Laboratory supplies distributors face unique payment challenges that demand specialized solutions. With high-value equipment transactions capable of reaching $230,000 or more—significantly higher than typical B2B purchases—and university procurement cycles extending 60-90 days, selecting the right B2B payment platform is critical for maintaining healthy cash flow while meeting institutional buyer expectations. Laboratory distributors require platforms that handle high-value transactions, support extended payment terms, comply with regulatory requirements (HIPAA for clinical labs, grant auditing for research institutions), and manage complex international supply chains spanning specialized manufacturers across Asia, Europe, and North America. For distributors looking to streamline financial operations while offering flexible payment terms, Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform provides a comprehensive solution that addresses these specific industry challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Laboratory supplies distributors need B2B payment platforms that handle high-value transactions ($50K-$500K), extended payment terms demanded by universities/research institutions, and regulatory compliance requirements (HIPAA, FDA)
- Non-recourse financing solutions eliminate credit risk while providing instant approvals and rapid funding, addressing the industry's extended payment cycles without jeopardizing cash flow
- AI-powered payment platforms can deliver instant credit decisions and automated cash application with high match rates, reducing manual reconciliation for complex invoices
- Industry-specific platforms offer specialized features like healthcare/ERP integrations, regulatory compliance documentation, and security controls for sensitive laboratory data
- Global laboratory distributors benefit from payment platforms that support multi-currency transactions with transparent FX rates for international supply chains
- Comprehensive AR automation with seamless ERP integration enables laboratory distributors to manage the entire credit-to-cash lifecycle efficiently
1. Resolve Pay - AI-Powered Non-Recourse B2B BNPL
Resolve Pay offers laboratory supplies distributors a unique advantage: 100% non-recourse financing that eliminates credit risk while providing instant approvals and 24-hour funding. Unlike traditional factoring or payment processors, Resolve takes on the credit assessment, credit decision, and majority risk of late payments or defaults, allowing lab distributors to offer net terms without jeopardizing their cash flow.
Best For
Laboratory supplies distributors needing to offer net terms without credit risk, with instant approvals supporting high-value B2B transactions.
Key Features
- 100% non-recourse financing eliminates merchant credit risk completely
- AI-powered instant credit decisions with up to 100% invoice advance
- Enterprise ERP integration supporting QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Oracle
- Automated AR workflow with payment reminders and collections management
- 24-hour funding cycles that address extended payment term challenges
- Seamless integration with Accounts Receivable with AI-Powered Automation
Laboratory Distributor Relevance
Resolve's platform is particularly valuable for laboratory supplies distributors who need to extend credit to universities, research institutions, hospitals, and biotech companies while maintaining healthy cash flow. The platform's ability to advance up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours directly addresses the industry's extended payment cycle challenges. With a significant portion of lab equipment sales made on credit, having a solution that manages the entire credit-to-cash lifecycle is essential.
The non-recourse nature of Resolve's financing means laboratory distributors can confidently offer competitive payment terms to grow their customer base without worrying about default risk. This is particularly valuable in the laboratory sector where building long-term relationships with academic and research institutions often requires flexible credit terms.
Customer Validation
"Resolve has positively impacted our cash flow. Their advance on each invoice we submit has translated into quicker receivables, directly contributing to healthier cash flow management," shared Luke Elliot, Co-Founder of RentAll Construction, a Resolve client.
Resolve's AI-powered underwriting provides instant credit approvals compared to the multi-day processes typical of traditional methods, enabling laboratory distributors to respond quickly to customer orders. The platform's automated collections management reduces the administrative burden on AR teams while maintaining professional customer relationships. ConEquip successfully grew their net terms revenue using Resolve, demonstrating real-world application in the equipment distribution sector.
2. Billtrust
Billtrust has proven success specifically in the healthcare and medical equipment sectors. Their platform combines digital lockbox technology with AI-powered cash application that achieves 86.3% match rates, significantly reducing manual reconciliation for complex laboratory invoices.
Established laboratory supplies distributors with complex AR needs and high transaction volumes.
Key Features
- Digital Lockbox for automated virtual card processing
- AI-powered cash application with 86.3% match rates
- Level 2/3 card data capture for reduced interchange fees up to 30%
- Healthcare industry specialization with regulatory understanding
Billtrust's medical equipment supplier experience demonstrates real-world value: Given that laboratory transactions can reach substantial values, their specialized handling of high-value scientific equipment transactions provides significant operational efficiency. The platform delivers 50-80% productivity gains for operations teams, which is particularly valuable for distributors managing complex laboratory equipment catalogs with hundreds of SKUs.
