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Losses in business are fairly common. But some business owners tend to attribute them solely to inefficient sales and marketing.
However, that's not the only way a small company can lose money.
Here are some of the lesser-known reasons why your bottom line may not be as high as you'd hoped it would be.
Vendor costs directly affect a company's profit. And a good deal with a vendor today may not stand up to the test of time.
An internal audit and market analysis can indicate whether a company is paying vendors above the market average. Also, there may be vendor-related expenses that you may be overlooking.
It's vital to get the pricing right to maximise profits. Both overly high and low pricing can put a dent in a small business's revenue and profit.
Customers and clients have to feel like they get great value in return for their payment.
If a company is not making enough money, it's often a good idea to evaluate the pricing strategy.
It's customary for small businesses to handle all the accounting in-house. But it's also common practice for them to pick an accountant based on the most attractive offer, never mind the accountant’s experience or the value they bring.
However, poor accounting practices can lead to losses. Whether it's the handling of expenses, tax, invoices, or something else, questionable accounting can bleed a small business dry.
Investing is an essential driver for growth. No companies can scale without re-investing some of the profit.
There are various ways to put your money to good use, such as:
● Marketing to new customers
● Creating new products
● Hiring better employees
● Expanding the online presence
● Improving services and processes
Small businesses that don't put money into these things will have problems sustaining growth.
Careful analysis of the workforce can uncover insights into why a small business is losing money.
Employee turnover is always costly, what with the money spent on training and the break in continuity.
In contrast, offering more competitive wages can work out better in the long run. It can help secure good employees, boost morale, and save costs.
It's not necessary to do all the work in-house as many accounting, marketing, advertising tasks can be outsourced.
The benefits of outsourcing are not limited to big corporations either. Outside help may represent cost savings at the same level of expertise or more.
Of course, this is not to say that you should just outsource everything. It’s just an option worth evaluating.
One often overlooked area is resource management. Besides time and money, resources such as printer paper, office supplies, and software can affect the bottom line. Overpaying for stuff and theft can lead to unwanted expenses.
It's critical to have a good handle on all of your company’s systems and processes. Even something as minor as the wrong software can create financial trouble.
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