Tight cash flow: what are the quick ways to breathe?

Cash flow management is an ongoing challenge for entrepreneurs and startups. Even with a promising business, all it takes is a late customer payment or an unexpected expense to put the business under pressure. Fortunately, there are quick solutions to relieve a tight cash flow without necessarily compromising the future of your project.

1. Accelerate cash-outs

The first lever, which is often underestimated, is to act on your cash flow. A few simple actions can make a difference:

• Set up deposits (30 to 50%) before the launch of a mission.
• Reduce payment times in your quotes and invoices.
• Systematically relaunch unpaid invoices with a clear process.
• Offer immediate online payment (bank card, instant transfer).

-> Each day earned on cashing out improves your cash flow.

2. Negotiate your disbursements

When cash flow is tight, do not hesitate to discuss with your suppliers and partners:

• Request an extension or an exceptional payment term.
• Group some invoices together to smooth out the load.
• Check if certain fees can be deferred (subscriptions, fixed charges).

Transparency and communication are often your best allies.

3. Use short-term financing

In the event of occasional stress, several financial solutions can provide a breath of fresh air:

• Factoring : have your customer invoices financed by a specialized organization.
• The bank cash facility : a temporary overdraft authorization.
• Professional microcredit : quickly accessible for small amounts.
• BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) for businesses : spread out certain expenses.

These levers should be used carefully, as they generate costs.

4. Boosting turnover in the short term

Sometimes, targeted commercial actions are enough to relaunch the machine:

• Launch a flash offer to generate cash quickly.
• Offer discounts for early payments.
• Highlight your services at a higher margin.

A small boost may be enough to rebalance the cash flow.

5. Anticipate to avoid relapse

Finally, healthy cash flow is based on planning:

• Set up a weekly tracking chart.
• Expect a First aid box equivalent to 2-3 months of fixed expenses.
• Adjust your prices if your margins are insufficient.

-> The objective is not only to breathe today, but also to protect ourselves for tomorrow.

To remember:
A tight cash flow is not inevitable. With a few quick adjustments (cash payments, negotiations, financing), you can regain peace of mind and focus your efforts on what really matters: the development of your business.

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