Business cash flow problems - growing pains

[@kurtkroh6637]

Thank You, I like this weekly format.

[@ttms]

I'll try to keep it going.

[@miketheprintman]

I think from a financial standpoint, the hardest part of this industry is cash flow. A lot of customers want Net 15 or Net 30 terms, but at the same time, a lot of vendors want their money up front. Hard to schedule jobs when you can't order paper, ink or shipping supplies, while you're waiting for the money to come in. Hopefully cash flow will even out for you soon enough.

[@ttms]

That's what I'm dealing with. I'm can't be the bank any more though.

[@miketheprintman]

@@ttms Nor should you be. For some reason the print industry is just a shit show when it comes to the way cash flow works. The print providers are always the ones that get stuck, while the customers and the paper and supply vendors make out.

[@joshlindsay87]

It's seems your business has changed a huge amount over the last little bit. It'd be great to get an understanding of the scale and organisational structure now. Having been following since you were in your garage I find it super interesting.

[@iankearns774]

Upfront or C.O.D at worst, I have been going since 2009 and I started demanding that two years ago. Best choice I ever made. I may have a lost a few clients but I am not a bank and it takes too much time chasing people up who dont want to pay on time. I am not as big as you but its all relative, I used to do work for a local Union who I did $6k a month with but they paid on 60 days. I cut them loose it got too hard waiting for their payment.

[@matthewphillips263]

I definitely feel the cash flow pains, we had our best month yet in July and when I set down at the end of the month and saw we lost money - I was/am pretty deflated. We are 14 months into this and have lost money on every month, something has to change. Not sure the answer yet, but I do know my pricing process is likely part of the problem.

[@CLTGeek]

You know me... Net 0 and payment before production. Good luck!

[@karlstamer4498]

Please do a 'live' again one day.......bring back Bob, as a special guest!

[@mikeabc5355]

What would you consider to be the best printer for high-quality photo post cards and calendars?

[@jamesduncan5814]

I'm nowhere near your size, we just started. But rule has been on delivery. But now anything over $100 (pennies to you) pay half up fromt. Then rest on delivery.

[@Uniprnt]

Do lease your equipment

[@ttms]

The bigger pieces. The smaller ones I purchase outright.

[@stroudify]

Bro I'm having an issue with my hp latex 115, it is not readi g the media for a few days now, you have any idea how to fix?

[@ttms]

Have you tried manually loading it?

[@andrestarks9329]

I’m confused in how you have all of these machines, but no money to show for it. It seems that you have a lot overhead or you could not be charging enough. Rent, utilities, paying your staff, and yourself. You could save a lot by not outsourcing. Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@ttms]

I have no money because I have the machines. I'm purposefully spending money on machines and people to grownas fast as possible. That, in turn, is making things tight.

[@andrestarks9329]

@@ttms i respect that

[@scott8193]

$65 for golf ball printing? $90~ rushed. Your prices are why you are having cash flow issues.