Cash Flow: Revenue (Grey Area)

Small Business Finance & Profitability

By William Stong

Copyright © 2009 Integrated Profitability TM

In “Cash Flow: Revenue (Timing),” we covered ideas on how to improve revenue by making changes in the timing of the receipt of cash.  The last example in that article, about influencing the type of payment mode customers use when making purchases, was crossing the line from temporary timing changes into permanent cash flow improvements.

There is a grey area between “Timing” and “Actual” ideas when it comes to improving Cash Flow.

For example, if credit cards cost 5% on average to convert a sale into cash, you might consider offering a discount if the sale is paid for in cash.  In this example, a 2% discount would provide a good benefit.  Some businesses already do this.  Traveling around the country, there are gas stations that differentiate prices based on whether one is paying with cash or with credit.  As far as your business is concerned, it all depends on the paying-willingness and flexibility of your unique customer base.  How to go about it?

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