One major problem that plagues companies of all sizes is short-term cash crunches. Without sufficient cash flow, your business can cease to exist—even if it's profitable on paper.
In fact, 82% of businesses fail due to cash flow problems.
While cash flow problems can always be solved easily with short-term loans, failure to address this problem can lead to costly and irreparable damages down the line. For instance, being unable to pay bills on time can lead to late payment penalties.
Worst of all, failure to pay your vendors on time can end your relationship with suppliers and customers. These losses could steer your business on a slippery road to insolvency. That said, here are the various ways you can resolve short-term cash flow problems for your business.
1. Access Short-Term Business Loans
Securing a short-term loan can give you the funds your business needs to ride out of a cash flow storm. The key is to find a suitable loan facility for your business and a lender who offers the best interest and loan terms so you don't put further strain on your cash.
Short-term loans have a faster approval rate, and most lending institutions provide funding in as little as one business day.
For instance, if you're in Australia, you can get straightforward same-day loans for an amount ranging from $2,000 to 5,000 with a repayment period of up to 22 months. Better still, most of these short-term loans don't require security, and you can get them quickly with no lengthy processes or red tape.
2. Set Up a Business Line of Credit
A small business line of credit works like a credit card. You only pay interest on the outstanding balance, not the entire credit line. And when you've paid down your balance, the amount of credit replenishes so that you can borrow again in the future.
Unlike typical business development/expansion loans that must serve a specific purpose, a line of credit can be tapped whenever your business needs quick cash. This makes them ideal for resolving short-term cash flow issues.
3. Sell Assets You Don't Need
Is your business asset-rich but cash-poor?
If so, you might want to consider selling assets that aren't essential for running your business. While this may not solve your cash flow problems entirely, it can help remedy the cash crunch without plunging your business into debt.
Alternatively, you could consider leasing out the assets you don't need. This can come in handy, especially if you want to generate more income while retaining the ownership.
4. Negotiate Favorable Credit Terms with Suppliers
You could also solve business cash flow problems by negotiating favorable payment terms with your suppliers.
For example, if you pay your suppliers within 30 days but receive payments from your customers within 60 days after the products are delivered, you'll run into cash flow problems at some point.
However, this problem can easily be addressed by renegotiating supplier contracts. If you have a good payment history, your suppliers might consider extending your payment period.
Other Cash Flow Financing Solutions
If you're in dire need of cash to pay vendors or settle a business expense, you could use your savings or borrow from friends or family.
In the event you've run out of cash amid a product launch/development, you could turn to external funding.
For instance, you could work with a private capital funding source or turn to venture capital. Keep in mind that an angel investor or venture capitalist will provide the financing you need in exchange for an equity stake.
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