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One of the most talked-about topics in the world of finance at the moment is cryptocurrency. While major players like Bitcoin and Ethereum remain the most popular tokens, virtually every day another coin is gaining in popularity, receiving backing from a major institution, or being posted about by a celebrity with millions of online followers. This constant limelight is exacerbated by a 24/7 trading cycle and has led to wild swings in the market, creating overnight millionaires in some cases and destroying vast amounts of wealth in others. So many aspects of the cryptocurrency revolution are different from the norms we’ve come to expect from the stock market and have delayed adoption by large factions of “old school” investors. For many who are interested in cryptocurrency there is still a great deal of unknown, but one thing that has become clear is that blockchain technology could become a mainstay in many essential industries and even revolutionize them.

Evolution of Small Business Crypto Loans

As more retail investors and business owners have accumulated sizable amounts of cryptocurrency, lenders have started offering crypto loans using tokens as collateral for fiat currency. Binance, the largest current crypto exchange, offers its users loans in which one crypto can act as collateral for another. However, an obvious obstacle in both instances is the aforementioned volatility in the market, which can change the value of said collateral dramatically in a short period of time. This will undoubtedly lead to changes in the parameters crypto loan lenders use to generate approvals over time.

Logically, the next step in this emerging market would be the actual lending of cryptocurrency assets for business purposes. After all, many tokens are already backed by some of the most cutting-edge companies in the world, like Tesla, as well as some of the oldest banks in the United States, including BNY Mellon. The largest obstacle in this instance is the current ecosystem, which is quite limited in terms of how merchants could actually exchange cryptocurrency for goods and services. And again, the volatility in the marketplace would also require some creativity on the lender’s part when creating stipulations for the contracts. Despite these challenges, the space is gaining adoption quickly and will soon infiltrate virtually many areas of finance in some form or fashion. When this happens, those with an eye on the future – especially in the private lending industry – will stay abreast of the ongoing changes and embrace any new viable options.

As a leader in the alternative finance space, the MobyCap team prides itself on its ability to truly customize funding solutions to fit each of our clients’ unique needs. A large component of our approach centers around our comprehensive suite of funding options, which we are constantly evaluating. While we plan to continue on with our core products for the foreseeable future, we are constantly reviewing all possible options that could allow us to help small business owners get to the next level.

Don’t hesitate to visit our Solutions page for information on our funding options or email info@mobycap.com to discuss your working capital options.

The holiday season is typically the busiest time of year for many industries, including e-commerce, logistics, and staffing, to name a few.  2021 is looking up, as the year winds down despite businesses facing temporary closure of operations that led to significant losses during the pandemic in 2020. According to PR Newswire, Deloitte forecasts that holiday retail sales will reach between $1.28 trillion and $1.3 trillion from November 2021 through to January 2022. This trend will continue through the first quarter of 2022 and beyond.

With so many opportunities to generate significant additional revenue, many small and medium-sized business owners have turned to private lending for an immediate boost of capital to propel them through the end of the year and into 2022.

This is due to several factors, including the speed with which private lenders can move, the minimal amount of documentation required, and the ability to truly customize deals, including early payoff incentives that can cut the cost of capital down dramatically for businesses that only need the capital through the holiday season and can pay off the debt shortly thereafter. Some of the best use cases for these merchants include:

Inventory

With an all but guaranteed surge in sales upcoming and supply chain issues looming, it is imperative to take advantage of any opportunity to purchase materials in bulk and/or at a discount. When such opportunities arise quickly, it is crucial to have a relationship with a private lender that can quickly supply you with a truly customized deal designed to maximize your ROI by saving you money on the cost of funds.

Every business varies in operational needs such as inventory reorder levels, shipping processes and costs, and vendor pricing. All these can be factored in when determining the type of funding and the required amount to meet market demand. Inventory financing, among other alternative funding sources, is a great option to ensure a business stays afloat during this holiday. This type of financing ensures the business owner never runs out of inventory and avoids seasonal bottlenecks.

MobyCap not only routinely funds customers within 24 hours but can also include early payoff incentives that dramatically lower the cost of capital if customers can pay off the balance early. The ideal use case in this scenario would be taking the money, purchasing inventory at a discount, selling it quickly, and immediately paying off the remaining balance for the lowest possible rate.

Marketing

Assuming business owners already have what they need to provide goods and services to customers, another crucial component of the sales cycle — especially during times when you know consumers are shopping — is the ability to market to the ideal audiences. Whether online or via social media, print, radio, or snail mail, the holiday period is far and away the best time to generate marketing ROI for many businesses.

It’s safe to assume that, with the economy slowly gaining traction, other businesses are looking forward to this holiday season to achieve high sales. In addition, retailers can take advantage of events such as Black Friday where shoppers are looking for great deals. In anticipation of making profits, businesses may need funds to stock up and cover logistical costs. This period being a largely digital era means a business has to invest heavily in a digital marketing plan that promotes satisfactory customer service and brand positioning. This is the time to work on increasing customer acquisition and creating targeted ads which can be costly for small businesses. The global annual spending on digital ads in 2021 is expected to reach $389 billion.

Capital, among other factors, plays a big role in a business positioning itself in anticipation of the influx of shoppers this holiday. Quickly acquiring the funds, deploying them as marketing spend, generating an influx of business, and paying off the remaining debt would be an ideal way to utilize private funding in this scenario.

Bridge Funding

Because the holidays are typically hectic from a day-to-day perspective, cash flow shortages can be extremely detrimental to normal operations. For merchants dealing with lapses in cash flow due to slow-paying customers, temporary drops in revenue, or other common reasons, short-term funding can sometimes be the difference between shutting the doors for good and continuing business as usual.

While rates can vary depending on the circumstances, this is often a small price to pay for a rentable partner who can help you navigate through good times and bad. Moreover, the early payoff incentives would minimize the cost of capital if things returned to normal sooner rather than later.

In this case, having a relationship with a lender like MobyCap implies that emergency funds are only a phone call away. The business owner also does not have to worry about rigid rates as we offer flexible terms so they can borrow comfortably without stalling cash flow. If anything, the holiday season should be a period for a business to rebound from any slow periods it may have experienced previously throughout the year.

Augmenting Staff

As business picks up and growth accelerates, many businesses find themselves making temporary or permanent additions to their staff during the holiday season. Private lending will provide much-needed funds to offset any labor issues and shipping delays that have disrupted the supply chain since the onset of the pandemic. According to Aaron Cheris, head of Bain’s America Practice, the key challenge retailers will face this holiday season is the tight labor market. This means that firms operating in the supply chain industry will struggle to ensure speedy and efficient delivery of goods to shoppers while ensuring they do not run out of stock fast.

With private lending at hand, it gives the business owner more leverage to meet the customer demands for goods as their warehouse will be replenished with materials sooner rather than later. They will also have competent and enough staff to meet customer orders on time and anticipate any delivery mishaps. With many vacancies to fill, having funds available will enable businesses to offer monetary incentives to attract employees. Take, for example, Amazon is planning to hire 150,000 seasonal employees to cover the holiday shopping activities. The large retailer is also intending to offer a $3,000 sign-on bonus and an additional $3 per hour for specific shifts. If doing so can help generate immediate returns while keeping up with demand and keeping customers happy during the end-of-year rush, the interest paid on the funding necessary to acquire labor is well worth it.

