We have written previously about the importance of creating a cash flow forecast, and regularly checking your cash flow. Forecasting as accurately as possible makes developing and running a business much easier. It is, however, hard to prepare a cash flow forecast when your cash flow is not predictable.  

The reasons behind your unpredictable cash flow need to be identified in order to find a workable solution.   

• Isolate your unpredictable cash flow

• Identify constant cash flow

There are many reasons for unpredictable cash flow, and once you are aware in advance that you are entering a period of slow payment, you can work out a method to rectify the situation. Many periods of uncertainty are particularly relevant to certain markets.  

Have you considered applying for a grant? Do you understand the options available to your specific industry or where to look? 

The plethora of possibility in terms of loans, grants and alternative financing can be totally overwhelming when looking for options to increase cash flow. Every circumstance calls for a different set of parameters to help you decide which is right for you. 

A business loan may be extremely effective for your business, but remember there are many steps involved. Many new and small business loans require much of the information listed below: 

Do Fortune 500 companies really factor their invoices? Believe it or not, factoring is an excellent tool used by all sizes of companies to increase cash flow without increasing debt burden.

Has business for your trucking company started to pick up? As the economy slowly begins to recover, so does the need to transport goods, but you still may be frustrated by slow payment on your accounts receivable. A steady cash flow is often difficult in any given market sector, but there are specific challenges when it comes to the trucking industry. It is necessary to provide the best terms to secure a contract in this incredibly competitive business, but this often means payment is slow. Do you rely solely on invoice payment from your clients to survive?  

Wrangling for prompt payments?

Do you find some of your larger customers are simply indifferent to your constant requests for on-time payment? It may also be hard to collect from your smaller customers, but generally the process is simpler and it is much easier to engage in a one on one dialogue with a smaller accounts payable department.

Wearing too many hats? Can you shed a few?
Factoring Companies Can Help You...

As a business owner, how many hats do you wear? Is it possible that you are trying to do too much to keep your business running successfully? How successful can we really be by constantly multitasking?

The right tools & tips can save you $

It is all about cash flow, the lifeblood of your working capital that needs to exceed your liabilities.  Consider these five cash flow best practices that can help keep your cash flow and your company healthy.