financing Archives - Excel Capital Management

Truck Overhaul Financing: How It Can Help Your Business

June 13, 2018June 1, 2017 by Excel Capital

The trucking industry can be a highly competitive and taxing. Training drivers to operate new equipment and trucks, the length of your payment terms with various vendors, the price of fuel, and maintenance are all expenses that need to be considered. From driving through hilly terrain to hauling heavy loads, a lot of stress is put on your truck’s engine. Despite staying on top of fixing small problems before they become bigger problems you will eventually have to put money towards a major fix. This is where truck overhaul financing can help.

While you should take your truck to a shop for analysis, you can also use your senses (sight, hearing, smell, and touch) to monitor their condition. If your truck is showing any of these signs, it could mean that it’s time for an overhaul:

Increased oil consumption: This is caused if the valve guides are worn, or if there’s too much space between the valve stems and guides, or if the valve guide seals are worn, missing, broken or not installed correctly. The engine may still have good compression, but it will use a lot of oil.

Excessive Exhaust: Since they positioned in the back of the truck, your tailpipes can go unnoticed. However, knowing if it blows excessive smoke, that’s a good indication that it’s time for an engine rebuild. Thick and dark is another clue. Just keep an eye on the tailpipe and take notice of any unusual smoke or a larger amount of it is coming out of your tailpipe.

Black, blue, or white exhaust: See if your truck is emitting exhaust that is blue, black or white in color.

Water in the oil: If there’s water in the oil, it will create a foam or gunk on the fill cap or the dipstick. Water that has formed on the dipstick will also cause rust to develop.

Engine knocking: Listen for changes in the way your trucks sounds when running. Rough running and pinging are both signs. If you ever hear a sound coming from your engine that sounds bad, it would have to be the knocking sound that gets louder when you rev the engine. This can sound like someone is actually knocking on your engine. This sound is not just annoying, but not a good indicator. It is not normal and sometimes it can lead to other auto problems if not addressed properly.

Oil pressure gauge: Even if the gauge isn’t calibrated perfectly, look out for any noticeable change in its reading.

Sludge: If you notice oil sludge on your oil pin when you clean and replace your oil, then you know your engine is not working well. Oil or coolant sludge is not just gross, it’s also a sure sign that you will need an engine overhaul in the immediate future. Sludge is wasted oil or coolant that is not going to be used. Plus it can cause issues that may make your engine not run very well.

Overheating oil: Oil that’s overheating smells like burning oil.

Reduction in acceleration: This is a sign of loss of cylinder compression.

Low fuel economy: Fuel is be pricey and can be a nuisance if you constant have to refill our tank, especially during long distance hauls. When the engine is slow or not working well, it can uses a lot more gas just to run.

Low oil pressure: This happens when the oil pump does not create pressure, and as a result, oil doesn’t all of the components. It’s often due to worn rod bearings or a broken oil pump.

Truck Overhaul Financing Options

Overhauling an engine can be costly and you may need additional working capital to help. The following are some of the trucking overhaul financing options available:

Equipment Financing: Used to help business owners purchase any type of equipment needed to run the business. The loan amount is dependent upon the type of equipment needed, as the repayment term is usually as long as the expected life of the piece of equipment and if it is used or new.
Merchant Cash Advance (Split Funding): Transactions that are collected through a set percentage of your Visa and MasterCard sales that are accepted at your place of business. Probably the most common term used in the industry. These do not have a set repayment schedule and are based on the volume of your businesses credit card processing sales. These are usually only guaranteed by the future sales of your business.
Term Loans: A loan that is backed by a bank for an exact amount that has a specified repayment timetable and interest rate that are adjusted accordingly. Terms mature between 1 and 10 years.
ACH Loan: These loans may need personal guarantees, and have a fixed repayment schedule that is paid either daily, weekly or monthly. These products are catered to industries that do not accept credit cards and need a fixed payment.
Business Lines of Credit: A rotating loan that gives business owners access to a fixed amount of money, which they can use day-to-day according to their need for cash. Interest is only paid on the amount of the advance actually used.
Emergency Business Loans: Loans that are funded quickly to help your business get out of a jam quick. Generally funded within 24 hours.

