Blog | Resolve

Best Net Terms Solutions for Metal Fabrication Companies

Written by Resolve Team | Mar 18, 2026 9:02:32 AM

 

Metal fabrication companies face a unique cash flow paradox: you need substantial upfront capital to purchase expensive raw materials like steel, aluminum, and specialty alloys before production begins, yet customers typically pay 60-90 days after project completion. With payment delays continuing to rise for many businesses and the global factoring market valued at over $4 trillion, securing working capital has never been more critical for maintaining operations and capturing new opportunities. For metal fabricators looking to offer flexible payment terms while protecting their cash flow, Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform provides a comprehensive solution that addresses these specific industry challenges through non-recourse financing and AI-powered automation.

Key Takeaways

  • Metal fabrication companies need net terms solutions that provide immediate access to working capital for expensive raw material procurement while offering customers flexible payment options
  • Non-recourse financing solutions eliminate credit risk on large custom orders, protecting fabricators from devastating defaults
  • AI-powered platforms deliver instant credit decisions and automated accounts receivable workflows, reducing manual processing for complex fabrication invoices with multiple line items and change orders
  • Solutions offering 95-100% advance rates maximize available working capital for managing equipment, labor, and material costs
  • Integration capabilities with manufacturing ERPs and accounting platforms streamline the entire credit-to-cash lifecycle
  • Both modern fintech platforms and traditional factoring companies serve the metal fabrication industry, each with distinct advantages for different business needs

1. Resolve Pay – Complete Credit-to-Cash Automation

Resolve Pay offers metal fabricators a comprehensive advantage: up to 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 fabricators to offer net terms without jeopardizing their cash flow.

Best For

Metal fabricators need complete credit-to-cash automation with non-recourse protection and maximum advance rates.

Key Features

  • Up to 100% non-recourse financing eliminates merchant credit risk completely
  • AI-powered instant credit decisions with same-day funding
  • Enterprise ERP integration supporting QuickBooks, NetSuite, Oracle, and Shopify
  • Automated AR workflow with payment reminders and collections management
  • White-label payment portal supporting ACH, credit card, wire, and check
  • Seamless integration with Accounts Receivable with AI-Powered Automation

Metal Fabrication Relevance

Resolve's platform is particularly valuable for metal fabricators who need to extend credit to customers while maintaining healthy cash flow. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, working capital management is critical for manufacturers, and the platform's ability to advance up to 98% of invoice value within 24 hours directly addresses the industry's urgent capital needs for raw material procurement.

With complex fabrication projects often requiring significant upfront investment—particularly given steel price volatility documented by the U.S. Census Bureau—having a solution that manages the entire credit-to-cash lifecycle is essential. The non-recourse nature of Resolve's financing means metal fabricators can confidently offer competitive payment terms to grow their customer base without worrying about default risk on large custom orders.

This is particularly valuable in the fabrication sector where building long-term relationships with construction companies, OEMs, and industrial clients often requires flexible credit terms. The platform's AI-powered business credit check capabilities enable fabricators to make informed decisions quickly, evaluating thousands of data points to assess customer creditworthiness in real-time rather than waiting days for traditional credit bureau responses.

Customer Validation

Resolve has helped businesses achieve significant growth, with one client reporting a 128% increase in average order value after implementation. The platform's 50% reduction in order processing time directly benefits metal fabrication shops with complex project-based billing and tight production schedules.

Resolve's AI-powered underwriting provides instant credit approvals compared to the multi-day processes typical of traditional methods, enabling fabricators to respond quickly to customer orders and secure projects before competitors. The automated collections management system handles payment reminders and follow-ups professionally, maintaining customer relationships while reducing the administrative burden on internal teams.

2. FundThrough

FundThrough delivers what many metal fabricators need: 100% advance rates on eligible invoices with no reserves held back. This maximum advance capability ensures fabricators can access the full capital needed for expensive raw material purchases without worrying about reserve holdbacks that limit working capital.

Metal fabricators prioritizing maximum advance rates and contract-free flexibility for project-based cash flow needs.

Key Features

  • 100% advance rate with no reserves held back
  • Same-day funding with AI-powered processing
  • No long-term contracts or minimum volume requirements
  • QuickBooks and OpenInvoice integration for seamless accounting
  • Competitive factoring rates

FundThrough's 100% advance rate directly addresses metal fabrication's volatile cash flow needs. When steel prices spike or a large custom order requires immediate material purchases, fabricators can access full invoice value without ongoing commitment fees. The no-contract model is particularly valuable for seasonal shops or those with project-based work cycles.

3. Porter Capital

Porter Capital combines competitive rates with decades of manufacturing expertise. Founded in 1991 and based in Birmingham, Alabama, Porter understands the unique invoicing complexities of metal fabrication, including multiple line items, change orders, and project-specific terms.

Cost-conscious metal fabricators prioritizing competitive financing rates with personalized manufacturing industry expertise.

