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Trade Credit Insurance for Construction Material Suppliers: How Resolve Pay Eliminates 90-Day Waits and Lien Headaches

Written by Resolve Team | Feb 5, 2026 3:42:55 PM

Trade credit insurance offers protection for construction material suppliers in an industry known for slow payments and complex collection processes. Traditional insurance covers a significant portion of losses after buyer default but doesn't address immediate cash flow needs—suppliers still wait 60-90+ days for payment while managing state-specific lien deadlines. Modern solutions like Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform advance 90-100% of invoice value within 24 hours with non-recourse protection, enabling suppliers to offer competitive Net 30/60/90 terms while receiving immediate payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Construction suppliers face significant payment delays, with Rabbet's 2024 Construction Payments Report showing 82% of contractors waiting 30+ days for payment (up from 49% two years prior)
  • Trade credit insurance provides valuable protection after buyer default but doesn't improve day-to-day cash flow
  • Mechanics lien requirements vary by state with strict deadlines that require careful management
  • Payment delays represent a substantial cost to the construction industry, estimated at $280 billion USD annually
  • Resolve Pay advances 90-100% of invoice value within 24 hours with non-recourse protection, providing both immediate cash flow and risk protection
  • Suppliers using integrated payment platforms can confidently offer competitive Net terms without balance sheet constraints

Understanding Payment Dynamics in Construction Materials Supply

The Reality of Payment Timing in Construction

Construction material suppliers operate in an environment with extended payment cycles. Rabbet's 2024 Construction Payments Report found that 82% of contractors now face payment waits exceeding 30 days, a significant increase from just 49% two years prior. Construction payment delays can extend to 60+ days on average, creating a cash flow gap where suppliers must pay for inventory and labor immediately while waiting extended periods to receive client payments.

This timing dynamic affects the entire industry, with payment delays costing construction businesses an estimated $280 billion USD in 2024 alone. Construction firms in England and Wales topped insolvency lists in the 12 months ending September 2023, highlighting the financial pressures affecting the sector. These realities make effective payment and risk management essential for construction material suppliers.

How Mechanics Liens Function in Construction Collections

Mechanics liens provide construction suppliers with legal claims against properties being improved. These tools serve an important role in the construction payment landscape:

  • State-specific requirements: Each state maintains different rules for preliminary notices, filing deadlines, and documentation
  • Timing considerations: Preliminary notices often required within 20-30 days of first furnishing materials
  • Filing windows: Final lien filing typically must occur within 60-120 days from last furnishing or project completion
  • Documentation needs: Detailed records of delivery, property incorporation, and notice compliance
  • Legal processes: Enforcement requires additional proceedings to collect payment

The hierarchical payment structure in construction (owner → general contractor → subcontractors → suppliers) places suppliers downstream in the payment chain. With retainage often held until project completion, suppliers may experience additional payment delays beyond standard terms, making working capital management critical.

Understanding Trade Credit Insurance for Construction Suppliers

How Trade Credit Insurance Works

Trade credit insurance transfers credit risk from suppliers to insurance providers, typically covering 75-95% of outstanding invoice value after covered non-payment events occur. These events generally include buyer insolvency, protracted default (typically defined as non-payment beyond 90-180 days), and political risk in international transactions. Premium costs range from 0.1-0.6% of covered sales.

Insurance operates on a claims basis—suppliers continue normal collection activities and receive insurance payments after meeting specific policy requirements. This structure provides financial protection against significant buyer defaults while suppliers manage ongoing cash flow through their existing processes.

What Trade Credit Insurance Provides

Trade credit insurance delivers several forms of protection for construction material suppliers:

  • Default coverage: Protection against buyer insolvency or extended non-payment
  • Risk assessment: Professional credit evaluation and monitoring by insurance underwriters
  • Financial flexibility: Insured receivables may support improved financing terms
  • Growth enablement: Ability to extend credit to new customers with insurance backing
  • Financial stability: Reduction in bad debt expense and balance sheet protection

These protections serve specific risk management needs, particularly for suppliers managing large customer portfolios or expanding into new markets.

Considering Construction-Specific Payment Factors

Trade Credit Insurance in the Construction Context

Trade credit insurance policies include certain parameters that suppliers should understand:

  • Coverage scope: Insurance addresses buyer creditworthiness within defined policy terms
  • Claim processes: Policies specify requirements for documentation and claim filing
  • Coverage levels: Most policies cover 75-95% of invoice value rather than full amounts
  • Policy terms: Insurance agreements define specific covered events and requirements
  • Administrative aspects: Policies require underwriting, documentation, and claims management

Understanding these elements helps suppliers evaluate how trade credit insurance fits within their broader financial strategy.

