Planning to grow or sustain your business? Finding the right financing solution is critical. This will greatly impact your business’s financial stability and growth. There are also may factors to consider whether you’re expanding operations or need extra working capital. So understand your options and make informed decisions while you’re exploring commercial business loans.
This guide will walk you through the key steps in choosing the right loan for your business needs.
Understanding Commercial Business Loans
These financial products are mainly designed to deliver businesses the capital they need for various purposes. These could be for purchasing property. It could also be for expanding operations. Covering everyday expenses is another reason. Business loans are different from personal loan because they’re tailored to unique business needs. And often come with different terms and conditions.
What Commercial Loan is Right for You?
You’ll be paying off a commercial loan in a matter of years. So consider everything and never take it lightly. Especially when choosing the right funding for your startup. So ensure that the loan you shortlist falls in line with your present finances. Also your strategic long-term business objectives. Here’s how you do it:
1. Assess Your Business Needs
Is your business stable? Are you thinking about buying another property for expansion? Do you need to replace machinery? Or do you need working capital to cover operating expenses? There are different loans that fit various needs. So think carefully about what you need the loan for. This will help guide you to the right option.
2. Examine Loan Terms and Repayment Structures
Are you done assessing your business needs? Next, you should examine the loan terms and repayment structures carefully.
Do you prefer paying lower monthly dues? This is what happens with longer repayment periods. But it could also mean paying more interest over time. Are you comfortable with higher monthly payments? Then you’d prefer shorter terms. The good thing is that you’ll also pay less in total interest. Remember to balance the affordability of your monthly payments with the overall loan cost.
3. Consider the Interest Rate Type
Interest rates depend on the loan type. A fixed rate stays the same throughout the loan term. This gives you predictability in terms of payments. A variable rate fluctuates with the market conditions. This means your payments could increase or decrease over time.
Is stability important to you? Then a fixed-rate loan may be a better choice. Or are you comfortable with some uncertainty? Then a variable rate would be better for you. It also gives the possibility of lower rates.
4. Check the Eligibility Criteria
The approval criteria for commercial business loans depends on the lender. Is your company in good financial health? Lenders are going to want to know this. Also your cash flow, revenue and credit score. Certain loans might even need security. This can be property or equipment. The only problem is what if your business doesn’t qualify for the loan? Which means you will need to look elsewhere for places that suit your current financial situation.
5. Look Beyond Interest Rates
You shouldn’t have only one basis for what makes a good loan product. Also consider everything else that adds up to the total loan cost like fees. How much is the application fee? How about origination fees? Are there prepayment penalties? Always ask the lender for an extensive breakdown of all the costs involved. This way you can compare different loan offers better.
Common Errors to Avoid When Choosing a Business Loan
A lot of business owners make the same slip-ups when selecting a commercial loan. Steer clear of these pitfalls. Ensure you make the best decision for your venture’s financial future.
1. Overborrowing
Some businesses often borrow more than they actually need. This may seem wise just to have extra cash on hand for “what ifs”. But this can backfire quickly. Larger loans come with higher interest payments. Which can strain your business’ cash flow. Overborrowing can also lead to unnecessary debt that keeps you from investing in future opportunities.
Carefully calculate how much funding you need instead. Base this on your specific project or purpose. Only borrow what is necessary. Even if you’re eligible for more.
2. Not Comparing Lenders
Another mistake that is made by a large number of business owners is not shopping around to compare loan types. Lenders are all different. Some may offer better terms from others. Not comparing multiple lenders can mean a higher interest rate. Or more onerous terms of business.
Compare loans from multiple lenders. Consider the interest rates and fees. The costs of repayment and any additional conditions associated with the loan as well. Remember that a commercial business loan is something you will be paying off for many years. So it needs to have favourable terms.
3. Ignoring Your Cash Flow
It’s easy to get caught up in focusing on the overall loan amount and interest rates when choosing a commercial loan. But your business’s cash flow should be your first consideration. A lot of businesses eventually have trouble with repayments. That’s because they don’t consider how the monthly loan payments will fit into their cash flow. Most especially if the business experiences varying revenues or seasonal slowdowns.
Make sure that the monthly loan repayments will be manageable. Even during slower periods. You should also consider loans with flexible repayment options. That is if you anticipate changes in your revenue over the loan term.
4. Not Reading the Fine Print
Loan agreements are often dense mumbo-jumbo full of complex legalese. But you shouldn’t ignore the contract. Don’t read it half-heartedly either. That’s because it’s usually where you will find additional fees and prepayment penalties. It’s also where changes in terms are dictated should your business’s financial situation change. It could lead to nasty surprises at a later stage if you do not read and take in these details.
Read the loan agreement carefully before you sign anything. Unsure about a concept or item? Seek appropriate legal or financial counsel to fully understand the effect.
AFMS Group: Helping You Find the Right Loan
Finding the right commercial business loan can be no doubt overwhelming. That is why AFMS Group specialises in helping businesses get financing tailored to their situation. Are you looking for a term loan? Would you like equipment financing? Or a line of credit? Let us assist you. Make the best choice today. Contact us to find the perfect loan solution for your business.