growth
- AI-powered credit decisions and automated AR workflows can significantly reduce DSO and manual collection efforts
- Industry-specific platforms understand electrical distribution workflows, from project-based billing to contractor credit management
- White-label payment portals and seamless ERP integrations maintain customer relationships while streamlining operations
- Enterprise-grade fraud prevention and risk management protect profit margins in high-value inventory environments
- Level 2/3 interchange optimization can reduce credit card processing fees substantially for high-volume distributors
- Mobile AR capabilities and customer self-service portals improve cash flow while reducing manual processing workload
1. Resolve Pay – Non-Recourse Net Terms Financing with AI-Powered AR Automation
Resolve Pay has emerged as the comprehensive solution for electrical distributors seeking to offer flexible payment terms without assuming credit risk. The platform combines embedded credit expertise, embedded invoice financing, and embedded payments into a single infrastructure that addresses the core challenges of B2B electrical distribution.
What Makes Resolve Pay Different
Unlike traditional payment processors that simply facilitate transactions, Resolve Pay acts as your "credit team on tap," taking on credit assessment and underwriting, and assuming the credit risk for approved invoices under its non-recourse model (subject to program terms). This non-recourse financing model means what you get is always yours to keep, providing unprecedented cash flow security for distributors managing high-value inventory.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Non-recourse net terms financing – Offer Net 30, 45, 60, or 90-day terms while receiving advance on approved invoices within 24 hours, protecting your cash flow
- AI-powered credit decisions – Proprietary models evaluate thousands of buyer data points to generate dynamic, scalable credit decisions quickly
- White-label payment portal – Accept ACH, wire, credit card, or check through a branded portal that maintains your customer relationships
- Seamless QuickBooks integration – Automatic transaction recording and syncing eliminates manual bookkeeping errors
- Comprehensive risk management – Advanced fraud prevention and credit monitoring protect your business from payment defaults
- Dedicated credit team support – Expert guidance on credit decisions and customer management without hiring in-house resources
Proven Results
Resolve Pay customers across industrial distribution, construction supplies, and equipment sectors report significant improvements in revenue growth, average order values, and cash flow acceleration. The platform enables distributors to compete with larger players by offering enterprise-level payment flexibility while maintaining financial security.
Industry Relevance
Resolve Pay's documented success with industrial equipment dealers, construction suppliers, and HVAC distributors demonstrates clear applicability to the electrical supply sector. These adjacent industries share identical challenges: contractor customers demanding net terms, high inventory costs, and complex seasonal demand patterns. The platform's non-recourse model specifically addresses the unique risk profile of electrical distribution, where project-based sales and contractor creditworthiness can vary significantly.
Getting Started: Visit Resolve Pay's B2B Net Terms platform to explore how non-recourse financing can transform your cash flow and sales growth.
2. Billtrust
Billtrust represents the enterprise-grade solution for electrical distributors managing high-volume payment operations. With a proven track record processing $1 trillion in invoice dollars annually, Billtrust offers comprehensive accounts receivable automation that directly addresses the complex payment processing needs of established electrical distributors.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Level 2/3 data capture – Reduces interchange fees on credit card transactions through enhanced data collection
- Digital Lockbox for virtual card automation – Streamlines virtual credit card processing and reconciliation
- AI-powered cash application – Achieves high straight-through processing rates, dramatically reducing manual work
- Comprehensive ERP integrations – Native connections to major enterprise resource planning systems
Billtrust serves 2,400+ customers globally with specific expertise in wholesale distribution. Their success with major building material distributors demonstrates their capability to handle the scale and complexity typical of electrical distribution operations.
3. Dill
Dill stands out as a platform purpose-built specifically for electrical and construction distributors. Their deep industry specialization and proven success with electrical distributors make them a compelling choice for businesses seeking a solution that understands their unique workflows and challenges.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Epicor P21 integration – Seamless synchronization eliminates manual AR work and data entry errors
- Automated payment reminders – Integrated with your ERP to reduce aged receivables
- Online payment portal – Customer self-service portal reduces phone calls and manual processing
- Proactive issue resolution – Catches billing discrepancies before they become payment delays
Dill's focus on construction, electrical, and plumbing distributors ensures their platform addresses the specific needs of electrical supply businesses, from project-based billing to contractor credit management.