Construction Payment Complexity

Construction projects involve multiple payment considerations:

  • Project structures: Multiple payment milestones with varying characteristics
  • Payment tiers: Layered payment relationships from owners through contractors to suppliers
  • Retention practices: Percentage of payments held until project completion
  • Contractual elements: Various payment terms and conditions across projects
  • Payment timing: Extended cycles that affect cash flow planning

These factors make effective receivables management essential for construction material suppliers navigating complex payment environments.

Modern Accounts Receivable Management for Construction

Leveraging AR Automation Technology

Modern accounts receivable management software provides tools for optimizing cash flow and streamlining operations. These platforms use AI-powered automation throughout the AR lifecycle:

  • Automated invoicing: Generate and send invoices immediately upon shipment or service completion
  • Payment reminders: Schedule communications based on payment terms and customer patterns
  • Performance tracking: Monitor days sales outstanding and identify trends
  • Cash flow visibility: Forecast inflows based on aging reports and payment patterns
  • Customer relationships: Maintain professional communication while ensuring timely payment

Resolve's Accounts Receivable with AI-Powered Automation platform uses AI agents to manage workflows, automate payment reminders, and reduce friction in collections while maintaining brand consistency.

Key Capabilities of Modern AR Platforms

Advanced AR management platforms provide construction suppliers with comprehensive operational tools:

  • Real-time visibility: Monitor AR aging, outstanding balances, and payment trends across customers
  • Credit management: Set and adjust customer credit limits based on payment performance
  • System integration: Connect with accounting platforms like QuickBooks for seamless reconciliation
  • Payment flexibility: Offer customers multiple payment options (ACH, credit card, wire, check) through branded portals
  • Analytics and reporting: Generate reports for financial planning and customer assessment

These capabilities transform AR management from an administrative function into a strategic tool supporting business growth and financial stability.

Managing Construction Collections Effectively

Understanding Mechanics Lien Processes

Mechanics liens involve navigating state-specific requirements and processes:

  • Preliminary notices: Many states require notice within 20-30 days of first furnishing materials
  • Pre-lien requirements: Some states specify additional notice periods before lien filing
  • Filing deadlines: Final lien filing typically within 60-120 days from last furnishing or project completion
  • Documentation standards: Detailed records of delivery, property incorporation, and notice compliance
  • Enforcement procedures: Legal processes required to collect on filed liens

Effective lien management requires careful attention to deadlines and requirements across multiple concurrent projects.

The Role of Professional Collections Management

Professional collections management helps suppliers maintain customer relationships while ensuring payment:

  • Systematic follow-up: Structured communication processes for payment reminders
  • Expertise: Specialized knowledge of construction payment practices and timing
  • Resource allocation: Dedicated focus on collections without diverting internal staff
  • Relationship preservation: Professional approach that maintains business relationships
  • Process efficiency: Streamlined procedures for managing multiple accounts

Professional management allows suppliers to focus on core operations while ensuring effective receivables handling.

Resolve Pay's Comprehensive Payment Solution

Immediate Payment Access with Resolve Pay

Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform addresses construction suppliers' cash flow needs directly. The platform advances up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours for approved customers, eliminating the working capital gap that traditionally constrains growth. This immediate cash access allows suppliers to pay vendors, invest in inventory, and pursue growth opportunities without waiting for customer payments.

The platform uses proprietary AI models to evaluate thousands of buyer data points, generating dynamic credit decisions that enable instant approvals for purchases up to $25,000 USD. This allows suppliers to offer competitive Net 30/60/90 terms while receiving immediate payment, transforming payment terms from a constraint into a competitive advantage.

Non-Recourse Protection and Professional Collections

Resolve Pay's non-recourse financing model provides comprehensive risk protection:

  • Non-recourse advances: Cash advances remain with suppliers regardless of buyer payment outcomes
  • Professional collections: Resolve handles billing, payment reminders, and collections management
  • Credit expertise: Team includes former Amazon, PayPal, and Fortune 500 professionals
  • Risk distribution: Portfolio approach spreads risk across thousands of buyers
  • Relationship focus: Professional collections maintain customer relationships

This structure allows suppliers to focus on business development and operations while Resolve manages credit and collections processes.