3. Stripe
Stripe offers extensive developer tools and API documentation among payment platforms, supporting 135+ currencies with cross-border payment options available in 195 countries for global laboratory supply chains. Their robust fraud prevention and deep integration capabilities make them suitable for custom laboratory workflows and 99.999% uptime ensures mission-critical reliability.
Laboratory supplies distributors with in-house development teams needing robust global payment processing with extensive customization.
Key Features
- Extensive developer tools and API documentation
- Global payment acceptance in 135+ currencies, with cross-border payment options available in 195 countries
- Deep integration capabilities with customization options
Laboratory distributors often require custom integrations with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), internal inventory systems, and specialized scientific procurement workflows. Stripe's extensive APIs enable these customizations while their global reach supports international laboratory supply chains and sales operations.
4. Tipalti
Tipalti specializes in global AP automation with cross-border payments to 200+ countries in 120+ currencies. Their platform delivers an estimated 80% reduction in AP processing time, which is particularly valuable for laboratory distributors managing complex international supplier networks for reagents, chemicals, and specialized equipment.
Laboratory supplies distributors with international supplier networks requiring global compliance automation.
Key Features
- Cross-border payments to 200+ countries in 120+ currencies
- Global compliance automation for W-8/W-9, 1099 reporting, international tax requirements
- Self-service supplier portal for streamlined onboarding
- Healthcare and manufacturing sector experience
Laboratory distributors frequently source reagents from Asia, equipment from Europe, and specialized components from global manufacturers. Tipalti's global compliance automation handles the complex regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions, while their self-service supplier portal streamlines onboarding for international vendors. The documented AP processing time reduction allows laboratory distributors to redirect resources from administrative tasks to customer service and sales growth.
5. Bill.com
Bill.com offers an accessible entry point for small-to-midsize laboratory distributors with its extensive vendor network. The platform supports nearly half a million businesses, making it ideal for distributors transitioning from manual payment processes.
Small-to-midsize laboratory supplies distributors seeking an all-in-one AP/AR platform with strong accounting integrations.
Key Features
- Extensive vendor network with millions of suppliers
- All-in-one platform handling both accounts payable and receivable
- Integration with QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage, and Xero
- Accessible entry point for growing lab distributors
Many laboratory distributors operate with limited administrative staff and need solutions that don't require extensive technical expertise. Bill.com's turnkey approach with its large network means many laboratory suppliers are already in the system, enabling fast payments without complex setup. The platform's strong accounting integrations ensure seamless financial reporting, which is essential for distributors managing both commercial lab sales and complex academic procurement requirements.
6. Paystand
Paystand offers a zero-fee model for bank payments within their network of over 1 million payers. Their blockchain-based platform provides immutable audit trails valuable for regulatory compliance and can help reduce DSO—some customers have reported reductions of around 40% in case studies—directly addressing cash flow challenges in the laboratory distribution sector.
Laboratory supplies distributors seeking to minimize payment acceptance costs on high-value transactions.
Key Features
- Zero transaction fees on ACH/eCheck/Paystand Bank Network payments
- Blockchain-based immutable audit trails for regulatory compliance
- Combined AR/AP automation platform
- Proven track record in mid-market AR automation
Paystand's zero-fee model on bank payments within their network can save thousands on each high-value sale. The blockchain audit trails provide tamper-proof transaction records that support compliance with scientific research grant requirements and regulatory reporting obligations. The documented DSO reduction accelerates cash flow, enabling distributors to reinvest in inventory and customer service.
7. Rillion
Rillion targets mid-market distributors processing 24,000+ invoices annually and has experience across the healthcare industry. Their platform offers automated payment reconciliation and multi-entity management, which is ideal for laboratory distributors with multiple locations or subsidiaries.
Mid-market laboratories supply distributors with high invoice volumes and multi-entity operations.
Key Features
- One-click payment to hundreds/thousands of vendors
- Automated payment reconciliation eliminating manual matching
- Multi-entity management for distributors with multiple locations
- Healthcare industry experience with secure, compliant payments
Established laboratory distributors often manage hundreds of SKUs with multiple suppliers and complex pricing structures. Rillion's automated reconciliation matches transactions to invoices automatically, eliminating the manual work that can consume significant administrative time. Their healthcare experience translates well to the regulated laboratory environment, ensuring secure and compliant payment processing. With thousands of companies using their platform, Rillion has proven experience managing the complex payment workflows common in scientific distribution.
