Small Businesses Can Face Economic Downturns With Confidence
Dealing with an uncertain economy is never easy, especially for small businesses. Unlike their larger counterparts, small businesses rarely have the resources to monitor and take corrective action for every trend and issue. And even those owners who have weathered numerous business cycles may be faced with new circumstances that confound their otherwise successful instincts and knowledge.
While there is no crystal ball that accurately predicts the future, small business owners can take a number of steps that will help their enterprises endure the worst of times, and position them for success when conditions inevitably improve.
- In the face of the ongoing credit crunch, consider an alternative to borrowing funds from a commercial bank.
Consider a funding line from Charter Capital, a preferred provider of accounts receivable factoring services. Charter Capital has vast experience in economic cycles, and can advise you on issues specific to your business and industry. It may be helpful to arrange for a factoring or funding line. You may not need it for several months or at all. But if a lag in cash flow occurs, you will have a ready source of bridge money in place.
- Make sure you have good relations with your vendors.
You may find it necessary to renegotiate terms, but overdue bills and inconsistent payment practices will not help your position. What’s more, your vendors may be experiencing financial difficulties as well. Any flexibility will hinge on whether they perceive you as a reliable partner, or a risk. A factoring or funding line from Charter Capital will help establish you as a reliable partner.
- Similarly, keep a close watch on your receivables.
Follow up with whoever owes your company money and make sure they are meeting their terms. Be firm when dealing problem accounts, but also be willing to negotiate where appropriate. It may take only a matter of months for a struggling customer to become a highly stable source of income. If you can accommodate such situations without adversely affecting your company’s financial position, everybody wins. A factoring or funding line from Charter Capital will give you the freedom to extend even more generous payment terms to your valuable customers.
- Step up your marketing efforts.
Many businesses mistakenly see marketing as a luxury when money is tight. The truth is that this is the time you need marketing most. Along with reassuring your current customers that you are still there to serve them, marketing can help you reach new markets that will sustain your business now, and facilitate its growth in the future. A factoring or funding line from Charter Capital will give you peace of mind to accelerate your marketing effort knowing that you have the cash flow to support your increase in sales.
- Make sure expenditures can be justified, and that they contribute to the financial health of your business.
You may find it necessary to redirect money to areas that will enhance business performance. If you carry an inventory of products, check the accuracy of your records and procedures to prevent losses. Do not feel pressured to hold down sales for lack of inventory. A factoring or funding line from Charter Capital will give you freedom to invest in even more inventory than you might otherwise be able to afford.
- Review your operations and expenses on a regular basis.
If you monitor your profitability on a monthly basis, it’s a good idea to do it weekly or biweekly during slow economic times. Likewise, you should review your business plan more often. Monthly or quarterly reviews will make it easier for you to make adjustments and keep your business on track. A factoring or funding line from Charter Capital will give you a certain amount of flexibility in meeting your cash obligations. Obtain cash to negotiate prompt pay discounts with your vendors. Meeting your payroll and payroll tax obligations on a timely basis will most certainly save you additional expense.
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Small Business & Factoring
News from Charter Capital
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Charter Capital services many industries. Here are just a few of the industries
we are currently financing:
Trucking and Freight
It has never been easier for trucking companies and freight brokers to get cash
with Freight Factoring from Charter Capital. We purchase your Freight Invoices
and fund you within 24 hours, so you don't have to wait to get paid.
Staffing Firms
We can help you grow your staffing company with unlimited payroll funding ,
whether you're a start up or a multi-million dollar
temp-staffing agency. Our
clients provide staffing for various industries including Professional, Office
Services, Medical, and Manufacturing.
Security Firms
Demand for security services in the USA is on the rise. Be financially prepared
to gain your share with a FactorLine facility only from Charter Capital.
Manufacturing
If your business is a manufacturing plant, distributor,
packaging company, or
any business that invoices to credit worthy customers, then a FactorLine from
Charter Capital can accommodate the working capital funding needs of both new
manufacturing companies as well as those that have been around for years.
Technology Staffing Firms
Service providers such as technology
consulting and staffing firms are great candidates for our FactorLine accounts receivable
funding service, enabling you to increase your cash flow without the need
for bank loans. We are always adding new industries and will consider factoring
service providers in any industry.
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