Facing Cashflow Issues? Don't Bury Your Head in the Sand—Take Proactive Steps to Minimise the Impact
In the world of business, cash is king. Cashflow issues can arise unexpectedly and if not addressed promptly, they can severely impact your business operations and growth. Rather than burying your head in the sand and hoping for the best, it's crucial to be proactive as soon as you become aware of cashflow problems. By taking immediate action and making necessary changes, you can minimise the issue and steer your business towards a healthier financial position. In this blog, we will explore some practical solutions to tackle cashflow problems head-on, enabling you to regain control and secure a brighter future for your business.
1. Increase Prices:
Conduct a thorough analysis of your pricing strategy to ensure it aligns with market demands and covers your costs adequately.
Consider implementing slight price increases that won't drive away your customers but will help improve your profit margins and cashflow.
2. Reduce Stock (money on your shelf):
Review your inventory levels and identify slow-moving or obsolete stock.
Offer promotions or bundle deals to encourage sales and reduce excess stock.
Streamline your ordering process and adjust stock levels to match customer demand more accurately.
3. Review All Expenses (cut the fat not the muscle):
Scrutinise your expenses to identify areas where you can cut costs without compromising essential operations.
Negotiate better terms with suppliers or seek alternative vendors who offer more competitive prices.
Consider outsourcing certain tasks or automating processes to save time and money.
4. Review Overdue Debtors:
Identify customers with outstanding payments and develop a clear strategy to collect these debts.
Establish a system for timely invoicing and follow-up on unpaid invoices.
Consider offering incentives for early payments or implementing stricter credit control policies.
5. Increase Overdraft:
If your cashflow issues are temporary, and you have a good relationship with your bank, consider discussing an increase in your existing overdraft limit.
Prepare updated financial reports, including a cashflow forecast, to present to your bank as evidence of your proactive approach.
6. Develop a Cashflow Forecast:
Create a comprehensive cashflow forecast that outlines your expected income and expenses over a specific period.
Regularly review and update your forecast to reflect any changes in market conditions, pricing, or expenses.
Use the forecast to anticipate potential cashflow issues and make informed decisions about necessary changes in your operations.
Conclusion: Cashflow issues can be a significant challenge for any business, but facing them head-on with a proactive approach is the key to minimising their impact. By implementing the suggested solutions—such as increasing prices, reducing stock, reviewing expenses, addressing overdue debtors, and considering an increase in your overdraft—you can regain control over your finances. Additionally, developing and regularly updating a cashflow forecast will help you make informed decisions that you will know how they will impact your cashflow, as well as providing the necessary reports and forecasts if seeking financial assistance from banks. Remember, taking immediate action and making necessary changes will put you on the path to financial stability and ensure a brighter future for your business.
Contact us at Sass (info@sass.nz) if you are wanting to take pro-active steps to manage your cashflow.
