Oilfield services companies need cash to operate. Meeting payroll, purchasing supplies, and normal business expenses all require having cash available. Having cash available on a consistent basis is tricky when working for companies with extended payment terms. However, there are options to explore.
When you are approved for a business loan, the funding is usually secured by your corporate assets – and sometimes even your personal assets. Monthly interest is paid to the bank depending on your credit and other factors. The SBA loan rates as of March 2019 range from 7.25% to 12.00%, depending on the amount borrowed and borrower credit.
Invoice factoring is a common way for oilfield service companies to get the cash flow they need. If you are unfamiliar with factoring, here is an introduction: What is factoring. In one sentence, factoring is a financial transaction where a company sells its invoices (accounts receivables) to a third party at a discount. There are several benefits for factoring your oilfield invoices.
Your first thought might be to ask friends or family to invest in your company. Although this might seem like a good idea, it is always good to think twice about it first. When money comes between friends and family, things can get difficult – especially if things don’t go as planned.
You can also look into angel investors. These are professionals who are willing to invest money in your business. In return, they typically will want some type of profit sharing, a percentage of the company or their money paid back with interest.
If you decide to finance your oilfield service company through investors, make sure you have done the proper research and have a prepared presentation to convince them to invest. In this article from entrepreneur.com, it explains five of the worst mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching to investors.
Merchant cash advance (MCA) companies are becoming more common, and market themselves as a way of financing for small businesses. MCA companies provide short-term advances with little paperwork, and can usually deposit money into your bank account within a day or two. There are a few things to consider about MCA companies.
Whether you decide a business loan, factoring, investors or a merchant cash advance company is the right way to finance your oilfield service company, make sure to do your research. If you have questions, contact Scale Funding and speak with one of our financing experts. They will provide a free, no-obligation consultation and factoring quote. To begin, call (800) 707-4845.