In all this, the business will effectively tackle labor shortages which will ease supply chain operations in the next financial year. In addition, since the business would have the flexibility to hire temporary staff, it could save significantly on staff costs such as insurance and retirement plans. Moreover, we can offer multiple customizable options that allow us to structure the most beneficial deal for merchants under these circumstances.

Adding New Equipment

As the holiday season gears up, small and medium-sized businesses should take advantage of private lending to increase their operational capacities. To capture a portion of the sales revenue anticipated from November, a business owner may need to add more equipment to increase production. Private lending offers the option of accessing equipment leasing, which allows business owners to avoid the huge upfront costs of acquiring equipment.

This can be a great benefit for a small business that needs to be able to produce and supply constant orders.

We have helped businesses secure equipment to optimize their production capacity. Regardless of the industry a business operates in, we can help the founder acquire equipment to ensure they don’t miss out on the much-awaited sales boom this holiday.

Conclusion

As businesses approach the holiday season, it’s important to prepare to meet the expected customers’ demands and take advantage of the litany of sales opportunities. For an increasing number of small business owners, this means starting a relationship with a private lender that is willing to take the extra step to ensure they have a truly customized funding solution. The top pain points that businesses in the supply chain have faced are labor and inventory shortages, which have been devastating. In addition, it avoids making rash decisions such as reducing manufacturing costs or increasing prices as funds are available to fill any gaps. Private lending provides a level playing ground for small and medium-sized businesses to organize themselves to effectively capture additional market share. Even when the holiday season passes, having a trusted private lender close allows for stable running of the operations throughout the life of the business.

MobyCap has consistently proven itself to be capable of helping businesses achieve their potential. This holiday season is no different as markets are expected to be busy with customer purchases both online and in physical stores. We have the funding solutions for whatever needs a business has, such as inventory and staff shortages. You do not have to deal with a lengthy application and approval process when you require immediate cash to refill your shelves. Get in touch with us today.

It’s normal for every business to constantly face a shortfall in capital. To avoid any capital crisis that could threaten the survival of the business, it’s necessary to have access to cash on hand. A revolving line of credit and a virtual line both serve the purpose of acting as flexible sources of financing. However, the virtual line of credit takes the cake in terms of more flexibility, affordability, and reliability. 

Read on to find out more about the pros and cons of a revolving line and how it compares against the virtual line. 

Pros of a Revolving Line 

1.  Ready Funds: A revolving line of credit avails an approved or a specified amount of funds available if and when the need arises for any reasons. The business can easily pay for bills, replenish inventory, and add to its working capital. 
2.  Predictable Rates and Payback Terms: After the customer has been approved for a revolving line of credit, they will usually pay interest monthly on the credit balance owed. The rates applied are generally variable and depend on the client’s credit history and the lender. 
3.  Repeated Use: Since it’s revolving debt, funds replenish as you pay off your balances. Borrowing after the first time doesn’t require being approved again. 

Cons of a Revolving Line 

1.  Inflexible Capital Amounts: A business is limited to the same approval amount for the long term after signing contracts. This can lead to trouble in case the business’ capital needs exceed the credit limit. In addition, a revolving credit limit significantly impacts the user’s credit utilization rate which in turn affects the credit score. 
2.  Inflexible Rates: A lender also limits a business to the same rates for the long term after signing contracts. These rates also tend to be higher than traditional loans due to the convenience and flexibility of the credit line. 
3.  Slow Approval Process: It can take weeks or months to be approved for credit as lenders want to be sure a customer isn’t a credit risk. With bad credit, it gets tougher to receive approval. 
4.  Detailed Documentation: A lender often requires dozens of documents for approval. This is to confirm the credit history of the customer to check if they can reliably pay the balance before being advanced to another credit amount. There are also additional steps to take before applying for a credit line. 

What a Virtual Line of Credit Offers 

A virtual line of credit is similar to a revolving line in some key areas and quite different in others. Similar to a true revolver, a virtual line affords merchants a specified pool of funds that are available to them if and when the need arises. The recipient simply specifies how much they are interested in withdrawing, meeting an agreed-upon minimum withdrawal, and usually receives the funds within 24 hours of signing off on the transaction. 

Unlike a revolving line, however, the virtual line product allows customers to negotiate more favorable funding amounts, rates, and terms once they’ve exhausted the initial amount and have a satisfactory payment history. This allows customers to build internal credit with the lender while also helping their overall business credit and lowering their cost of capital to boot. 

Another attractive feature of the virtual line is the ease with which merchants can apply and receive approvals. While traditional banks and other lending institutions sometimes take weeks or months to approve businesses for revolving lines of credit while requiring dozens of documents, a virtual line can be secured within 48 hours and often requires nothing more than an application, a few months of business bank statements and some basic business financial statements. For business owners who value speed, efficiency, and convenience, a virtual line of credit can be the optimal working capital solution. 

Get a Virtual Line of Credit to Meet Your Business’ Financing Needs 

A virtual line of credit compared to a revolving credit line offers more value for a business that often faces urgent cash flow issues. Within a business day of signing contracts, funds are deposited in the  business bank account, enabling the decision-makers to cover routine costs and focus on running the business, rather than securing resources. A virtual line is everything that a revolving line of credit is not; it does not charge an arm and leg for convenience and flexibility. 

If your business could benefit from a line of credit or any other alternative financing solutions — or you would simply like to explore your options — don’t hesitate to submit your info through the Contact Us page or email info@mobycap.com. Our team of funding specialists will be more than happy to help you go over all your options.

The repercussions of Covid-19 have had a huge impact on the availability of materials, transportation, and labor spanning across virtually every industry. According to a survey by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), 97% of participants who included industrial products companies and automotive industries admitted that the pandemic brought negative impacts with 47% of all firms having their labor force disrupted. 

This has also had a profound slowdown in business opportunities and receivables for many different types of businesses. It is no secret that the pandemic has had a sweeping effect across all industries and countries with closed borders and airspace and national lockdowns. 

In 2020, the world experienced one of the largest declines in global trade by 8.9% since the global financial crisis. This means countries could also not access essential goods such as pharmaceuticals from China, which is the major global source of pharmaceutical ingredients, which in turn limited India’s access to raw materials for generic drugs.

The majority of companies, including small and medium-sized companies, have had to face the negative effects of supply and demand. Construction companies can’t complete work due to lack of materials, logistics companies have slowed down until materials become available, and staffing companies are dealing with a slow return of workers to jobs. As a whole, the pandemic placed major constraints on regional and international supply chain businesses. 

As a result, these companies are struggling and often need a financial bridge to keep up with payroll, inventory, bills, and production, to name but a few. Admittedly, small and medium-sized businesses are much more likely to be impacted by the negative effects of the pandemic than larger companies. 

As companies are working to get back to the norm, they are facing a challenge in accessing funds to restock their materials, rehire and retrain their staff, and revamp their business strategies. However, this gives space for private lending, which offers a great opportunity and hope for businesses that can’t access bank loans. This has led to an influx of private lenders which allows business owners access to multiple funding options depending on their needs.

This would be an opportune time to work with MobyCap as we have assisted many businesses in different industries to access much-needed capital to smoothly run their supply chain operations. 

Why Seek Private Lending With MobyCap 

1. We Give Priority to Our Customers’ Needs and Goals

Private lenders like MobyCap look at the historical performance of the business and understand short-term slowdowns related to these types of issues. This acts as a guide to identifying the right type of funding with favorable rates and terms. We understand any downturn in business can seriously affect credit scores. Our business funding options are popular among customers because they can still have access even with bad credit. In addition, consistent payments will help rebuild a bad credit score. 

