6 Ways to Improve Cash Flow During the Holidays

For a lot of retail and restaurant businesses, the holidays can be the busiest time of the year. But for other small businesses, the holiday season can herald in one of the most difficult times of the year. Many shut down production completely, and even close their doors during the peak of the December holidays.

While this may conserve some cash, wages still need to be paid and fixed costs need to be taken care of. To add to these woes, customers can be tricky to track down over the holidays, leading to unpaid bills and potential cash flow problems—the #1 reason why small businesses fail.

If this sounds like you, here are six things you can do to improve cash flow this holiday season.

1. Forecast Your Cash Flow

Every business should have a cash flow forecast and keep close tabs on it during this time. By maintaining a forecast you’ll have a clear view of when money is coming in, when it’s due out, and what’s left over.  This will help you make crucial decisions about our finances during the holiday season and all year long. Check out these tips for putting together a cash flow forecast and analyzing it.

2. Evaluate Your Terms

If you’re constantly struggling with late-paying clients, it’s time to evaluate your terms in advance of the holiday season so that you can ensure a steady source of income during this time and avoid the net 60-90 day trap. Start with new clients, and then when the New Year rolls around, reach out to existing clients to discuss your new terms.

3. Chase Debt Before it’s Too Late

Now is not the time to be delinquent about payment discipline. Invoice frequently. Don’t overlook overdue accounts, because you may not see that payment until January if you do. And be diligent in chasing unpaid invoices—the closer you get to the holidays the harder it will be to get paid, so don’t wait, chase!

4. Plan for Unexpected Expenses and Events

Your outgoings can spike during December as you plan staff and client parties or organize holiday gifts. Other things to consider at this time are the holidays themselves—Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year, and so on, will shorten the amount of available trading days, which can impact your income and profits.

Plan for time off, too. Do you have enough cash set aside to take time away from your business and spend it with family? Could you keep things going by delegating to your staff? Read our post on taking vacations without your business falling apart for tips.

5. Don’t Be Flush

Delay any large expenditures until cash flow has improved. You may be tempted to reduce your overall taxable income for the year with business expense, but be sure to weigh up the pros and cons of any large purchases, repairs or maintenance at this time.

6. Make it a Business-Wide Priority

Conserving cash doesn’t just start and end with the business owner. Make sure your staff is also keenly aware of expense restrictions and management at this time of year.

Go check out Fundbox here for more advice!

The post 6 Ways to Improve Cash Flow During the Holidays appeared first on Fundera Ledger.

from Fundera Ledger https://www.fundera.com/blog/2015/10/28/6-ways-to-improve-cash-flow-during-the-holidays/