There are lots of things that can lead to bad credit for small businesses but some things are more likely than most to cause problems for SMEs. All businesses are susceptible to cash flow problems and the trouble can be hiding in a number of places.
Preventing Bad Credit in Small Business
It might sound simple but one of the biggest issues might be payment. Have a look at those customers or clients that owe you money and focus on getting those debts collected. On the other side of the coin, have a look at how you are paying your suppliers back and check that you are maximising your window to pay them. In some cases you might be able to get an extension with no extra cost. Check your stock to make sure that you are not overloaded on merchandise. Turning over stock should be any business’ goal no matter what their size. Managing your business’ cash flow poorly might be one of the biggest causes of bad credit.
Rising costs affect everyone but it can be especially devastating to small businesses. The most obvious solution to rising costs is to shop around for better prices. Have a look at all of your expenses and talk to your suppliers about getting discounts for paying early or rebates for buying in bulk. Do not hesitate to call up your bank and ask for a review on your loans before bad credit builds up. You might be able to negotiate a better rate on your debt since interest rates have been falling lately.
Changes in taxation laws and business regulation can have dramatic impact on your business. Staying up to date through newsletters from your local business networks can keep you on top of the latest changes. The fluctuating Australian dollar can have certain effects on your profits if you export or import a product or service. Determining how a rising or falling Australian dollar would change your bottom line can give you a different perspective for the future. Interest rates have been falling lately but that will not continue forever. If you have bad credit then now might be a great time to negotiate your debt with your lenders or possibly reach out to a lender for a bad credit loan. When interest rates begin to rise you will thank yourself for planning ahead and making good financial management decisions.