If a merchant needs to raise funds within a couple of days to scale up production or add to their staff, we make it a priority to secure the funds they need on their timeline. This would be an impossibility for a bank as it would demand security. We aim to ensure there is no shortfall in capital as our customers carry out day-to-day business operations. 

2. We Care About Building a Relationship With Our Customers 

We also work closely with each of our customers to gain a deep understanding of their businesses and aspirations for the future as well as how they are coping with current challenges, rather than simply plugging numbers into an algorithm and spitting out an offer or a decline. 

It is important to have a relationship with a lender from the get-go, which is what we aim for. Qualities such as transparency, flexibility, competitive rates, and a good reputation are what to look for in a good private lender. 

We will not just offer to fund the business, but we will examine any gap in our client’s supply chain operations. If, for instance, they are facing a production shortage, we will help them devise a plan on how to improve, such as purchasing equipment, so they can ultimately meet customer demands. We value keeping trust given the unpredictability of the current economy. 

3. We Provide Quick and Easy Access to Funding 

We require minimal documents and can have tangible offers for our customers within a couple of hours of receiving the necessary paperwork. We understand that time is of the essence. That is why we have an easy application process so that more businesses can access loans. This is unlike traditional bank loans, which tend to have a complicated application and approval process which easily locks out small businesses. 

With our funding options, such as merchant cash advance and invoice factoring, clients do not need to submit collateral. We also offer a business line of credit where once the customer is qualified they can apply in the future without going through another approval process. This can be useful in case an unexpected business emergency arises. 

4. We Provide an Adequate Lending Limit 

We can also fund same-day loans up to $250k and amounts up to $5 million within 72 hours because we know our customers need to focus on navigating through these supply chain challenges. We want our customers to keep working on their short-term and long-term recovery plans. The current pandemic caused significant supply and demand shocks, leading to many businesses closing shop. 

With our generous same-day funding offer, our clients can access a sufficient amount to cover needs such as logistics, cash flow, hire of extra labor, and inventory.  Even better, it does not give too much priority to credit scores and does not place limiting restrictions. Our customers also do not have to worry about unexpected fees and hidden charges, allowing them to focus on building their businesses. 

5. We Offer Tailor-Made Business Funding 

We customize solutions to our customers’ unique needs and can even modify their payments until business ramps up, which most of our competitors cannot do. Customized business funding offers great benefits for any business seeking funding. This is especially valuable to small and medium-sized companies as they operate on a different blueprint from larger organizations. In addition, many of these businesses might overlook the risks of some business funding further adding to their operational risks.

Our funding experts are qualified and experienced to sit down and help customers figure out which specific funding will solve their problems. In case a customer settles on merchant cash advance, they will benefit from the flexible repayment schedule, which is especially beneficial for seasonal businesses. In addition, our customers will not be tied down to fixed high interest rates which could affect their cash flow. 

6. We Reward Our Customers With Attractive Offers 

We can also offer aggressive early payoff incentives that reward our customers for paying off their balances early, rather than penalizing them as some traditional lenders would do. This can be a great boost to any business working on recovering or improving its supply chain operations. It eliminates worrying about any default in payments that could put great risk on the assets and interrupt the cash flow. 

Bottom Line 

It may take some time before companies and industries all over the world overcome the disruptions in the supply chain. While some companies will likely recover quickly, not all businesses are equal. It would pay for governments and industries to always prepare by coming up with a solid recovery plan as the economy can be uncertain. 

However, this is expected to be capital intensive in terms of strengthening the production and distribution channels, investing in technology, and better logistics. One of the recommendations is that governments need to perform stress testing supply chains to help easily rise from any unexpected changes.

Even as the global supply chain continues to find its way back, funding is also a critical concern. With funding, businesses can rebuild their operations to their original or improved capacity. Private lending offers a beneficial alternative, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

With the current economy, all kinds of lenders are clamoring for the attention of businesses, more so small and medium-sized entities. Banks are no longer the next stop as they tend to shy away from small businesses. It is best to conduct due diligence to ensure the business chooses the right lender. At the end of the day, every business wants to be able to refinance their loans and protect their autonomy.

MobyCap has a proven track record of success as revealed by our satisfied customers. We have worked with many businesses operating in different industries, each one with unique challenges and needs. We want our customers to always view us as a reliable and trustworthy partner when they face any challenges in their businesses. We offer straightforward terms and rates with our varied funding options. Please feel free to contact us today to get started.

Today, banks and alternative lenders are out-competing each other to garner the attention of businesses, including small businesses. The government is also playing its part to support businesses and individuals to access tax credits, loans, and grants worth $1.6 trillion due to covid-19.  Any entrepreneur venturing out for funding has a wide variety of options to choose from. There are several sources of funding, such as venture capital, angel investors, credit cards, bank loans, crowdfunding, friends and family, and small business loans.

However, a business owner needs to choose the right type of funding to promote their business goals and needs. It’s also important to be clear on how to pay back and the potential risks. Forbes advises that it’s important to do adequate research on lenders before a need or emergency arises, be aware of the options, and know the right questions to ask. Otherwise, a poorly chosen funding option will cause constraints in the running of the business.

This should be motivation to work with a lender who offers customized business funding. The lender will be equipped to identify which funding aligns with both your financial and non-financial goals.

Here are the pros of going the route of custom-made business funding solutions.

1. Matching Funding To Business Needs and Goals

Alternative lenders like MobyCap can tailor funding solutions to your needs and the strengths of your business. Customization is one of the top advantages of working with MobyCap, given that we offer a variety of business loans at competitive rates and terms. In addition, we cater to every type of business in many industries.

For merchants with significant outstanding accounts receivable, we can do an invoice factoring deal that pays UP TO 90% of the value of the AR. This deal helps businesses meet their cash flow needs to continue with operations. It also allows the business owner to take up any project that comes while waiting for their unpaid invoices to be settled. The business owner does not have to be concerned about repayment schedules or account receivables collections. In turn, it’s possible to meet needs such as paying bills and taking in new customers.

For merchants who need funds quickly, we can do a revenue advance deal in a matter of hours. This does away with a long and complicated application process. It also considers businesses with fewer or no assets and a weak credit score. As a result, an entrepreneur can take up opportunities that will grow the business and afford to repay the advance.

For merchants who want a predictable payment schedule and a longer-term (up to 24 months), we can do a term loan. This is an affordable way to acquire an asset without hurting the cash flow as the owner can plan how to fit the asset purchase into their budget. Another upside is that the business will own the asset that will help grow its revenues.

For merchants who want access to funds they can pull from when necessary (and only pay interest on what they use), we offer a revolving line of credit and a virtual line of credit. This gives the merchants confidence that they can manage operations effectively in the future in case of emergencies and expansion. With a revolving line of credit, the lender increases the credit limit if payments are timely and consistent. This also improves the credit score, making the business a promising candidate for future funding.

2. Access to Flexible Funding Terms

Alternative lenders like MobyCap can modify payments if the merchant’s revenue changes, adding a great degree of flexibility. This is further enhanced with the support of business funding experts who guide clients on their funding options. Many of our funding products include terms in the contract that allow merchants to reduce their payment amount if their revenue drops (like during the COVID-19 pandemic), which can make a huge difference in hard times and/or slow seasons. This safeguards cash flow which affects crucial business operations and emergency expenses. The idea is to work with a lender who looks beyond collecting interest payments to one that is committed to the business’ vision.

