Here are answers to some of your frequently asked questions.
What does BlueTape offer for material suppliers?
BlueTape is an all-in-one AR management platform that helps material suppliers offer flexible payment terms, streamline transactions, and get paid faster.
Our suite of tools includes trade credit, AR Advance (factoring), and integrated payment processing for ACH, credit cards, and debit cards. Suppliers use BlueTape to reduce credit risk, improve cash flow, and give their customers more ways to pay—without changing their existing order process.
With BlueTape, you can simplify accounts receivable, strengthen customer relationships, and grow your business—automatically.
BlueTape AR Advance
What is BlueTape AR Advance?
AR Advance is a modernized version of factoring or receivable financing, allowing BlueTape to purchase your outstanding invoices and provide advance payment, so you don’t have to wait for customers to pay.
How do I start using AR Advance?
Get started with creating a seller account and choosing the “Receivable Financing” option.
What are your requirements to qualify for BlueTape AR Advance?
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2+ years in business
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$2M+ in annual revenue
Why do I need to connect my bank account?
This allows BlueTape to verify your business revenue for underwriting purposes. You can connect your account electronically via Plaid or manually provide 6 months of bank statements.
How does BlueTape benefit from AR Advance?
BlueTape collects a small fee for managing the invoice payments and ensuring timely collections.
Trade Credit
What is BlueTape Trade Credit?
BlueTape Trade Credit is an in-house solution that allows suppliers to offer flexible Net 30, 60, or 90-day payment terms to their customers—while getting paid upfront.
BlueTape manages the entire credit process, including underwriting, approvals, collections, and payments. Suppliers can extend credit without taking on financial risk or waiting for funds, while customers enjoy the convenience of paying over time.
This program helps suppliers boost sales, attract more buyers, and improve cash flow—all through a simple, automated platform.
What are the main requirements?
To qualify for BlueTape Trade Credit, customers must meet the following criteria:
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Minimum credit score of 620
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At least 2 years in business
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Active U.S.-based business checking account
Minimum of $100,000 in annual revenue
Are there fees or interest for customers?
Yes. BlueTape charges low, transparent fees based on the selected payment terms:
- Net 30: $0 fees (payment due in full on day 30)
- Net 60 or Net 90: Low, upfront fees disclosed before the customer selects their term
Customers will always see the total fees and their payment schedule before confirming their payment option. For detailed pricing, please contact our team.
Do my customers need to approve all invoices?
By default, customers with a trade credit account receive each invoice to review, approve, and select their preferred payment terms.
However, with BlueTape Automated Trade Credit, you can streamline this process by automatically approving invoices for prequalified customers—saving time and reducing friction.
General Information
What are BlueTape’s payment terms?
BlueTape offers flexible net terms:
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Net 30 – 0% fees
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Net 60 or Net 90 – Low, transparent fees
What is the minimum and maximum financing amount?
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Minimum: $100
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Maximum: Varies based on your business qualifications and credit profile
Can customers increase their credit limit?
Yes. Customers can request a credit limit increase by emailing bluetape-application@bluetape.com.
Can customers pay via credit card?
Yes. Customers can pay using:
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BlueTape credit
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Credit card
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ACH bank transfer
Is customer data secure?
Yes. BlueTape adheres to strict security and privacy standards to protect customer data and transactions. For more information visit BlueTape security page.
Will pre-qualification impact a customer’s credit score?
No. BlueTape’s prequalification process uses soft credit checks only, so it will not affect a customer’s credit score.
What if my customer needs a refund?
Refunds can be handled in two ways:
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Cancel the invoice in BlueTape and process the refund directly with your customer.
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Issue a credit memo using the same invoice format but with a negative subtotal (e.g., -$500).
Can customers receive notifications via SMS instead of email?
Yes. Customers can choose to receive:
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SMS notifications
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Email notifications
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Or both
Notification preferences can be managed in the customer’s BlueTape account.
What if a customer’s application is denied?
Customers can still use BlueTape to pay via credit card or ACH.
They may also take advantage of BlueTape Secured Credit or reapply after 6 months
Are there caps on late fees?
Late fees are applied per invoice. Contact our team for specific rate details.
Do ACH fees cap at $10 regardless of order size?
Yes. ACH fees will run a minimum of $1 and max of $10.
Why do suppliers pay fees on debit card transactions?
For regulated debit cards, laws often prevent passing processing fees on to customers—meaning suppliers are responsible for covering those costs.
Do we have to submit all invoices to BlueTape or can we choose?
While most of all partnered sellers will automate all their invoices through BlueTape, you can choose and add the invoices you choose.
How are change orders (decreases in value) handled for advances already made?