4. Versapay
Versapay offers a comprehensive accounts receivable automation platform specifically designed for wholesale distributors. Their strong customer adoption rates and mobile capabilities make them particularly valuable for electrical distributors with field sales teams and complex pricing structures.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- High customer adoption rates – Strong portal adoption drives faster payments and reduced manual work
- Mobile AR tools – Sales reps can capture checks in the field, reducing processing time and improving cash flow
- Native ERP integrations – Direct connections to NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, and Dynamics
- Level 2/3 interchange optimization – Reduces credit card processing costs through enhanced data capture
Versapay's specific wholesale distribution solutions address the complex pricing structures, volume discounts, and multi-location account management common in electrical distribution. Their mobile capabilities are particularly valuable for electrical distributors with field sales teams serving contractors and commercial customers.
5. TreviPay
TreviPay provides a global B2B trade credit and payment platform ideal for electrical distributors with international suppliers or customers. With operations in 20+ countries and support for 50 countries, TreviPay offers the scale and reach needed for businesses operating across borders.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Net terms 15-90 days with guaranteed settlement – Eliminates payment uncertainty for international transactions
- Multi-currency support – Accept payments in 10+ currencies from buyers in 50 countries
- Omnichannel integration – Supports all sales channels from online to field sales to M2M/ERP transactions
- Enterprise-grade risk management – Backed by Allianz Trade for comprehensive risk protection
TreviPay's enterprise track record demonstrates consistent results including reduced DSO through accelerated payment collection and significant AOV increases for enterprise clients through flexible net terms offerings. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that increasing customer retention rates by just 5% can increase profits by 25% to 95%, making payment flexibility a critical competitive advantage.
6. Balance Payments
Balance Payments offers an API-first, white-label net terms platform that eliminates bad debt risk entirely through their zero DSO guarantee. This makes them particularly attractive for electrical distributors serving contractor customers who expect trade credit but may have variable payment histories.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Zero DSO guarantee – Get paid on time regardless of buyer payment behavior
- API-first white-label integration – Maintain your brand experience while offering net terms
- Automatic credit risk assessment – Real-time underwriting protects against bad debt
- Complete risk transfer – Balance assumes all credit risk, resulting in minimal bad debt exposure for merchants
Balance's focus on helping businesses expand their B2B sales while eliminating credit risk makes them ideal for electrical distributors serving contractors and small commercial customers who expect trade credit terms but may have variable payment histories.
7. Paystand
Paystand promotes zero transaction fees for certain bank-to-bank payments on its network, offering a compelling alternative for electrical distributors seeking to reduce payment processing costs. Their account-to-account (A2A) payment network enables zero-fee bank-to-bank transactions while maintaining full AR automation capabilities.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Zero-fee bank-to-bank payments – Eliminate transaction fees through blockchain network
- Smart Lockbox automation – Automatically captures and reconciles remittance data
- Comprehensive AR automation – Multiple automatable AR tasks from invoicing to reconciliation
- Strong ERP integrations – Native connections to NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and Dynamics 365
For electrical distributors processing high volumes of transactions where even small percentage fees add up significantly, Paystand's zero-fee model can deliver substantial cost savings while maintaining full AR automation capabilities.
8. Two.inc
Two.inc brings cutting-edge AI technology to B2B credit decisions, offering rapid approval times and competitive acceptance rates. Their AI-powered credit and fraud engines provide sophisticated risk assessment capabilities.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Fast credit decisions – Quick approval through AI-powered engine
- Strong acceptance rates – Advanced underwriting enables more approved customers
- Advanced fraud prevention – AI-powered fraud detection provides robust security
- Revenue impact – Enhanced buying power and seamless credit integration drive conversions
Two.inc's AI-powered approach delivers measurable business impact. Research from McKinsey shows that companies using advanced personalization and engagement mechanics can generate significantly more revenue from those activities.