Typically, once a merchant receives traditional funding, like from a bank, the terms are set in stone and offer no flexibility. In case they default, the bank will take corrective actions such as seizing assets for auction to recover their money.  For small businesses, this can have both business and personal setbacks. In 2020, Financial Times reported that there were $90 billion of loans in forbearance in US banks by individuals and businesses. As banks operate in a tight lending market, it’s naturally expected for them to tighten their policies as protective measures. This poses even more risk for businesses seeking flexible funding options.

3. Creating a Supportive and Profitable Lender Relationship

Receiving customized funding builds a relationship with the lender, who gains a deep understanding of your business and how the proper funding can help it get to the next level. Traditional bank lenders do not do this sort of due diligence, but rather simply plug numbers into an algorithm when underwriting the business. Banks tend to be laser-focused in determining the best rates for their loans. They consider factors such as inflation, the stock market, rates from competitors, and the international market. In addition, the Federal Reserve sets the interest rate at which banks can lend to each other as part of sustaining the financial system. However, the main target for banks is to set rates that generate good profits for their shareholders. One of the key findings in a 2016 Consumer Banking Survey is that customers did not trust that banks could support them with their issues.

At MobyCap, once we begin this relationship, we are only a phone call away next time the need arises and we can get the funds to the merchant ASAP.  It’s also possible to do an online application, eliminating paperwork. This takes into account the busy schedule of business owners who lack the time to walk into an office and sign an application form. In addition, the borrower can make informed decisions as the funding experts will readily provide in-depth information on loan types, repayment terms, and loan approvals.

We can also improve rates and offer larger funding amounts once the merchant has built up internal credit via a good payback history. We offer one of the most generous capital offerings in the market. Since we value personal and long-term relationships with our clients, we are also invested in their growth from small-scale businesses to large-scale establishments. In response, we cater to the changing funding needs with our loan products and flexible terms.

4. Access to Funding Without Collateral

Alternative lenders like MobyCap offer unsecured, uncollateralized funding, which makes it much easier for certain types of businesses to acquire the funding they need to exceed their goals. One of our unsecured products is merchant cash advances which a business owner can borrow and easily repay based on future sales. Banks virtually ALWAYS require some form of collateral, which can hamper or create an added strain on a business. This places a great risk on existing business assets which can lead to bankruptcy.

Fortunately, our funding options are based on the revenue of the business; therefore, we do not tie up any business assets and allow the business to continue growing with the aid of our funds. This offers the peace of mind to focus on business growth strategies such as bidding for projects and purchasing new equipment to meet increasing production demands.

We do not require any personal guarantee when making offers to merchants and we do not run hard credit pulls during underwriting. Usually, a hard credit pull can decrease the credit scores of an individual with a short credit history. However, our friendly conditions are a great assurance to merchants because there are no significant barriers to accessing funds, regardless of financial history and current situation.

Summing Up

As alternative funding lenders and credit unions expand their market share, there are many factors to consider. It can become a hassle to choose a lender with the best loan types, amounts, repayment terms, and quick access. No business owner wants to be locked in a loan that will limit their business operations. Seeking customized business funding will halve the time and effort spent researching for a suitable lender and one that is willing to offer and adjust funding that aligns with changing business needs and seasons.

MobyCap captures this need effectively, by offering multiple and flexible funding options. We aim to support businesses at every turn through our established business relationships. We also directly engage our customers to help them find the best funding picks in the market through our experienced funding experts. We have success stories of businesses in different industries that have been able to leverage and expand their ventures.

To move forward today, contact us by email at info@mobycap.com. As a BBB-accredited business, we have experience serving all industries and welcome the opportunity to work with your organization.

Finance is one of the most important aspects of a business that enables businesses to run operations effectively and take advantage of growth opportunities. More small and medium-sized businesses are choosing short-term funding options over traditional loans to quickly meet their capital needs. In comparison, short-term funds are easy to access and apply to and do not require collateral. Business owners also look into this alternative as traditional banks have increasingly limited lending to small businesses since the 2008 recession.

This is a great advantage for any business that lacks the assets and capital base of larger companies and needs to advance to the next level. Even borrowers with low credit scores can access this kind of funding and it can also be a way to improve their credit rating with timely payments. Furthermore, there are many options to choose from, ranging from small business loans to invoice financing and the owner is not limited in fulfilling the business needs.

Here are 6 ways to use short-term funding.

1. Purchasing Inventory

You can take advantage of a good deal on inventory that you can flip for a large profit. Inventory is a crucial asset for a business as it forms part of the production costs which largely impact revenue and profits. As part of your regular business operations, inventory control is important to ensure there is available stock at hand. Otherwise, there is the risk of losing customers to other businesses.  In addition, you may come across vendors offering inventory at attractive discounts.

Having access to immediate cash injection will give you a competitive advantage over your competitors. For instance, if you are running a clothing store, you can quickly take advantage of the large discounts on the latest fashion items while stocks last, which will bring in more customers, leading to a large profit margin. You can pay back the loan borrowed with the proceeds from the clothing sales and improve your credit rating. And, since you can afford to increase your stock supply, you can leverage them to obtain an asset-based loan in the future. This type of loan tends to attract lower interest rates and is easier to get than unsecured loans.

2. Marketing and Advertising Costs

You may need funding for marketing campaigns to drive increased customer traffic to your store or website. It can quickly get competitive in the market to increase the visibility and reach of your brand. Whether you have an online business or run a brick-and-mortar business, you have to apply targeted and effective marketing efforts.

Depending on the budget for your online or physical business, you may take into account factors such as search engine optimization, content marketing, website design, printed materials, and advertising costs. Outsourcing these services could also add more costs. A short-term fund will be readily available especially if you lack enough funds to cover your marketing budget.

You also save time and minimize the hassle with the easy application and approval process.  Even with a small business, you have the opportunity to create a successful marketing campaign allowing you to play at the same level as other more established businesses.

In addition, timing is important in digital marketing as you have to optimize, on capturing your target audience, and increasing engagement which generates sales.

3. Financing a Project

It provides accessible funds when bidding on projects that you will get paid for later, such as construction and engineering.  When you have adequate financing, you will be confident in executing a project when you win the bid.   When the lender deposits funds into your account, you can plan out the roadmap of your entire project.

You can draw up a comprehensive budget covering labor, materials, equipment, and licensing, among others. Project management can be capital intensive and a short-term loan will spur you to achieve the set project milestones.

You can also cover any arising contingencies which can quickly set back your project. Typically, construction projects use 5-10% of the total budget to calculate contingencies. This will in turn build your business reputation in project management and further expand your operations.

Since short-term funds have shorter repayment periods, usually less than a year, you can keep accessing the loans when your project requires additional capital to continue.  This is an advantage as contractors usually do not have a wide variety of funding options for their projects. You will also not be tied to a long-term loan obligation that requires considerable collateral, especially for larger projects with big assets.

4. Managing Cash Shortages

It helps bridge the gap when the slow season hits (if the business is seasonal) or customers are late paying their receivables. Every business goes through phases of downturns in its operations. When this happens, it can easily stall other equally crucial business functions such as purchasing new equipment or hiring new staff.

