6 Tips to keep the cash coming in
For small business owners in particular, maintaining a decent cash flow is fundamental to staying afloat. It’s a simple equation really: no cash = no business, so keeping on top of your cash flow has to be a top priority. In this article Bartercard share some top tips for SMEs.
1. Invoice quickly
It sounds obvious but it’s amazing how many companies are slack at sending the invoice once they’ve completed a job. It should come as no surprise that if you don’t send through your invoice until two weeks after you’ve completed the work, that payment isn’t forthcoming until another two weeks at least. Get in the habit of preparing and sending invoices straightaway. What’s more, send them by email and that way they will get to the relevant person immediately. Also make it easy for your customer to pay the invoice by providing your online banking details.
2. Set clear payment terms
Make it clear to customers what your payment terms are. Although large corporates often have a 30-day payment term, this can be too long for some SMEs who can’t afford to be quite so generous with their terms. A more reasonable timeframe for the average small business could be 14 days. Whatever terms you decide on, set clear expectations for your clients.
3. Use technology to help you track cash flow
Cloud-based accounting has made it much easier to manage cash flow. Investing in reliable accounting software will be a great time saver and will allow you to focus your energies on other important tasks. What’s more, saving your accounts to the cloud means that you won’t have to worry about backing up your data and you will be able to view your accounts at any time, whether you’re on the road or working from home.
4. Focus on cash flow, not profits
Many SMEs have made the mistake of focusing too much on profit projections. The truth is, if your cash flow is in order, then it is a follow-on effect that your profit will also be in order. The opposite, however, is not true. Even profitable businesses need to have cash flowing through them to survive in the long term.
5. Consider introducing incentives or fixed rate payment packages
If late payers are a big problem in your business, then another way to keep cash flowing is to introduce incentives for customers and suppliers to pay on time. You could perhaps offer a deduction off the total for full payment or a week free – whatever makes sense in your business.
Alternatively, how about offering fixed rate payment packages? And so, if a client pays for a whole year’s worth of services or product upfront, they get one month free. This way you’ll be getting paid in advance rather than in arrears and the extra cash can help you explore opportunities and grow your business more easily.
6. Use Bartercard
Bartercard is a valuable way to conserve cash flow by sourcing products and services without opening your wallet. Use your trade dollars instead of cash to pay for services like bookkeeping and accounting, printing, advertising, website, graphic design, and SEO. Source products like office equipment and supplies, furniture, collateral and even wine to serve in your restaurant or gift to clients. At Bartercard there are endless ways to conserve the cash flow essential in business – members visit mybc.bartercard.com to start shopping or speak to your Account Manager. If you’re new to Bartercard visit Bartercard.com.au to see how you can boost cash flow in business, every day.
Effective cash flow management is critical to the success of your enterprise. Give your business the best possible chance by using these tips and keeping on top of cash flow.
5th November 2019