Key Features

  • 95% advance rate on approved invoices
  • Dedicated human account managers with manufacturing experience
  • Non-recourse factoring available on credit-approved debtors
  • 30+ years of experience serving the manufacturing sector

Metal Fabrication Relevance

Porter Capital's combination of competitive rates and manufacturing expertise makes it suitable for cost-sensitive fabrication shops. Their human account managers understand the complexity of change orders and project-based billing common in custom metal work, reducing errors that can delay funding.

For fabricators operating on tight margins, Porter's rates can represent savings compared to higher-cost alternatives, especially when factoring large volumes of invoices for expensive material-intensive projects.

4.  Universal Funding

Universal Funding offers both invoice factoring and purchase order financing, creating a complete solution for metal fabricators who need capital before projects even begin. This dual capability bridges the gap between winning contracts and starting production.

Metal fabricators need both invoice factoring and purchase order financing for raw material procurement.

Key Features

  • Purchase order financing for raw material procurement
  • 95% advance rate with 24-48 hour funding
  • Online portal for invoice management
  • Competitive factoring rates
  • Rapid setup and funding process

Universal Funding's PO financing capability is valuable for metal fabricators who need to secure expensive steel, aluminum, or specialty alloys before beginning custom work. This addresses the gap where fabricators win contracts but lack the capital to purchase materials.

5. eCapital

eCapital leverages AI technology to process funding requests 24/7, enabling metal fabricators to secure capital even on weekends and holidays when urgent material purchases are required. This always-on capability is valuable for time-sensitive fabrication projects.

Metal fabricators needing weekend/holiday funding access and AI-powered processing for complex invoices.

Key Features

  • AI platform processes requests 24/7 – no business hours limitation
  • Advance rates ranging from 70-95%, up to 100% in select cases
  • High funding capacity for growing operations
  • Both recourse and non-recourse options available
  • Reduces manual errors in complex fabrication invoices

eCapital's always-on AI processing addresses metal fabricators' need for urgent weekend funding—for example, when Monday material deliveries require Friday payment to secure favorable pricing. The technology also reduces errors on complex multi-item fabrication invoices with numerous line items, material surcharges, and change orders.

6. 1st Commercial Credit

1st Commercial Credit offers a 97% advance rate, ensuring substantial working capital retention for metal fabricators. Combined with no minimum funding requirements, this makes it accessible to shops of all sizes.

Metal fabricators seeking high advance rates with no minimum volume commitments.

Key Features

  • 97% advance rate
  • No minimum funding volume requirements
  • Purchase order and supply chain financing available
  • 3-5 day setup with 24-hour funding thereafter
  • Competitive rate structure

For smaller metal fabrication shops that can't commit to minimum monthly volumes, 1st Commercial Credit's no-minimum policy provides flexibility. The 97% advance rate maximizes available capital for managing equipment maintenance, skilled labor costs, and volatile raw material prices.

7. Riviera Finance

Riviera Finance focuses on non-recourse factoring to protect metal fabricators against customer defaults, which is relevant for large custom fabrication orders requiring significant upfront investment. Their in-person service model provides personalized support for complex project discussions.

Metal fabricators prioritizing non-recourse protection and personalized service for large custom projects.

Key Features

  • Non-recourse factoring to protect against customer defaults
  • 95% advance rate with 24-hour funding
  • In-person service at multiple North American offices
  • Decades of industry experience
  • Credit-approved debtor protection

Riviera's non-recourse focus addresses a key concern for metal fabricators: investing significant upfront capital in custom work when customer payment is uncertain. The in-person service option helps with complex negotiations on large projects, allowing fabricators to discuss unusual payment terms, customer-specific concerns, and project details directly with account managers.

8. Triumph Business Capital

Triumph Business Capital combines 100% advance rates with no long-term contracts, creating a solution for metal fabricators with fluctuating cash flow needs. Originally transportation-focused but expanded to manufacturing, Triumph brings cross-industry logistics expertise to fabrication financing.

Metal fabricators needing full advance rates with contract-free flexibility for project-based operations.

Key Features

  • 100% advance rate with no reserves held back
  • Same-day funding capability
  • No long-term contracts required
  • No minimum invoice requirements
  • Cross-industry logistics expertise

Triumph's combination of 100% advances and contract-free terms fits metal fabricators with project-based cycles. Shops can factor during busy periods with multiple large orders without commitment during slower times, while still accessing full invoice value for material purchases and payroll.

9. BlueVine

BlueVine offers a complete business banking platform that consolidates financial operations, including business lines of credit, invoicing, and full banking services. This integrated approach reduces the need for multiple financial relationships while providing higher credit limits.

Metal fabricators seeking to consolidate business banking, invoicing, and credit lines under one platform.

Key Features

  • Complete banking platform with checking, savings, and bill pay
  • Business line of credit and integrated invoicing tools available
  • Higher credit lines up to $250,000 USD
  • Consolidates financial operations in one platform
  • Integrated accounting and payment processing

BlueVine's integrated approach appeals to metal fabricators wanting to simplify their financial operations. The higher credit limits support shops with substantial ongoing material and equipment needs, while the all-in-one platform reduces administrative overhead associated with managing multiple financial relationships.