With a seasonal business, it can be a challenge to get funds to cover the slow months and have ready cash when the busy season arrives. It’s simple to quickly obtain a short-term loan because it offers favorable terms and conditions when you have an urgent need, unlike a bank loan.

Let’s say, your receivables have not been paid on time and you have to repair equipment which is important for your production process. You may consider invoice financing in this case, as you can use your unpaid receivables as collateral to get funds. Even better, the lender will collect payment from your customers, reducing debt collection expenses.

It is also essential for a small business owner with unpaid invoices which can act as loan security without risking personal assets. However, you have to carefully consider factors like interest rates and additional fees depending on your business situation. Overall, having some cash on hand helps to manage any cash flow problems efficiently throughout the financial year.

5. Buying a New Machine or Equipment

As a business owner, you can purchase a new machine or piece of equipment that can enhance productivity. Every business reaches a stage when it needs to upgrade its equipment to reach the next level of growth and profitability. The new equipment will ensure you continue with your business cycle without any challenges.

A short-term loan involves simplified loan processing and you will not be tied to a long-term loan, which involves paying interest for some time. If you choose an equipment loan, a form of short-term loan, you can secure it with the asset you are purchasing as collateral and finance it even up to 100% of the cost.

You can pay off your loan quickly and have your equipment generating revenue for your business. Furthermore, you can gain some tax advantages such as deductions from purchasing new equipment, which can be a great saving on the business expenses.

6. Funding Payroll and New Hires

It is useful when you need funds for payroll or hiring additional staff to keep up with increased demand. These two issues are considered a top concern for most HR professionals in organizations. According to a report by the Society for Human Resource Management, hiring an employee costs $4,129 while it takes 42 days to fill a position. There are also added payroll taxes such as FICA, state unemployment taxes, and federal unemployment tax.

With this outlook, a business has to budget beyond the compensation of the employees and also factor in things like recruiting and training, and development while retaining employees. However, a short-term loan is an affordable way to streamline and finance your payroll costs as your business grows.

You will also immediately hire extra staff that will speed up your productivity to meet your customers’ needs and generate more revenue. With time, you will improve your cash flow due to an adequate and motivated workforce, pay back your loan, and further your business.

Conclusion

If you are a business owner, short-term funding presents a fast and easy way to meet your financing needs. Aside from managing your emergency cash flow problems, it is much more flexible and convenient to access and pay back. In addition, there are multiple options to choose from, allowing you to manage your various business expenses and securing the longevity of your business without necessarily putting up assets as security.

As your business grows, your production costs will also increase, such as hiring new employees or purchasing new equipment, and it pays to have a reliable and always accessible financial source.

MobyCap understands how important funding is and can provide customizable short-term funding for your business.  We offer business loans and alternative funding up to $5 million, which have helped countless businesses to achieve their growth potential at affordable and competitive rates. Our committed customer service experts are ready to discuss the options that will meet your business needs.

To move forward today, contact us by email at info@mobycap.com. As a BBB-accredited business, we have experience serving all industries and welcome the opportunity to work with your organization.

Getting preapproved for a loan allows for a stress-free process whenever you need funds. Whether you are buying an asset or investing in a project, you are in a better position to understand your financial status as well as to determine how much funding is available to you based on your budget.

Here are five key reasons to get pre-approved for funding today:

1. Staying Within Budget

It is good to know how much you qualify for with premier private lenders like MobyCap, who use different parameters than traditional banks (annual revenue, time in business, credit score, monthly number of bank deposits). When you have a pre-approval, a lender is willing to lend a certain amount of money to meet your funding needs without first placing any limits. Also, you get to know the amount of funds that are available to you and how much you can afford. For example, if you are pre-approved for a car loan of $300,000, as you walk into a dealership you have an idea of how much you can pay for a car. Therefore, you are left to focus on finding the car that suits your needs. Overall, you will be able to narrow down your search for specific assets since you are aware of your borrowing limit.

2. Negotiating Power

If your business is doing well, it is the best time to get a quote since you will qualify for the best rates and terms possible. Given that pre-approval gives a clear picture of your financial history, such as credit score and assets, such information arms lenders to provide a quote tailored for your needs. MobyCap offers an array of funding options, allowing you to determine which funding you qualify for, including choosing favorable terms and interest rates. When you’re pre-approved, you have the springboard from which to negotiate the best deals that we are willing to offer.

3. Quick And Easy Funding

Getting pre-approved means if and when a need for funds arises, you are only a phone call away from having the money in your account. From that point, we can fund you within a matter of hours. Since we are aware of how much funding you can access, the entire process of transferring funds to you will be smooth. You can move fast and close on an offer in the market without any delay in your finances.

4. Clear and Competitive Terms

Many private lenders will make big promises or provide “verbal quotes,” but very few can back them up with written offers in black and white. At MobyCap, we’re confident that we can provide customers with some of the best options in the alternative finance space and will beat any written offer. We prefer to offer personalized services when discussing your funding options.  When you are pre-approved, we acknowledge that you are serious about getting immediate funds for your business. With this in mind, you will be offered competitive rates and terms, as well as customized funding to promote your business goals. You will never have to worry about being hoodwinked over what appear to be attractive rates.

5. Access to Tailored Funding Options

Speaking with a top private lender like MobyCap can open your eyes to the different alternative finance options that suit different businesses’ strengths. Our full suite of customizable funding products includes term loans, lines of credit (both virtual and revolving), revenue advances, equipment leasing, and invoice factoring. On the other hand, traditional lenders can easily dismiss the fact that time is essential for any business when seeking funds. In addition, lenders like banks usually demand collateral which some small businesses may lack. With alternative funding providers like MobyCap, you are assured that we will manage any cash flow problem with urgency. Being pre-approved allows us to evaluate how much you need and can afford without risking your business’ stability. Pre-approval places you in a strong position to make informed decisions which we greatly value for our clients.

The Next Steps

Going through the pre-approval process reveals how financially prepared you are to borrow funds for your business. Lenders are likely to have different levels of information and documentation required for pre-approval. However, MobyCap is committed to availing fast and flexible funding options in as little as a day without a complicated application process. Similarly, getting you pre-approved will be conducted with keen efficiency from our committed funding experts.

To move forward today, contact us by email at info@mobycap.com. As a BBB-accredited business, we have experience serving all industries and welcome the opportunity to work with your organization

According to research, over 50% of small businesses fail within the first year, while 95% go under by the fifth year. Now, that’s not an encouraging statement to kick off this post. But it makes sense because running out of cash is one of the top causes for business failure.

Financing is essential for any business, small or big. Actually, a steady source of funds is to a business as fuel is to an engine. Giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Google, KFC, Nike, Alibaba, you name it, all started small. But years of strategizing, growing their market reach, and of course, external financing to fund their ideas have seen them grow into the industry leaders they are today.

Fortunately, your business has the same potential. As long as you have researched your market well, including doing a thorough SWOT analysis and assembling the right team, you can survive well past the dreaded fifth year. But just like the mentioned businesses, this is only possible if you have a reliable flow of funding to fuel your operations and expand your market reach whenever the business calls for it.

Usually, an entrepreneur starting out may fail to appreciate the importance of external funding until their business kicks off and the funds run out when they need them most. However, as you get more experienced, you realize how essential having a go-to funding solution is for both short-term and long-term cash needs.