Application Process

Once a business has been approved, they can be funded in a little as a week. Usually, the documentation that is initially submitted is enough for this to happen in most cases, but there are instances when additional documentation may be requested depending on the lender. The following is the standard business documentation you should have prepared when starting the application process:

Business license
Voided check for the business account
Clear copies of identification for all owners
Proof of ownership
Trade references
Four months of bank statements
Four months of credit card statements (if applicable)

If it’s time to get some work done, trucking overhaul financing could be right for your small business. Excel Capital Management’s funding specialists are here to help and guide you every step of the way. Excel Capital Management will work to match your business capital needs. Give us a call at 877-880-8086 or APPLY NOW!

7 Money Saving Tips for Small Businesses

February 19, 2020July 12, 2016 by Excel Capital

Money Saving Tips for Small Businesses | Excel Capital Management

Everyone loves saving money and small business owners are no different. Although having a tight budget can make saving money tough, here are some money saving tips that can help your business budget.

7 Small changes that can help you save big in the long run.

1. Save Some Paper by Going Paperless

Reduce the amount your business uses paper and postage by working electronically. Going paperless is a great way to increase efficiency and reduce waste and clutter. These changes help lower costs while helping the environment.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Shop

In addition to loyalty programs and selling in bulk, many retailers and vendors you work with may offer discounts for small businesses. Even if they don’t advertise it, take the initiative to ask. You’d be surprised how much money you save simply by inquiring.

Comparing vendor rates also ensures that you get the most for your dollar.

3. Create a Budget and Track of Expenses

Seemingly small charges add up quickly. Keeping track of your finances by creating a budget allows you to identify the best areas to allocate money. Another helpful tip is to create a log with all of your bills and due dates. Setting a “pay date” several days before the bill is due is an easy way to ensure your payment is received on time and avoid late fees.

4. Upgrade Your Tech

Nothing is worse than coming into work with the drive to get things done only to have your momentum halted because equipment doesn’t work. When troubleshooting becomes a large part of your day, it can severely cut into productivity and progress. Avoid this by replacing outdated or broken equipment.

5. Balance Transfer on a High-Interest Credit Card

Many business owners have a business credit card that has a high APR attached to it. For some its comfortable to use the same card since its already opened and is linked to many recurring business expenses. However, there are many cards that offer a 0% interest introductory rate for up-to 18 months. CreditCards.com has put together a comprehensive guide with the best offers for balance transfers. To check it out you can view it here.

6. Adopt a Four-Day Work Week

It may seem counter-intuitive, but 4-day work week can help motivate employees to work with focus and more efficiently. Reducing the number of workdays forces you to cut back on time-wasting tasks. Instead of employees having to take days off for doctor’s appointments and other responsibilities, a 4-day workweek provides the flexibility needed by everyone.

7. Allow Employees to Work from Home

If you aren’t fully convinced by the idea of a 4-day workweek, a good alternative is to let your employees work remotely. Today’s technology allows us to stay connected and work on-the-go. As long as your employees are motivated, engaged, and enjoying their job, they will want to do great work.”

If you find yourself in need of extra funds, Excel Capital Management can help fill in the gaps. Our consultants are available to guide you towards the best options for your business’ needs.

Exclusive Interview with ERPS Group CEO/Chief Financial Consultant, Ella Rivkin

February 19, 2020June 9, 2016 by Excel Capital

New York City based, full-service accounting firm, ERPS‘ goal is to help individuals, professionals, and businesses maintain financial stability as they grow their assets and plan for the future. ERPS provides assistance in estate aligning, retirement and trust planning, wealth management, and money-saving services for individuals. For businesses, the company assists with taxes, payroll, insurance, HR, benefits, and more. Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing ERPS Co-Founder, CFO, and CEO, Ella Rivkin to get her insight on tax preparation and filing tips for small business owners.

Excel Capital Management: Hello, Ella. Thank you for taking the time to be interviewed by Excel! To get started, tell us a little about yourself, how you got into the accounting industry, and your company, ERPS.

