Working capital solutions and credit card processing are more connected than most business owners realize, and changes to either are likely to have measurable impacts on business profitability. The business finance benefits will be especially noticeable if several typical small business cash advance difficulties can be avoided.
In this article we have identified the ten major problems which should be avoided when obtaining working capital and business cash advances based on credit card processing. As noted below, it is not necessary to accept any of these business finance difficulties.
Credit card processing and small business loan strategies are closely connected in many ways. Business owners should not overlook the substantial working capital benefits which will accrue to their business by effectively coordinating credit card factoring and processing. If the ten most common business cash advance problems can be avoided, the total business benefits will be maximized.
Even thriving small businesses frequently need more working capital than they can borrow from a bank. One of the most important commercial financing needs for any business is ensuring that short-term cash requirements are successfully met. This is frequently a difficult task.
The use of a viable business cash advance strategy has become an increasingly important business finance tool for many businesses faced with a potential short-term cash shortfall. There are a number of common problems (noted below) to anticipate and avoid when businesses use credit card processing to acquire working capital advances.
Most merchants have documented credit card processing activity and sales volume. Since up to $300,000 and more can typically be obtained using a business cash advance based on future sales, documentation of processing activity is a valuable financial asset.
Businesses should realize that there are several recurring problems that should be anticipated prior to using this strategy for working capital business cash advances. Highlighted below are ten common credit card receivables problems to be avoided when business owners are considering this financing approach.
First, many lenders will attempt to charge closing costs. Business owners should realize that this is an unnecessary transaction cost for business cash advances when dealing with a truly reputable provider of working capital financing based on credit card factoring.
Second, many lenders for these services also charge up-front fees. With the best programs there are not likely to be any up-front fees, and this is a transaction cost that can and should be avoided.
Third, a number of business cash advance programs require collateral. For business owners seeking credit card financing, this is an unnecessary requirement and should be avoided.
Fourth, a number of providers will require tax returns and financial statements for business cash advances regardless of size. Such additional documentation requirements should only be necessary for larger working capital advances.
Fifth, monthly fixed payments to repay merchant cash advances are imposed by some providers. The preferred approach is to avoid such fixed payment requirements.
Sixth, some providers impose a fixed term for repayment. This requirement to pay off the business cash advance over a fixed term should be avoided.
Seventh, many business finance programs require businesses to have at least two years of operating history to qualify for working capital business cash advances. While many business owners can meet such a requirement, a more practical standard for newer businesses is a minimum of one year in business.
Eighth, most business cash advance providers require credit scores of at least 680. For many business owners, this can be an insurmountable requirement in the current economic climate. It is feasible to obtain this kind of working capital financing with scores around 500.
Ninth, for merchants needing larger business cash advances, it will be disappointing to learn that many programs are limited to a maximum of $25,000 to $50,000. Providers that are better capitalized for this business finance strategy will be able to accommodate an advance of $300,000 and higher.
Tenth, many providers will require 12 to 24 months of documented credit card sales of $12,000 to $25,000 or more. A more practical possibility for business owners will involve a transaction history with six months of $5,000 or more.
It would be unusual for all of the obstacles described above to be relevant for all businesses. Business borrowers are likely to experience several of these problems if they are considering a business cash advance that uses credit card factoring and credit card processing.
Can all ten credit card finance obstacles discussed above be avoided? There are indeed viable credit card receivables programs which avoid all of the problems described. For any business owner considering this approach to working capital financing, it is probably worth repeating that it is not necessary to accept any of these problems in order to obtain business cash advances based on future sales.
Failure to Communicate Within a Small Business
A failure to communicate can create havoc in several critical areas for small businesses. Three potential solutions include business training, negotiating and writing. Ironically these functions are also among the most likely to be severely impacted by a failure to use business communications strategies effectively in the first place.
Communication Strategies for Small Businesses
When individuals and businesses talk about communication, there can be many possibilities as to what they are including in the topic. While cell phones and tablet computers might be relevant to small business owners, the more actionable areas of interest are likely to include business proposals, negotiating and teamwork. Writing seems to have fallen into neutral territory as a strategy for communicating, and along with that the use of business proposal writing has also declined within many small businesses. Until companies discover more effective business development strategies, writing business proposals should be looked at closely.
Finance and Business Mistakes
Business and finance mistakes can be costly and cause other serious complications. While it can be helpful to learn from mistakes, it is also preferable to avoid such situations whenever possible.