If a change order reduces the total value of an invoice after BlueTape has advanced payment, the overpaid amount must be refunded to BlueTape. Please contact our support team to coordinate the refund process.
How do we handle same-day credit card orders?
Yes, same-day credit card payments can be processed directly through BlueTape.
Are international orders eligible (e.g., Canada)?
Currently, BlueTape supports only U.S.-based payments. International orders are eligible only if the payment is made through a U.S. bank account.
Who informs customers that our invoices are paid through BlueTape?
You should communicate this to your customers. BlueTape can provide sample messaging including email messages, social media and website content on how to divulge this with your customers.
How do we submit invoices to BlueTape?
You can submit invoices in two ways: Upload them directly through your BlueTape portal or email them to your dedicated BlueTape submissions address
Visit our invoicing guide for step-by-step instructions.
Do we need to update our invoice format for BlueTape?
Yes, invoices must follow BlueTape’s formatting requirements to ensure proper processing.
Our Customer Success team will walk you through the invoice setup during onboarding. If you have questions at any time, feel free to reach out.
How do we encourage customers to apply for BlueTape credit?
We make it easy for you to promote BlueTape to your customers. You’ll receive:
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Pre-approved messaging for emails and conversations
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Physical and digital marketing materials
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A unique signup and landing page links to track engagement
Contact us if you need additional resources or training for your team.
What happens if a customer doesn’t pay within their terms?
BlueTape manages all collections, so you don’t have to chase payments.
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If you’ve selected recourse factoring, you remain responsible for the invoice after 60 days of non-payment.
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If you’ve selected non-recourse factoring, BlueTape assumes the risk and responsibility for collection.
How long until a customer is considered in default?
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If insolvent: Immediate action is required.
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If late: BlueTape attempts collection for 60 days before requiring recourse repayment.
Does AR Advance apply only to completed invoices?
Yes. AR Advance typically applies to completed invoices. However, in certain cases, proforma deposit invoices may also qualify. Please contact your account manager to see if your invoice type is eligible.
Does BlueTape offer both recourse and non-recourse factoring?
Yes. By default, AR Advance is non-recourse, meaning BlueTape assumes the risk of non-payment. However, recourse options are available upon request. Talk to your account manager to determine the best fit for your business.
What does "Final Payment (Reserve Percentage)" mean?
This refers to the remaining balance of your invoice that BlueTape releases after your customer has paid in full. It’s the final portion held in reserve and paid out once collection is complete.
Order Cancellations & Refunds
What happens if an order is canceled after invoicing?
Cancellations are handled differently depending on the payment status:
- Before BlueTape processes payment:
If the order is canceled before BlueTape sends the advance, notify us immediately to avoid any fees. - After BlueTape sends the advance:
You’ll need to repay the advance amount plus the associated transaction fee. - After the customer has completed full payment:
You must refund BlueTape for the full invoice amount, including the transaction fee. - For BlueTape Trade Credit transactions:
If canceled within 30 days: No fees for the customer.
After 30 days: The customer is responsible for any applicable fees based on their selected terms.
Are there fees for refunds due to cancellations?
Yes. Just like credit card processing, if you’ve already received an advance payment, transaction fees still apply—even if the order is canceled or refunded.
Can I delay receiving funds to prevent fees from cancellations?
Yes. You can request a delay (e.g., 72 hours after invoicing) before BlueTape sends your funds. This gives you time to cancel or adjust orders before payment is processed and helps avoid unnecessary fees.
Keep in mind: cancellations after the delay period will still require repayment and fee coverage.
Payments & Reporting
Will we receive notifications for our payments and invoices?
Yes. You will receive email notifications for all payment and invoice activity.
You can also view real-time updates in your BlueTape account under the Settlement and Transaction pages. Monthly settlement reports are available for download.
What reporting does BlueTape provide?
You can access detailed reporting under the Sales section of your BlueTape account.
Available tabs include:
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Statements
These reports provide visibility into:
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Pending payments
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Delinquent accounts
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Final payment amounts
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Invoice status updates
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Customer payment activity
And more
Does BlueTape accept checks?
Yes, but check payments are strongly discouraged.
BlueTape Trade Credit requires ACH auto-pay by default. Exceptions may be made for large, pre-approved accounts.
Customers also have the option to pay by credit or debit card ahead of their scheduled autopay date.
Note: Autopay cannot be disabled.
If a check is returned due to insufficient funds (NSF), BlueTape will handle collections and any associated charges.
Please feel free to contact our support team with any questions at 855-428-1185 Ext 2 or support@bluetape.com.
To talk to any member of our sales team, contact our team here.