Resolve Pay's Integrated Platform Capabilities

Comprehensive AR Workflow Management

Resolve's B2B Payments Platform provides end-to-end AR management beyond payment processing:

  • Integrated credit decisions: Real-time credit assessment at point of sale eliminates approval delays
  • Automated invoicing: Generate and send invoices automatically with embedded payment options
  • Branded payment portal: White-label portal accepting ACH, credit card, wire, or check payments
  • AI-powered reconciliation: LLM technology ensures automatic transaction syncing and reconciliation
  • QuickBooks integration: Auto-bookkeeping pushes records directly to QuickBooks, linked to original invoices

This comprehensive approach consolidates previously fragmented systems into a unified platform that streamlines AR operations.

Seamless Technology Integration

Resolve's Integrations with Financial Tech Stack ensure compatibility with existing business systems:

  • Accounting platforms: Direct sync with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and Sage Intacct
  • Ecommerce systems: Checkout extensions for Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, and WooCommerce
  • API capabilities: Custom integrations for proprietary systems and unique requirements
  • Data synchronization: Automatic import of customer information from existing systems
  • White-label experience: Maintain brand identity while leveraging Resolve's infrastructure

These integrations enhance existing operations without requiring significant workflow changes, providing immediate benefits while preserving established processes.

Resolve Pay's Approach to Competitive Financing

Modern Payment Solutions for Construction

Resolve positions itself as a modern alternative to factoring by providing comprehensive payment solutions:

  • Non-recourse structure: Advances remain with suppliers regardless of buyer payment outcomes
  • Transparent approach: Clear, straightforward fee structure
  • Relationship preservation: White-label design maintains direct supplier-customer relationships
  • Integrated capabilities: Combines credit, payments, and AR automation in one platform
  • Advance rates: Up to 100% of invoice value available

This comprehensive model addresses multiple business needs simultaneously rather than solving only the financing component.

Value-Focused Payment Solutions

Resolve Pay provides construction material suppliers with several operational advantages:

  • Customer experience: White-label approach preserves supplier brand identity throughout payment process
  • Simplified operations: Single platform eliminates need for multiple vendor relationships
  • Flexible structure: Select which invoices to finance based on business needs
  • Financial clarity: Transparent fee structure without complex calculations
  • Growth support: Scales naturally as business expands

These elements work together to support business growth while maintaining operational simplicity.

Ready to Transform Your Construction Payment Process?

Resolve Pay delivers a purpose-built solution for construction material suppliers navigating extended payment cycles and complex credit management. The platform advances up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours while managing the entire credit and collections process, effectively serving as an extension of your team.

With AI-powered automation, Resolve Pay streamlines AR management while its non-recourse structure provides confidence that advanced funds remain yours regardless of buyer outcomes. The platform's seamless integration with existing accounting and ecommerce systems means enhanced capabilities without operational disruption.

Construction suppliers using Resolve Pay can confidently offer competitive Net 30/60/90 terms without cash flow constraints or balance sheet risk. The platform's transparent approach and comprehensive service model—covering credit assessment, advance funding, and collections management—provides a unified solution for managing construction payment complexity.

For construction material suppliers seeking to eliminate extended payment waits while winning more business with competitive payment terms, Resolve Pay provides an integrated platform that addresses both immediate cash flow needs and long-term risk protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Resolve Pay's approach differ from traditional trade credit insurance?

Resolve Pay provides immediate cash advances of up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours, while trade credit insurance typically pays only after buyer default and covers 75-95% of losses. Resolve Pay combines upfront payment with non-recourse protection and professional collections management in a single integrated platform, addressing both cash flow and risk management needs simultaneously.

Can construction material suppliers still offer extended payment terms with Resolve Pay?

Yes, Resolve Pay specifically enables construction suppliers to offer competitive Net 30/60/90 terms to customers while receiving up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours. The platform's real-time credit decisions enable instant approvals for purchases up to $25,000 USD, making it easy to provide flexible terms while maintaining strong cash flow.

What happens if a buyer doesn't pay on a Resolve-backed invoice?

Resolve Pay's cash advances are non-recourse, meaning funds advanced to suppliers remain theirs regardless of buyer payment outcomes. Resolve handles the entire collections process, including payment reminders and professional collections efforts, while suppliers maintain their customer relationships without direct involvement in collection activities.

How quickly can construction suppliers receive payment through Resolve Pay?

Resolve Pay advances up to 100% of invoice value within 24 hours for approved customers, compared to typical construction payment cycles that can extend 60+ days. This immediate cash access eliminates working capital gaps and enables suppliers to operate without payment-related constraints.

Does Resolve Pay's service integrate with existing business systems?

Yes, Resolve Pay offers seamless integration with major accounting platforms (QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct) and ecommerce systems (Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, WooCommerce). The white-label payment portal maintains your brand identity throughout the customer experience, and the platform automatically syncs transaction data with your existing systems.

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.