8. Airwallex
Airwallex specializes in global payment and FX optimization with regulatory coverage across major markets—licensed and regulated in key jurisdictions (including Australia) and operating across APAC, the UK/Europe, and North America. Their competitive interbank FX rates and modern fintech infrastructure are critical for laboratory distributors sourcing equipment globally or serving international research institutions.
Laboratory supplies distributors with significant international transactions requiring FX optimization and regulatory compliance.
Key Features
- Competitive interbank FX rates for international transactions
- Regulatory licenses across 8+ major scientific research jurisdictions
- Multi-currency accounts with virtual cards
- API-first platform with developer-friendly tools
As laboratory distributors increasingly source reagents from Asia and equipment from Europe while serving international research institutions, Airwallex's comprehensive regulatory coverage ensures compliant transactions across major scientific research hubs. Their competitive FX rates protect margins on international deals, while multi-currency accounts reduce conversion costs by maintaining balances in supplier currencies. The platform is particularly suitable for biotech companies with frequent cross-border payments, making it relevant for laboratory distributors in the life sciences sector.
Choosing the Right B2B Payment Platform for Your Laboratory Distribution Business
Selecting the right B2B payment platform for laboratory supplies distribution requires careful evaluation of your specific operational needs, transaction volumes, and growth trajectory. The laboratory distribution industry's unique challenges—including high-value transactions, extended payment terms demanded by academic institutions, regulatory compliance requirements, and complex global supply chains—demand payment solutions purpose-built for these requirements.
For laboratory supplies distributors seeking to eliminate credit risk while maintaining healthy cash flow, Resolve Pay's non-recourse financing model offers a compelling solution. The platform's ability to advance up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours while assuming the credit risk enables distributors to offer competitive net terms without jeopardizing their financial position. This becomes particularly valuable when working with universities, research institutions, and healthcare providers who expect flexible payment options.
The instant credit approval capabilities powered by AI underwriting accelerate the order-to-cash cycle, enabling laboratory distributors to respond quickly to customer orders without the multi-day delays typical of traditional credit evaluation processes. Combined with seamless ERP integration supporting QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Oracle, Resolve Pay provides laboratory distributors with a comprehensive platform that addresses both immediate cash flow needs and long-term customer relationship management.
As the life sciences market continues its projected 12.67% annual growth trajectory, having a B2B payment platform that scales with your business while maintaining security, compliance, and operational efficiency becomes increasingly critical. Whether you're an established laboratory distributor processing high transaction volumes or a growing company looking to expand your customer base through flexible payment terms, the right payment platform serves as strategic infrastructure that supports sustainable growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can B2B payment platforms address the long payment cycles common in laboratory supplies distribution?
Platforms like Resolve Pay address the laboratory distribution industry's extended payment terms by advancing up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours while customers maintain their standard payment terms. This non-recourse financing model eliminates the cash flow strain without requiring customers to change their payment behavior. The distributor receives immediate funding while the payment platform manages credit risk and collections.
What role does AI play in modern B2B payment solutions for laboratory supplies distributors?
AI powers instant credit decisions, automated cash application with high match rates, and intelligent workflow automation for higher efficiency. For laboratory distributors, AI reduces manual processing of complex invoices and accelerates credit decisions from days to seconds. This automation enables faster order fulfillment and improved customer experience while reducing administrative overhead on AR teams.
How can implementing a B2B payment platform improve cash flow for laboratory supplies distributors?
B2B payment platforms improve cash flow through invoice financing, automated AR workflows that reduce DSO (Days Sales Outstanding), and interchange optimization that reduces processing fees. Platforms offering non-recourse financing provide immediate access to capital while eliminating credit risk. Additionally, automated collections management and payment reminders reduce the time and resources required to manage accounts receivable.
What security and compliance features should laboratory supplies distributors look for in a payment platform?
Laboratory supplies distributors should prioritize platforms offering PCI DSS compliance, HIPAA compliance capabilities for clinical labs, and robust fraud prevention systems. Look for features like tokenization, encrypted data transmission, secure API integrations, and comprehensive audit trails. Platforms with healthcare industry experience demonstrate their understanding of laboratory regulatory requirements and commitment to maintaining appropriate security standards.
Can B2B payment platforms integrate with existing laboratory distribution ERP systems?
Yes, leading B2B payment platforms offer native integrations with major ERP systems commonly used in laboratory distribution, including QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, and industry-specific systems. These integrations enable automated invoice synchronization, real-time payment updates, and seamless financial reconciliation. When evaluating platforms, verify that they support your specific ERP system and understand the depth of integration available—some platforms offer basic data export while others provide comprehensive two-way synchronization with automated workflows.
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.