10. Fundbox

Fundbox offers accessible entry requirements among net terms solutions, making it available to newer metal fabrication shops. With AI-powered credit decisions using 100+ data sources, Fundbox provides quick capital access without requiring established credit history.

Newer metal fabrication shops with limited credit history or lower annual revenue.

Key Features

  • Lower qualification barriers: 6+ months in business, 625+ credit score, and $100K+ annual revenue
  • AI-powered credit decisions using 100+ data sources
  • Real-time credit decisions with strong platform integration
  • Transparent fee structure eliminates hidden costs
  • Accessible for early-stage businesses

Fundbox's entry requirements make it accessible for newer metal fabrication shops. It provides quick capital without selling invoices, which can be valuable for shops building their customer base and credit history.

Choosing the Right Net Terms Solution for Your Metal Fabrication Business

Selecting the right net terms solution for metal fabrication requires careful evaluation of your specific operational needs, cash flow patterns, and growth trajectory. The industry's unique challenges—including expensive raw material requirements, project-based billing cycles, complex invoices with change orders, and significant credit risk on large custom orders—demand solutions purpose-built for these requirements.

For metal fabricators seeking to eliminate credit risk while maintaining healthy cash flow, Resolve Pay's non-recourse financing model offers a compelling comprehensive solution. The platform's ability to advance up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours while assuming the credit risk enables fabricators to offer competitive net terms without jeopardizing their financial position.

According to Federal Reserve research on B2B payments, extended payment terms are increasingly common in manufacturing, making working capital solutions essential for operational sustainability. This becomes particularly valuable when working with construction companies, industrial clients, and OEMs who expect flexible payment options to manage their own cash flow.

The instant credit approval capabilities powered by AI accelerate the order-to-cash cycle, enabling metal fabricators 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 other manufacturing platforms, Resolve Pay provides fabricators with a comprehensive platform that addresses both immediate cash flow needs and long-term customer relationship management.

The platform's automated accounts receivable workflows handle payment reminders, collections, and reconciliation, reducing the administrative burden on internal teams while maintaining professional customer relationships. This operational efficiency allows fabricators to focus on core competencies—precision manufacturing and customer service—rather than financial administration.

As the metal fabrication industry continues to face material price volatility and extended customer payment terms, having a net terms solution that scales with your business while maintaining risk protection and operational efficiency becomes increasingly critical. Whether you're a small custom fabrication shop or a large industrial manufacturer, the right solution serves as strategic infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are net terms and how do they benefit my metal fabrication business?

Net terms allow your customers to purchase goods or services now and pay later, typically within 30, 60, or 90 days. For metal fabrication businesses, offering net terms can significantly increase sales volume and customer retention by enhancing buyer purchasing power. However, traditional net terms can strain your cash flow since you must purchase expensive raw materials upfront while waiting 60-90 days for payment. Modern solutions like Resolve's B2B Net Terms address this by advancing up to 100% of your invoice value within 24 hours while your customers maintain their flexible payment terms.

How does Resolve help reduce the risk of offering credit to my customers?

Resolve reduces risk through non-recourse financing, meaning Resolve takes on the credit assessment, credit decision, and majority risk of late payments or defaults. All cash advances are non-recourse, so what you get is always yours to keep, regardless of whether your customer ultimately pays. Resolve's experts—formerly of Amazon, PayPal, and Fortune 500 firms—deliver deeper credit insights than traditional bureaus, evaluating thousands of data points to make accurate credit decisions. This allows you to offer net terms confidently without becoming the bank for your customers.

Can Resolve integrate with my existing accounting software and e-commerce platform?

Yes, Resolve offers seamless integration with leading ERP, accounting, and commerce platforms including QuickBooks, NetSuite, Oracle, Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento. The platform automatically syncs transaction data in real time, eliminating manual data entry and ensuring accurate financial reporting. Resolve's flexible APIs can also be integrated into custom e-commerce implementations, ensuring your net terms workflow fits directly into your existing business systems without disruption.

How quickly can my metal fabrication company get paid on invoices with Resolve?

With Resolve, you can receive advance payment on approved invoices within 24 hours of billing. Resolve advances up to 100% on invoices from your approved customers, which means you get paid within a day while your customers get 30, 60, or 90 days to pay. This rapid funding cycle directly addresses metal fabrication's urgent capital needs for raw material procurement, equipment maintenance, and payroll, ensuring you never miss an opportunity due to cash flow constraints.

What are the typical fees associated with using Resolve's net terms solutions?

Resolve offers competitive, transparent pricing based on your specific business needs and risk profile. All fees are clearly disclosed upfront with no hidden costs or surprise charges. Credit card fees are passed on to your buyer through the online payment portal, so they don't impact your margins. For specific pricing tailored to your metal fabrication business, you can discuss options with Resolve's sales team who will evaluate your unique situation and provide a custom plan that aligns with your growth objectives.

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.