Ella Rivkin: I came to this country at a young age, chasing a dream just like many before me. I found myself very proficient in helping others and while growing up, and I knew that finance was a field that would strongly interest me. I began looking for work in the financial field while in school in order to gain experience. Eventually, I found myself working in an accounting office where I began to learn the necessary skills I bear today. After many years, I was finally presented the opportunity to open up my very own office, E.R.P.S. Inc. where I could finally utilize all my years of experience to help others chasing their business goals.

ECM: How can small business owners use your services at ERPS for their business finances?

E.R.: What makes E.R.P.S. stand out from others is that we develop strong business relationships with small business owners in order to establish successful networks and a beneficial support system for the owners. We are there to address any concerns the owners might have regarding their day-to-day operations and it is with this help that we are able to attract new clients that add to our growing community.

ECM: It is important for business owners to have a strong working relationship with their accountant. What are topics business owners should constantly discuss with their accountant, and how often should meetings be set up?

E.R.: After many years, I have advised many owners on how to better their business and succeed. It is important to address key topics that many fail to see. Some of these topics include careful handling of all business expenses so as to keep everything organized and manageable. Another important topic is keeping track of all employees and payroll information so as to not have any confusion within the organization. A well-organized account of everything going in and out of the company, whether it be assets, credits, etc. is key to maintaining the necessary structure of any business which hopes to prosper.

ECM: As you know, Excel Capital Management provides alternative financing solutions to small to mid-sized businesses. For a business owner that is in the market for a business loan, what advice would you give them before applying?

E.R.: Prior to applying for a loan of any kind, it is important to insure that everything in your company is up to date, financially, and that the business is ready to accept the responsibilities of said loan. I have seen many companies accept loans as a means of growing their business, whether big or small. A loan provides much needed support for a business, especially one that is looking to expand. By accepting a loan, it is important to monitor and stay on top of all its financial aspects, primarily due to the fact that if one loan is handled correctly, it allows for that business to receive additional, larger loans in the future which in turn helps the business even more.

ECM: Many businesses Excel funds continue to apply for additional working capital over the business’ lifetime. Based on your expertise, what determines when business owners should reach out for working capital via an alternative lender such as Excel Capital Management?

E.R.: A company is only as successful if it keeps constantly looking for bigger and better things to make it stand out. Unfortunately, not every business owner is capable of financially providing the necessary funding for these ventures. There comes a point where the owner(s) exhausts every resource and their disposal and has no other place to turn to. In this situation, it is necessary to reevaluate the company and its potential success. If the company is in fact making progress towards its goals, then it is understandable to reach out to lenders and request additional funding. Reaching out to lenders like Excel makes it possible to continue expanding one’s business by attaining the much needed capital that allows for new equipment, new ideas, etc. necessary for corporate growth. There is a common saying, “You have to spend money to make money”—this couldn’t be more true!

ECM: Lastly, what is the most important accounting advice you would give to small business owners?

E.R.: It must be said that for any business to succeed in today’s day and age, it is necessary to have desire and determination as the driving factors. As an accountant, I must say that proper discipline and motivation is required when managing any business. There are always going to be obstacles along the way that make it seem impossible to overcome, but with proper leadership and organization, no obstacle will be too great. It is also important to maintain proper communication between the business owner and the accountant, because one cannot do their job without the other. Keeping your accountant up to date on all of your business ventures and operations is key, therefore the accountant must be provided with any and all necessary information about the business at all times.

For more on ERPS Group, visit: erpsgroup.com and be sure to “like” their official Facebook page: facebook.com/erpsinc.

3 Reasons Why Applications For Business Loan Get Declined

November 16, 2018May 19, 2016 by Excel Capital

3 Reasons Why Business Loan Applications Get Declined By Traditional Lenders and Alternative Financing Solutions

Almost all business owners apply for some sort of financing to grow their company at one point or another. When it comes to applying for for this financing through a traditional bank or lender, the process can be a tough one, and many business owners walk away with a big fat decline. While this may be disheartening, there are many reasons why business loan applications get declined and lenders are so strict, and there are still other options out there. Let’s take a look at the three main reasons why business loan applications get declined by traditional banks and lenders, and then take a look at the great alternatives that are available!

