Monday, July 25, 2016

What Business Owners Should Know About A Bank Guarantee Letter

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Banks can offer various services and solutions to struggling businesses. In addition to providing loans, corporate credit cards, and other financing solutions, the right bank can also offer services that will enable entrepreneurs to conduct business with more confidence, even in instances where relationships have yet to be established. One of these solutions comes in the form of bank guarantee letters.

A bank guarantee letter or a standby letter of credit can enable you to negotiate terms with both buyers and suppliers by offering them protection from non-compliance with contract terms. This letter can also take care of your financial needs at the same time.

Benefits Of Securing A Bank Guarantee Letter
 
Businesses can enjoy various advantages when they have a bank guarantee letter. These benefits include the following:

• The letter does not guarantee the performance of a commitment, but it takes over a payment obligation for non-compliance with a commitment undertaken under an agreement

• It can reduce any commercial risk since the payment is provided by the guarantor bank

• A bank guarantee letter offers protection against the risk of non-performance or non-payment

• It represents an assurance of the good intentions of the party whose obligations are guaranteed

Types Of Bank Guarantees
 
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Guarantees offered by banks are divided into three main categories: financial, non-financial, and standby letters of credit.

A financial guarantee’s primary function is as a substitute for cash deposits with your suppliers. This type effectively frees up your working capital and secures you advantageous contract terms.

The second category, which are non-financial guarantees, usually involves opening up tender opportunities (or tender guarantees), negotiating better contract terms (performance and warranty guarantees), and securing up-front payment (advance payment guarantees).

Lastly, standby letters of credit are the alternative when it comes to buyers and suppliers that aren’t comfortable with guarantees.

Common Kinds Of Guarantees Offered By Banks

Banks will offer more specific kinds of guarantees, which include the following:

Tender – This guarantee ensures the merit of the offer and the trustworthiness of the tenderer. It also provides assurance that the purchaser will receive payment of a determined amount (a percentage of the offer) upon request should the tenderer be under any of the situations listed in the guarantee.

Advance payment - This type of guarantee ensures that there is refund of the amount paid in advance by the purchaser in case of non-performance by the seller.

Payment - This takes care of your payment obligations under certain agreements. With this guarantee, financial benefits will be given to the seller, hence, allowing you to negotiate better terms for yourself like reduced costs, longer payment term, etc.

Performance – This type of guarantee is good until the delivery of the order or services, guaranteeing payment of a percentage of the contract value, upon request of the purchaser, should contractual obligations be unfulfilled.

Repayment of loans – This guarantee enables the requester to receive banking services for subsidiaries and affiliates in other countries.

Learn more about bank guarantee letters and the benefits they offer here.