For instance, sometimes debtors may delay payments, or business slows down when you need to settle accounts, or it could be a huge opportunity has come up, and you’re cash strapped. Getting financing in such moments is the deciding factor between drifting into a financial crisis and avoiding business interruption.

However, as you already know, securing funding is not a walk in the park. Small businesses seeking external financing get turned down quite often. Below is a list of questions your lender is likely to ask you to assess the viability of your business. We’ll briefly discuss each of them to help you understand how you need to prepare before submitting a funding request.

How Much Money Do You Need?

This is mainly one of the first questions a lender will ask you. It helps them test your preparedness to take up the facility. If you give a very high figure and further questions reveal the business cannot service the loan, or your intended expenditure is too low, chances of being denied increase. In such a case, we often assume you’ve not made your financial projections well and may consider your business too risky to fund.

Essentially, you need to assess your financial needs first and calculate the maximum monthly installment you can afford, given your current profitability. In a nutshell, as much as it’s okay to have ambitious growth plans, it all boils down to your business’s current capability.

How Much Is Your Annual Revenue?

Lenders will want to know how much your business makes in a year, as this helps determine your ability to pay the loan. Here, you’ll need to provide actual past results and not just forecasts. If you have expansion plans, you can include the financial projections in the business plan summary. Generally, as a rule of thumb, we fund about 10% of the annual revenue.

How Soon Do You Need the Money?

Do you need the money to settle an overdue account, pay oncoming end-month bills, or purchase an asset? Giving information on how soon you need the cash helps lenders recommend the most appropriate facility as different loans have varying lending timelines. Again, financiers usually have unique lending policies. Some offer instant loans, while others have lengthy evaluation processes. For instance, we can fund you the same day we receive your offer if you provide all the necessary documents.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

The market has a range of start-up loans, which investors provide based on your business idea’s viability, more so, the market potential. But in most cases, financiers will try to minimize their risks as much as possible by funding businesses with some track record. If your company has been operational for at least a year, generating consistent revenue, it’s viable for most financing options in the market.

How Will You Use the Funds?

Essentially, business loans are meant to help entities generate more income. As such, the purpose for which you’re applying the loan should be directly related to the business operations. For instance, if you intend to acquire a vehicle, be ready to demonstrate how it will contribute to more revenue. That way, the financiers have an assurance that the business will keep generating enough income to meet the obligations.

Do You Have Any Other Loans or Current Funding From Other Lenders?

Usually, most businesses operate with more than one loan. But before advancing an additional facility, lenders will always seek details of the existing loans. This helps calculate a business’s ability to meet obligations without plunging into a crisis. In the event our calculations indicate the loan requested is too high, we often advise on the maximum additional credit that your business can manage.

How Is Your Credit Profile?

Your credit history is another major consideration lenders make before deciding on your creditworthiness. Generally, you should expect them to pull your business and personal credit reports – oftentimes, just a soft pull – so it’s good to answer the question honestly.

Do You Have Any Outstanding Accounts Receivable?

A business requires to provide bank statements, which gives lenders insight into their cash flows. However, sometimes you may have a low bank balance because there are significant outstanding accounts receivables (AR). For this reason, financiers will seek to know if you’re expecting any payment from debtors and how much.

Note that sometimes we may require you to provide detailed accounts to assess the risk factor in the pending invoices. This is especially crucial where you’re offering the accounts receivables as collateral. A significant AR report with credible customers can also qualify you for invoice factoring, in which you can receive up to 90% of the value of their outstanding AR within a couple of business days.

What’s Your Collateral?

Usually, lenders will advance credit on the condition that you provide collateral sufficient to cover the loan should you fail to service it. Even where your financials look healthy, collateral is essential as business risks are always present. Sudden economic downturns can shake up even the most stable businesses, and lenders always want to have a guaranteed means of recovering their money.

What’s Your Business Plan?

A financier will want to look at your business plan. Among other things, it should summarize your company objectives, products and services, financial projections, market potential, employees, business model, etc. Essentially, the plan should highlight your strengths and position in the market against competition and apparent risks.

What Insurance Do You Have?

A lender will always try to minimize their risks as much as possible. As such, they will seek to know what insurance covers you have, both business and personal policies. Moreover, they may want to reach an agreement on payout priority to cover your outstanding dues should anything happen to your business or you.

How Do Your Books Look?

Finally, the lender will want a summary of your books to determine your net worth. This may include your cash flow statement, income statement, and balance sheet. The cash flow statement should summarize the movement of cash in your investing, financing, and operating activities. On the other hand, an income statement should highlight your gross income, net, and taxable income. They will especially be interested in your tax information to establish whether your business has been compliant. The balance sheet will also be a primary area of interest, as it details the available assets for collateral.

In addition to the main financial statements, they may also ask for accounts payables alongside the receivables to determine your solvency. If you have been in business for some time, prepare to provide details about three years back.

Conclusion

Generally, lenders are usually very conservative with lending. They have a duty to safeguard their funds by performing due diligence in their lending activities. This means they typically place much more emphasis on repayment ability, although business goals and credit are also considered. That said, the fact is that lending is not usually an automatic process. You need to demonstrate your business’ ability to handle the additional obligation. As such, it’s essential to prepare your business and have the necessary documents ready before approaching a lender. But above all, you should be ready to tackle common loan interview questions satisfactorily. While financing requirements vary from one lender to another, the above-discussed questions can give you a head start to a successful loan approval process.

To move forward today, contact us by email at info@mobycap.com. As a BBB-accredited business, we have experience serving all industries and welcome the opportunity to work with your organization.

Credit scores have for the longest time been a powerful tool in determining people’s financial lives. You need a good credit score to borrow a car loan or a mortgage. On the other hand, a bad credit score will make most lenders avoid you.

The FICO credit scores have largely dominated the decisions of lenders to qualify an individual or business for a credit card or a loan. FICO’s scores range between 300 and 850 and are predetermined by a borrower’s data from the credit bureaus.

Admittedly, the process of lenders interpreting credit scores can be prone to vagueness, at least for borrowers. This has likely built up to the current Biden administration proposing the replacement of the three main credit bureaus with a new public credit reporting agency.

It is impossible to predict how long society will continue to rely on credit scores. But as a business owner, the reality is, you will experience both ups and downs which will likely affect your credit score. Whether you have a good or bad credit score, you still have the chance to qualify for funding. What you have to evaluate is if all lenders rely on credit scores for approval.

Lenders and Credit Scores

Before you start engaging large lenders or investors, you will naturally start with personal funds, friends, and family. These sources come in handy and do not care about credit scores. But as your capital needs expand, your creditworthiness will play a bigger role.

Usually, one of the first points of contact is your local bank. But how much do banks care about credit scores? This depends on how you plan to finance your business. If you are going to use credit cards to finance your business, then you will have to keep your credit scores high. But, before long, you may need to borrow a larger capital than your line of credit. In this case, a traditional bank will look beyond your financial history because they give great priority to their financial interests. So, even if you have a credit score above 700, you can still be disqualified. They will look into factors beyond your capacity such as the market conditions and industry trends.

As for investors such as venture capitalists, they will focus on analyzing your sales and revenue projections and whether you have the right team to grow a strong brand. In the end, the significance of your financial history will significantly depend on your source of funds, having in mind that other factors will also come into play.

What Is The Cutoff For Credit Scores?

Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are the three main credit reporting bureaus that play a big role in the credit scoring system in America.

