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Is a Merchant Cash Advance for Small Businesses a Good Idea?

Updated: Jun 19


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Merchant cash advances (MCAs) supply small businesses with fast capital. In exchange for part of future sales, MCAs give businesses a lump sum amount. Therefore, what makes these advances attractive is their ability to cater to businesses with high sales volumes but poor credit scores. They also have convenience and flexible repayment terms based on performance-based repayments, making them popular among many who want quick money.


However, there are high costs involved, and they can affect cash flow negatively, thus causing some concerns about their viability as a funding option for small enterprises. Let's explore whether MCAs are good ideas for small business owners, according to merchant cash advance attorneys.



Understanding Merchant Cash Advances


Usually, in the form of credit card transactions, MCAs offer companies a certain amount of money based on their future sales receipts. MCA debt advisors believe that this arrangement becomes very appealing, particularly when dealing with establishments that do not have perfect credit ratings yet record substantial turnovers every month from customer purchases made via plastic cards alone.


The most attractive thing about this kind of borrowing is speed – approval usually takes less than 48 hours, while funds may hit one's account within 24 hours since the application was submitted; furthermore, no collateral is required, and there is not much paperwork involved.



Advantages of MCAs

  • Speed of Funding Fast availability can change things around completely, especially if there is a need for urgent cash flow intervention or unforeseen business opportunities arise.


  • No Collateral Required:  Unlike standard bank loans, where assets owned by the enterprise act as security against defaulting payment obligations borrowed against them, which could lead to seizure by creditor banks.


  • High Approval Rates Many times, companies with bad credit can secure financing through MCA providers simply because they generate good sales volume, though other lenders have declined their requests.


  • No Fixed Repayment Schedule:  Since payments are deducted as percentage points directly from receipts, this means that when trading cycles change, so too does how much one owes back at any given time, thus providing some space during lean periods where income levels may ebb and flow.


  • Less Documentation: Compared to traditional financial institutions such as commercial banks there is less documentation needed during application for MCAs.



Drawbacks of MCAs


  • High Costs: These types of loans tend to cost significantly more than regular ones – the interest rate is often presented as a factor but not expressed in terms of annual percentage rates (APRs) which could be three digits sometimes.


  • Impact on Cash Flow: The daily or weekly debits from a business's account can severely impact cash flow, especially if the business's sales do not meet projections.


  • Cycle of Debt: Due to the ease with which MCAs are accessible, many firms end up finding themselves trapped in repaying previous advances by getting new ones, hence worsening their financial position rather than improving it.


  • Aggressive Collection Practices: MCA collectors might use aggressive tactics while trying to recover money lent out, leading to stress and business interruptions.


  • Limited Regulation: The MCA industry is less regulated than traditional lenders, potentially exposing business owners to unfavorable terms.


  • Short-term Solution: MCAs are generally considered short-term financial solutions, which might not address underlying financial issues.


  • Automatic Deductions: Automatic daily or weekly sales deductions can interfere significantly with business operations and budgeting.

Considerations Before Choosing an MCA


Given the mixed benefits and risks associated with MCAs, merchant cash advance lawyers suggest that businesses should consider several factors:


  • Financial Health: Evaluate the business's financial stability and the ability to handle the MCA's repayment structure without harming daily operations.


  • Cost Comparison: You may look at the total cost of MCA against other financing means as well.In most cases, the business would be better off by accessing capital through traditional lending such as bank loans or lines of credit. 


  • Long-term Impact: It is unclear whether the effects of a merchant cash advance are only in the short-run for the business, or, more significantly, affects the long term stability of the business. 


  • Consulting Financial Advisors: Engaging with a financial advisor or or merchant cash advance attorney can provide insights into the most appropriate form of financing based on the company's specific circumstances and financial projections.



Alternatives to MCAs


Other ways of borrowing money should be considered by small businesses before taking out an MCA:


  • Business Lines of Credit: These are more flexible and usually have lower interest rates than MCAs.


  • Term Loans: While harder to qualify for, but usually offer longer repayment periods and lower costs.


  • Invoice Financing: This can be used instead of an MCA where necessary to manage cash flow without tying yourself into such a structure.


  • Equity Financing: Though it involves shared ownership, no debts are incurred if capital is raised through this method.

Conclusion


Businesses that need a quick injection of funds can utilize merchant cash advances (MCA) as an alternative financing solution. They should take into account, however receiving a merchant cash advance.The interest rate charged for these advances is extremely high, which usually makes the business unstable in the long-run. For the sake of business owners, it is paramount to look into the financial stability of their business and make a comparison against other funding alternatives. Seeking an opinion from a financial advisor is also considered an important factor in making a sound judgment. Finally, gaining a deep insight into the effects of MCA over a long period is of great importance for the purpose of steady growth and  financial expansion of your business.

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