Transcript for Episode 8 - Avoid cashflow challenges when exporting

Cashflow can be a significant challenge when exporting. So it’s important to manage it carefully. Let’s look at some of the risks and the impact they can have.

Fluctuating exchange rates between sterling and other currencies can alter profit margins.

Long shipping times and customs delays are not uncommon and can alter when you receive payment for products. So you need to plan for this eventuality.

Political instability and natural disasters can potentially slow down delivery, even if your destination country is not affected. Research your market to know if insurance provision and risk management procedures apply.

Language barriers can cause cashflow problems. Local staff dealing with payments within your export country may not necessarily speak English, which may slow down communication. So it’s important to establish a relationship early on and translate requests as best you can. Equally, when exporting to a new region, you may have to pay an unexpected local tax. So it’s worth doing your homework as much as you can.

Plan your cashflow. Once you’ve considered these factors, it’s time to create a cashflow forecast to help you decide if you can comfortably cover running costs, or whether you require finance such as bank guarantees and bonds to cover any funding gaps. Or perhaps additional finance such as a line of credit or export invoice finance?