Generally, normal lenders such as banks and credit unions consider your business credit scores or FICO scores. Business credit scores range from 0 to 100 with a minimum score of 75 for small businesses. However, they, including the bureaus, will also look into many other factors like your risk profile.

If you are running a startup for less than a year, your credit score will matter. The ratings for this are between 300 and 850 with a minimum score requirement of 500 to access options such as merchant cash advances.

Building Up Your Business

Overall, to secure good credit scoring, a business will need to pay bills on time, manage debts, and be in good standing with the law. But even with bad credit, you can still be eligible for financing. Bad credit is rated as having a FICO score of between 300 and 579. Your options include using security such as personal assets or equipment or seeking other lenders who look for other requirements such as cash flow. The main idea is to run your business efficiently to present a good picture to lenders and investors.

MobyCap can fund businesses with all credit profiles, even those below 600. We understand that bad things sometimes happen to good people and realize that a credit score doesn’t tell the whole story.

While we take credit into consideration, our underwriting process places more emphasis on time in business (1 year+), cash flow (at least $40k in revenue per month), and how the business can use our funds to grow (opening up a new location, buying inventory, scaling the staff, materials for projects).

To move forward today, contact us by email at info@mobycap.com. As a BBB-accredited business, we have experience serving all industries and welcome the opportunity to work with your organization.

It costs money to run a business and meet short-term and long-term goals. So funding a business is among the most crucial decisions that you’ll have to make. Your choice of financial sources and targets can affect the way you structure and operate the business.

One source of financing to consider is a loan. But let’s face it- getting the right loan can be a challenging task. You need to know the proper funding, ensure you meet the requirements, and do the paperwork.

But worry no more- this article will help you do your homework and get the right product that fits your business needs.

1. Shop around to Compare Offers and Rates

Be sure to narrow your choices down to the best loan option that will help you meet your needs. Keep in mind that you may qualify for some types of loans and miss out on others.

While the financial industry is awash with many varieties of first-time business loans, the most common ones include traditional bank loans: This option is suitable if you’re highly qualified and are looking to finance several purposes. The loan amounts vary, and rates are typically low. You’ll also have around 5 to 10 years to repay the loan.

While they’re easier to get, you’ll still need good credit, a few years in operation, and robust financials. But some lenders can accommodate newcomers, so don’t lose hope.

Are you looking to get a loan from traditional banks? You may have to wait for several months for your approval to go through. So if your project is urgent, online platforms and other lenders may come through for you.

2. Do not Rush into a Loan if it will Cripple your Business

You want to be sure that you’re taking an amount to repay comfortably over the loan’s life. So before approaching any lender for funding, remember to check your business cash flows and other financials.

In fact, most lenders will want to look into your daily operations to see if you can repay their loan. Cash flow indicates the relationship between your main cash expenditures and primary cash sources. This information allows the lender to understand your market demand, business cycles, management competence, and other significant shifts in your business over time.

As a general thumb of rule, ensure your revenue is at least 1.25 times all expenses (including the repayment). This puts you in an excellent position to explore your options.

Are you going for a secured loan? You’ll need to provide business collateral like a piece of equipment or land. The collateral may convince your lender to loan you more amounts at lower interest rates. But ensure you’ve played your cards well here. Who wants their business property seized due to failure to repay their loans?

You may also need to have a personal guarantee even if the loan is not secured. This implies that if your business fails to repay the loan, the lender may come after personal assets like a car or land. So exercise due diligence.

3. Read Reviews of Potential Lenders

Before buying that hot smartphone online, you’ll first research and read genuine reviews about it, right? Don’t forget to do the same when planning to take a loan.

Smart loan decisions and success rely on getting everything right from the word go. One way is to learn every detail first-hand from people that borrowed a loan from the lender. That way, you can obtain term transparency and know the actual cost of that loan.

Is there anything in their terms that may hurt your business? Are the salesmen being honest in quoting the time frame? Will they keep asking for more documentation? Genuine reviews may help you unearth the answers to all these.

Also, you’ll get to know whether or not your potential lender will approve the loan as soon as possible. Furthermore, online reviews can help you unearth those finer details that the lender may have failed to mention.

4. Have a Specific Amount in Mind

No two businesses can ever be equal, as financial needs change from one to another. That means there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all funding option either.

So you need to do your homework and weigh several factors when deciding on the right amount to help you meet your goals. Some of these players include your niche, industry, local market, geographic location, and how you’ll put the cash into use.

Be sure the loan can enable you to achieve your target or meet your expenses: stocking your shop, getting supplies and equipment, footing the utility bills, paying rent, etc. Ask for too much, and lenders may shy away from you. Ask for too little, and your business may fail to take off or achieve targets due to some unmet needs.

According to Forbes, many small businesses fail to request enough financing, leading to issues with insufficient working capital. On the other hand, overestimating your request can lead to some lenders questioning your credibility and assumptions.

So ensure you’ve supported your budget with water-tight financial projections (think cash flow and profit & loss statements). That way, you’ll be able to convince the lender that you did your research homework well and the budget is reasonable.No lender will fumble with their finances, so they always want to ensure their choices are smart when offering loans.

You can also visit some local vendors to help you with project quotes and estimates when projecting equipment and supplies costs. Most lenders will love seeing such layers of specificities in your plan- it shows them that you did your research. Also, you’ll avoid overestimating or underestimating your loan request.

5. Know What the Loan will be Used For

How will you use the money? You don’t want to waste your loan due to the wrong reasons. Good reasons include financing a piece of equipment, developing software, or purchasing inventory. Conversely, wrong reasons include funding non-essential office assets, continuous losses, or office buildouts.

Lenders will also want to know the purpose of borrowing that loan. In most cases, your financial need will fall under the following categories that determine the most suitable loan option:

1. Managing daily expenses: there will come moments in your business life when you’ll need a safety net. Think unexpected costs like repairs and the need to pay salaries on time. A business line of credit will be the most suitable option that will offer you that useful net. It’s flexible enough to allow you to tap into the funding as needed to foot these expenses.
2. Growing your business: taking your business to the next level may require significant amounts of money. That’s where options like traditional term loans can come to your rescue. Why? They usually come with maximum limits that are typically higher. You can get specific loan products that will help you address your exact needs. For instance, a lender may agree to fund a customer’s equipment purchases, opening a new location, or strategic inventory purchases.

6. Know the Expected Return on Investment

Apart from determining the reason for that loan, be sure to estimate its Return on Investment (ROI). You don’t want a scenario where the interest expense is more than the potential for extra profit.

The Return on Investment (ROI) is an excellent indicator of profitability. In other words, ROI helps you determine whether or not your purchase, investment, or expense is profitable.

An example will demonstrate this point:

Suppose you sell discount hair products, and an opportunity of purchasing stock at a 50% discount presents itself. The inventory costs $100,000, and the supplier needs payment in cash up-front.

You calculate that the stock can fetch you a profit of $200,000 if you resell it at $300,000. So you decide to go for a lender that will provide you a quick loan of $100,000 and agree to repay $116,000 in fixed repayments over the agreed period. So the cost of this funding is $16,000.

Therefore, the net profit shall be $184,000 (300,000 -100,000-16,000). The analysis shows that you’re on the right track.