9. Bill.com
Bill.com offers accessible AP/AR automation for small to mid-sized electrical distributors looking to streamline their payment operations without enterprise complexity. Their extensive vendor network and straightforward pricing make them ideal for businesses in the growth phase.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Extensive vendor network – 5M+ vendors enable fast payments without onboarding friction
- Accessible pricing – Starting around $45/month per user for SMB operations
- QuickBooks integration – Native synchronization eliminates manual accounting work
- Multiple payment methods – ACH, virtual card, and international wire transfer support
For smaller electrical distributors or those just beginning to formalize their payment processes, Bill.com provides an accessible entry point to professional AP/AR automation.
10. Unilog CX1
Unilog CX1 provides a comprehensive eCommerce platform purpose-built for electrical distributors, integrating product catalog, pricing, and payment processing into a single solution. With 20+ years serving the electrical industry, Unilog offers deep domain expertise and proven success.
Key Features for Electrical Distributors
- Electrical industry specialization – Built specifically for electrical distribution workflows
- Comprehensive product catalog – Extensive actively managed electrical SKU database
- Real-time pricing and availability – Accurate pricing based on customer agreements and inventory levels
- Complete eCommerce + payments – Integrated solution rather than payment-only add-on
For electrical distributors looking to establish or enhance their online presence while maintaining integrated payment processing, Unilog's complete eCommerce platform provides a proven solution with deep electrical industry expertise.
Why Electrical Distributors Choose Resolve Pay
Electrical distributors often need to offer competitive net terms while protecting cash flow. Resolve Pay solves both with a non-recourse model that lets you extend the flexibility contractor customers expect—without taking on the collection risk that typically comes with trade credit. That shift reduces stress, improves predictability, and helps you keep inventory moving without tying up working capital.
Its AI-powered credit decisions, automated AR workflows, and white-label payment portals create a smooth customer experience while strengthening back-office operations. Acting like an embedded credit team, Resolve Pay helps you compete with larger distributors on terms while staying financially secure. Its success in industrial equipment, construction supplies, and HVAC distribution suggests strong fit for electrical supply. Accenture research notes that meeting customer needs with flexible options can build stronger loyalty than competing on price alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main challenges electrical suppliers face with B2B payments?
Electrical suppliers face unique payment challenges including high inventory costs requiring strong cash flow, contractor customers who expect net terms, seasonal demand fluctuations, and the risk of late payments or defaults. 44% of B2B invoices are overdue, creating cash flow pressure, while 85% of B2B buyers want net terms options, making payment flexibility essential for competitive sales.
How can a B2B payment platform improve cash flow for an electrical supply distributor?
B2B payment platforms improve cash flow through several mechanisms: advance payment solutions like Resolve Pay provide immediate funding on approved invoices, AR automation platforms like Dill and Versapay accelerate collections through automated reminders and customer portals, and interchange optimization through platforms like Billtrust reduces processing costs, directly improving margins.
What does 'non-recourse invoice advancement' mean and how does it benefit my business?
Non-recourse invoice advancement means the payment platform assumes the credit risk for approved invoices, guaranteeing your payment even if the customer doesn't pay. This eliminates bad debt risk entirely—Resolve Pay's non-recourse model ensures what you get is always yours to keep, providing unprecedented cash flow security while enabling you to offer competitive net terms.
Can B2B payment platforms integrate with my existing accounting and ERP systems?
Most modern B2B payment platforms offer robust integration capabilities. Epicor Prophet 21 integration is available through specialized platforms like Dill, while comprehensive ERP integration is offered by platforms like Billtrust, Versapay, and Resolve Pay. QuickBooks integration is widely available across most platforms, ensuring seamless accounting synchronization.
How do flexible net terms benefit both the electrical supplier and their buyers?
Flexible net terms benefit suppliers by increasing sales volume and average order values through enhanced customer buying power. Buyers benefit from improved cash flow management and the ability to make larger purchases without immediate payment. 85% of B2B buyers want net terms options, making this capability essential for competitive sales in the electrical distribution space.
This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Resolve assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.