Why Traditional Lenders Decline Business Loan Applications:

Low Cash Flow: If a traditional lender decides to give your business a loan, they will want to see the ability to make payments back on the loan amount in addition to covering all other business expenses. Unfortunately, tough times do occur where businesses don’t generate enough revenue at certain times of the year – maybe they are a seasonal business. Some business owners, such as contractors, aren’t paid until jobs are completed or they must pay inventory suppliers upfront before they get paid. Tight margins typically do not sit well with traditional lenders and you could get your business loan declined.

Poor Credit, Bad Credit, or No Credit: Like NorthShore Advisory Inc. Credit Expert Tracy Becker told us in our exclusive interview, “in today’s fast-paced business world, more partners, lenders, and potential accounts need to make quick decisions as to which suppliers, borrowers, and partners they want to work with; decision-makers use a variety of business credit scores, indexes, and reports to discard unqualified candidates from being considered for a partnership or a loan.” A business’ credit score is a major factor when a traditional lender considers approving them for financing. Poor credit, bad credit, or simply no credit can almost always guarantee a decline. To learn more about how businesses can improve their credit score, visit: http://www.northshoreadvisory.com/

No Collateral: Traditional banks and lenders almost always require some sort of collateral to secure a loan. Collateral can come in the form of a vehicle, personal or business property, equipment, and/or other assets. If a business owner defaults on the loan, this collateral will then be seized for nonpayment. Unfortunately, many business owners (especially young business owners or startups) do not have collateral to put up when it comes to acquiring a loan, or the lender may not deem anything the business owner has as anything of value.

Your Business Loan Application Got Declined By A Traditional Lender – What Are The Alternatives?

Despite the fact that traditional lenders can take weeks to process your loan application and also require a lot of paperwork, there are alternative financing solutions available if you got your business loan declined. Unlike big banks, alternative lenders typically only require you to submit a simple, one-page application, 4 months of recent bank statements, and 4 months of recent credit card processing statements in order to get an offer and approval in a matter of days! Let’s take a closer look at the alternative funding solutions available to your business so even if your business loan was declined your options are open!

Merchant Cash Advance: Short-term financing transactions that are collected through a set percentage of your visa and MasterCard sales that are accepted at your place of business. Probably the most common term used in the industry. These do not have a set repayment schedule and are based on the volume of your business’s credit card processing sales. These are usually only guaranteed by the future sales of your business.

ACH Advance: A form of a merchant cash advance that is repaid on a daily basis by direct ACH debits rather than a merchant account. These are still a purchase of receivables and the amount debited via ach are determined by the amount of credit card processing sales that are batched out the previous day.

ACH Loan Products: These are a bit different than cash advances as they are considered loans and may have personal guarantees. They have a fixed repayment schedule that is paid either daily, weekly or monthly. These products are catered to industries that do not accept credit cards and need a fixed payment.

Accounts Receivables Financing: This is one of the oldest forms of funding in history. This is used mainly when a business is due some sort of capital for work complete and is billed on a net 30, 60 or 90. for example, ABC Trucking delivered goods for xyz logistics but only receives payment from xyz logistics in 60 days. ABC can then factor the money due from XYZ at discount to receive the capital due in 60 days today.

Invoice Factoring: The purchase of accounts receivable for immediate cash.

Equipment Financing: A type of loan or extension of credit to a business, with the purpose of helping the business acquire new equipment. Equipment Financing Extends only the capital needed to purchase a specific piece of equipment and is most commonly written as a lease.

Business Lines of Credit: A rotating loan that gives business owners access to a fixed amount of money, which they can use day-to-day according to their need for cash. Interest is only paid on the amount of the advance actually used.

Start-Up Funding/Loan: A type of loan that provides a new business/company with sufficient upfront capital to get off the ground.

Asset Based Loans: A business loan secured by collateral.

SBA LOANs 504 Loans: The US Small Business Administration 504 Loan or Certified Development Company program is designed to provide financing for the purchase of fixed assets, which usually means real estate, buildings and machinery, at below market rates.

Term Loans: A loan that is backed by a bank for an exact amount that has a specified repayment timetable and interest rate that are adjusted accordingly. Terms mature between 1 and 10 years.