Wrapping Up

Before taking any loan, ensure you’ve shopped around and compared the various offers and rates. Then be sure it will help you meet or even surpass your goals. Assess all your business cash flows and financials to ensure that the loan will not cripple your business. You don’t want to lose your assets or damage relationships with guarantors due to failure to repay the funding. Thorough research on your potential lenders is another crucial thing- don’t rely solely on what they’re telling you about their services and products. Remember to get first-hand information from previous clients’ online reviews. Also, know the exact amount you’re borrowing and the reason you’re going for that loan.

Are you looking for a loan? Consider Moby Capital. We are an industry leader in offering a business line of credit, merchant cash advance, and invoice factoring. To move forward today, contact us by email at info@mobycap.com. As a BBB-accredited business, we have experience serving all industries and welcome the opportunity to work with your organization.

It costs money to run a business and meet short-term and long-term goals. So funding a business is among the most crucial decisions that you’ll have to make. Your choice of financial sources and targets can affect the way you structure and operate the business.

One source of financing to consider is a loan. But let’s face it- getting the right loan can be a challenging task. You need to know the proper funding, ensure you meet the requirements, and do the paperwork.

But worry no more- this article will help you do your homework and get the right product that fits your business needs.

1. Shop around to Compare Offers and Rates

Be sure to narrow your choices down to the best loan option that will help you meet your needs. Keep in mind that you may qualify for some types of loans and miss out on others.

While the financial industry is awash with many varieties of first-time business loans, the most common ones include traditional bank loans: This option is suitable if you’re highly qualified and are looking to finance several purposes. The loan amounts vary, and rates are typically low. You’ll also have around 5 to 10 years to repay the loan.

While they’re easier to get, you’ll still need good credit, a few years in operation, and robust financials. But some lenders can accommodate newcomers, so don’t lose hope.

Are you looking to get a loan from traditional banks? You may have to wait for several months for your approval to go through. So if your project is urgent, online platforms and other lenders may come through for you.

2. Do not Rush into a Loan if it will Cripple your Business

You want to be sure that you’re taking an amount to repay comfortably over the loan’s life. So before approaching any lender for funding, remember to check your business cash flows and other financials.

In fact, most lenders will want to look into your daily operations to see if you can repay their loan. Cash flow indicates the relationship between your main cash expenditures and primary cash sources. This information allows the lender to understand your market demand, business cycles, management competence, and other significant shifts in your business over time.

As a general thumb of rule, ensure your revenue is at least 1.25 times all expenses (including the repayment). This puts you in an excellent position to explore your options.

Are you going for a secured loan? You’ll need to provide business collateral like a piece of equipment or land. The collateral may convince your lender to loan you more amounts at lower interest rates. But ensure you’ve played your cards well here. Who wants their business property seized due to failure to repay their loans?

You may also need to have a personal guarantee even if the loan is not secured. This implies that if your business fails to repay the loan, the lender may come after personal assets like a car or land. So exercise due diligence.

3. Read Reviews of Potential Lenders

Before buying that hot smartphone online, you’ll first research and read genuine reviews about it, right? Don’t forget to do the same when planning to take a loan.

Smart loan decisions and success rely on getting everything right from the word go. One way is to learn every detail first-hand from people that borrowed a loan from the lender. That way, you can obtain term transparency and know the actual cost of that loan.

Is there anything in their terms that may hurt your business? Are the salesmen being honest in quoting the time frame? Will they keep asking for more documentation? Genuine reviews may help you unearth the answers to all these.

Also, you’ll get to know whether or not your potential lender will approve the loan as soon as possible. Furthermore, online reviews can help you unearth those finer details that the lender may have failed to mention.

4. Have a Specific Amount in Mind

No two businesses can ever be equal, as financial needs change from one to another. That means there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all funding option either.

So you need to do your homework and weigh several factors when deciding on the right amount to help you meet your goals. Some of these players include your niche, industry, local market, geographic location, and how you’ll put the cash into use.

Be sure the loan can enable you to achieve your target or meet your expenses: stocking your shop, getting supplies and equipment, footing the utility bills, paying rent, etc. Ask for too much, and lenders may shy away from you. Ask for too little, and your business may fail to take off or achieve targets due to some unmet needs.

According to Forbes, many small businesses fail to request enough financing, leading to issues with insufficient working capital. On the other hand, overestimating your request can lead to some lenders questioning your credibility and assumptions.

So ensure you’ve supported your budget with water-tight financial projections (think cash flow and profit & loss statements). That way, you’ll be able to convince the lender that you did your research homework well and the budget is reasonable.No lender will fumble with their finances, so they always want to ensure their choices are smart when offering loans.

You can also visit some local vendors to help you with project quotes and estimates when projecting equipment and supplies costs. Most lenders will love seeing such layers of specificities in your plan- it shows them that you did your research. Also, you’ll avoid overestimating or underestimating your loan request.

5. Know What the Loan will be Used For

How will you use the money? You don’t want to waste your loan due to the wrong reasons. Good reasons include financing a piece of equipment, developing software, or purchasing inventory. Conversely, wrong reasons include funding non-essential office assets, continuous losses, or office buildouts.

Lenders will also want to know the purpose of borrowing that loan. In most cases, your financial need will fall under the following categories that determine the most suitable loan option:

1. Managing daily expenses: there will come moments in your business life when you’ll need a safety net. Think unexpected costs like repairs and the need to pay salaries on time. A business line of credit will be the most suitable option that will offer you that useful net. It’s flexible enough to allow you to tap into the funding as needed to foot these expenses.
2. Growing your business: taking your business to the next level may require significant amounts of money. That’s where options like traditional term loans can come to your rescue. Why? They usually come with maximum limits that are typically higher. You can get specific loan products that will help you address your exact needs. For instance, a lender may agree to fund a customer’s equipment purchases, opening a new location, or strategic inventory purchases.

6. Know the Expected Return on Investment

Apart from determining the reason for that loan, be sure to estimate its Return on Investment (ROI). You don’t want a scenario where the interest expense is more than the potential for extra profit.

The Return on Investment (ROI) is an excellent indicator of profitability. In other words, ROI helps you determine whether or not your purchase, investment, or expense is profitable.

An example will demonstrate this point:

Suppose you sell discount hair products, and an opportunity of purchasing stock at a 50% discount presents itself. The inventory costs $100,000, and the supplier needs payment in cash up-front.

You calculate that the stock can fetch you a profit of $200,000 if you resell it at $300,000. So you decide to go for a lender that will provide you a quick loan of $100,000 and agree to repay $116,000 in fixed repayments over the agreed period. So the cost of this funding is $16,000.

Therefore, the net profit shall be $184,000 (300,000 -100,000-16,000). The analysis shows that you’re on the right track.

Wrapping Up

Before taking any loan, ensure you’ve shopped around and compared the various offers and rates. Then be sure it will help you meet or even surpass your goals. Assess all your business cash flows and financials to ensure that the loan will not cripple your business. You don’t want to lose your assets or damage relationships with guarantors due to failure to repay the funding. Thorough research on your potential lenders is another crucial thing- don’t rely solely on what they’re telling you about their services and products. Remember to get first-hand information from previous clients’ online reviews. Also, know the exact amount you’re borrowing and the reason you’re going for that loan.

Are you looking for a loan? Consider Moby Capital. We are an industry leader in offering a business line of credit, merchant cash advance, and invoice factoring. To move forward today, contact us by email at info@mobycap.com. As a BBB-accredited business, we have experience serving all industries and welcome the opportunity to work with your organization.