When a business struggles financially, cutting costs is the first step in turning things around. However, this can be difficult, as it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will provide tips on reducing costs and improving the company’s financial situation.
Studies show that businesses often fail to realize how much they spend on unnecessary expenses. As a result, they continue to operate at a loss, eventually leading to the company’s demise. Therefore, it is crucial to closely examine all aspects of the business and identify where you can make cuts.
Unfortunately, you might target those that can significantly reduce costs but can disrupt your business operations or your relationship with customers and vendors. For example, you may choose to:
- Eliminate or minimize customer discounts
- Reduce staff salaries
- Close underperforming locations
- Stop advertising on specific channels
- Change your business model
These are just a few examples of difficult cost-cutting decisions that you may have to make. While they may be difficult, it is essential to remember that the goal is to improve the company’s financial situation. Fortunately, you can start with these business areas before you arrive at these impactful changes.
Utility Bills
Sometimes, your business operations might be netting many profits, making it confusing why you’re not in the black. After all, more revenue should directly translate to more gain, right? Not always. Often, businesses are hemorrhaging money through their utility bills.
For example, let’s say your commercial space is 2,000 square feet. The average price per square foot for commercial spaces is $1.25. This means that your monthly rent costs $2,500. However, you could be paying significantly more if your business isn’t energy-efficient.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average cost of electricity for a small business is between $200 and $300 per month. However, this number can skyrocket based on a variety of factors, such as:
- The type of business you operate
- The geographic location of your business
- How energy-efficient your building is
If your business falls into the trap of having high energy costs, there are a few ways to reduce these expenses. For example, you could:
- Install energy-efficient lightbulbs
- Utilize natural lighting as much as possible
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances
- Use a programmable thermostat
- Seal any drafts in the building
It will be necessary to ensure your investments are going to areas that help lower your utility bills. If you need help, you can have your building evaluated with commercial energy performance certificates. The service can help you understand where your business is losing energy and how you can improve.
Inventory
Carrying too much inventory can be detrimental to a business for several reasons:
- It ties up working capital that could be used elsewhere in the industry.
- It increases storage costs.
- There’s always the risk that the inventory will become obsolete before it’s sold.
To prevent these issues, you must have an effective inventory management system. This system should track the following:
- What inventory you have on hand
- How long has each item been in stock
- The sales history of each item
This information will help you decide what inventory to keep on hand and how much to order when restocking.
It’s also essential to have a clear understanding of your target market. This way, you can order the inventory they’re interested in purchasing rather than items that will sit on your shelves collecting dust.
It would help if you also considered implementing just-in-time inventory, a system where you only order the list you need as needed. This can help further reduce storage costs and the risk of obsolescence.
Marketing Costs
Marketing is one of the essential functions of any business. After all, you need customers to keep your business afloat. However, marketing can also be one of the most expensive expenses for a business.
You must have a plan to get the most out of your marketing budget. This plan should include the following:
- Your marketing goals
- Your target market
- Your marketing channels
- Your budget
Creating this plan will help you focus your marketing efforts and ensure you’re not overspending. It will also help you track your progress and ROI to adjust your strategy as needed.
When developing your plan, be sure to research your target market. This way, you can determine which channels they’re using and how best to reach them. It would help if you also considered utilizing low-cost or even free marketing tactics, such as:
- Social media marketing
- Content marketing
- Email marketing
- Referral programs
There are endless marketing strategies available, so choose the ones that will work best for your business.
Final Thoughts
No business is immune to tough times. However, you can weather any storm by cutting costs and focusing on essential expenses.
Just be sure to take a strategic approach to cost-cutting, so you don’t inadvertently harm your business.