It’s pretty clear to see why an alternative lender may be the way to go when it comes to applying for financing for your business. No complicated application process, no lengthy paperwork and documents, and an approval in as little as 3 business days! For more information on alternative financing solutions and what Excel Capital Management can offer your business, visit: https://www.excelcapmanagement.com/loan-form/

Funding: Venture Capital vs. Working Capital

February 19, 2020April 7, 2016 by Excel Capital

Most business owners will apply for some sort of capital at least once over the business’ lifetime. This capital can be used for various reasons at various stages of the business life cycle: business start-up, expansion, equipment, purchases, hiring, etc.. When it comes to the growth of any business, money is essential. What the capital is being used for determines just what type of capital it is – venture or working – and how one goes about acquiring it. No matter what though, as a business owner it is important to do your homework and know what type of funding you are applying for and how it can affect your bottom line in the long run. Let’s take a look at the difference between venture and working capital funding and the funding process for each.

VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDING

Venture Capital is normally sought after by up and coming business owners that are early in the life cycle of their endeavors – startups and seed stage – but can also be used by business owners who are later in the business cycle but are looking to fund new ideas. If these types of business owners can’t get the money from a friend or family member who believes in their idea (business means big bucks, and a lot of times close acquaintances just can’t help out) they are usually able to do so through a Venture Capital investor who strongly backs their business plan. What complicates this process is the fact that most investors will want to see revenue generated for the long-term. They are now part owner and in it for the long haul just like the main business owner themselves, generally looking for a return of at least 5x their initial investment amount.

Venture Capital investors or companies will analyze to see if there is a market for a business owner’s idea. If they feel that your business won’t be success, they most likely won’t take the risk of investing any money into it at all. Their goal is to see a big profit and have a hand in many major business decisions. It’s usually not simply a labor of love. Expect for investors to ask for a C-Level title and/or seat on your board of directors if you have one. At the very least, they will usually ask to be an “owner.” This results in relinquishing full control, ownership and an agreed upon percentage of future earning until you have enough capital to buy them out.

When it comes to qualifications, Venture Capital investors or companies typically only fund businesses in the amount of $1M or more, and also only fund specific industries which puts limitations on many business owners. They tend to look for big industry-specific companies with big, commercial ideas, a strong team, and some existing momentum and paying customers. This can be great, however, if you are just starting out, run a company on your own, or don’t necessarily have the plan to back up such a large sum of money, this can prove to be extremely overwhelming. Garage Technology Ventures, an early-stage venture capital funding company highlights the specifics of these qualifications in their article Critical Factors for Obtaining Venture Funding. Aside from all of this, finding a reputable investor in itself can be a tough task. You should always do extensive research to ensure the investor has you and your business’ best interests at heart. Vivek Wadhwa’s article, Venture Capital: The Good, The Bad, and Ugly on Bloomberg.com highlights some other important factors when it comes to considering Venture Capital. Check it out.

WORKING CAPITAL FUNDING

Working capital is sought after by business owners for any number of reasons during any stage of the business’ lifetime – including the startup stage (normally lenders require a business must be operating for at least 3 months, but this can still be considered the startup stage). The capital is usually used for equipment purchases, new hires, expansion, inventory, and more. While lenders generally do care about the product or service the business offers, what business owners do with the capital (within reason) is their business. They are no way, shape or form now an owner after funding a company and don’t require that you list them as an owner, sponsor, or member of your board of directors. You make all of the business decision and once the funding is paid back their is no further obligations.

Typically, to qualify for working capital funding by a lender, a business owner must provide 4 months of recent bank and credit card statements (if applicable) to show their ability to pay back the advanced money. This capital acquired is generally structured as either a loan with fixed payback terms and fees or a purchase of future receivables at a discount rather than an investment expected to generate 5x the initial amount. Most business owners sleep a little better knowing this much and even reach out for additional capital numerous times over the course of their business’ lifetime. Lenders tend to develop genuine and trusting working relationships with many business owners and offer various financing solutions to work harmoniously with a business.

At Excel Capital Management, we offer many different financing products to help you obtain the Working Capital your business needs to grow! Our funding specialists will work diligently to ensure that you receive the best products available to achieve business success!
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