How to Improve Your Company's Cash Flow

If you want your business to be successful and sustainable, you must prioritize your cash flow. Accepting regular payment is crucial for purchasing the inventory you need to fill customer orders. A steady cash flow is also important for designing and launching effective advertising campaigns. If you're having trouble maintaining your company's cash flow, use these five tips to improve it.

Lease Equipment

Equipment is a necessary expense for any company, but you don't have to use up all of the cash you have on hand to obtain machinery. Consider leasing equipment instead of buying it. You'll still have the opportunity to use equipment in exchange for affordable monthly payments, but you won't be responsible for the machinery. You can upgrade your equipment whenever new models become available, and you won't have to pay for repairs or maintenance. According to one survey, 80% of American businesses lease a portion of their equipment and reap many benefits, including tax advantages.

Change Your Invoicing System

Making sure you get paid promptly after providing a service is important for improving your company's cash flow. One way to make payment a priority is to change the way you process invoices. You can find an online invoice generator with premade templates that you can customize with your company's colors, logo, and slogan. These invoices set clear payment terms so that customers know what to expect. 

Follow a Financial Plan

Having a well-defined financial plan is important for growing your business by maintaining a steady cash flow. You need to know how you plan to spend your money and what strategies you will use to ensure your business receives a steady flow of cash. A reputable business coach can help you develop a financial plan that meets your needs.

You may also want to form a limited liability corporation. An LLC helps protect your cash flow by providing you with tax advantages and liability protection. However, the formation regulations for LLCs vary among states, so it's vital to check the requirements of your locality before forming this type of business structure. Forming an LLC in Georgia is tedious and requires a lot of paperwork, but there are services available to do the legwork for you.

Use Software

Tracking invoices and payments is an extensive job. If you don't want to spend all of your time on this tedious task, try using invoice software to streamline the process. This type of software tracks numbers and gives you a daily update on the state of your company's cash flow.

Encourage Clients to Pay Early

If you provide a routine service to clients and collect pay afterward, you spend time and money without the guarantee of payment. Many people are honest and will pay you immediately after receiving an invoice, but some people will take advantage of post-payment companies and use the service without paying. Even honest people sometimes forget to pay, so collecting payments early is a good way to keep a steady cash flow.

One way to do this is to get clients to pay for service on a regular basis. For example, you can ask clients to sign contracts and pay a monthly fee in exchange for bi-weekly lawn maintenance.

Your business needs a steady cash flow to thrive in the highly competitive marketplace. Use these tips to maintain a better cash flow and build a stronger business.

Help your company flourish in our community by joining the Hart County Chamber of Commerce!