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Starting a new business is an exciting prospect, but without the right financial planning, you could find your venture toppling over into debt before even getting off the ground.
The first year of a new business is often the hardest, as you work to establish your brand. Because businesses often take some time to show significant returns, it’s essential that you reduce your startup costs as much as possible.
Fortunately, with a little planning, any new business owner can save resources and money. Read on for some of our top money-saving startup hacks below.
1. Get Creative
Have you ever heard the saying “necessity is the root of all invention”? Well when you need to save money, you get creative. Whether you’re establishing a work from home business, a retail store, an agency, or any other type of company, getting creative and thinking outside the box can save you money on capital investments.
First, start off by considering what furniture, supplies, materials, etc. you already have, so that you can create a checklist of what you still need. Lots of office furniture can be purchased second-hand in good condition, or, in some cases, you could even build certain office supplies yourself.
Going the DIY route allows you to personalize your workspace while saving money in the process.
2. Know Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Prioritizing business essentials can help you save resources and money. Before making any large capital purchases, make sure you compare these investments with other options to see where you can get the most value. Some things, like hardware/software that can improve productivity, may be worth spending a bit more for. However, one of the biggest pitfalls of start-ups is overspending on unnecessary items too soon.
While it may be tempting to go out and buy the latest and greatest gizmos and gadgets for your startup, wait to see a return from your business first.
3. Look for Deals
Everyone loves buying things on sale, and when it comes to your startup, it shouldn’t be any different. Keeping an eye out for special sales, discounts, and deals can save you money off of each purchase which will add up over time. For example, Best Buy’s open box deals often offer top of the line electronics at a fraction of the retail price. Businesses need to make money to survive, which means taking advantage of deals is a must.
4. Work Smarter Not Harder
Starting a new business is already hard enough, without you having to work overtime due to inefficiency. Investing in the right tools that support productivity is key to working smarter, not harder. For example, all startups should invest in the latest versions of publishing software, as these tools will empower your brand to produce top quality work the first time around. When you get Microsoft Office, for example, you have access to the leading publishing tools on the market that allow you to write business copy, create advertising material, update an accounting ledger, and more. Updating your publishing software is an important investment for any business, as these tools will save you resources, time, and money down the line.
5. Track Your Expenses
For any business, but especially a startup, tracking your expenses is key. Before making any purchases for your company, set a budget and create a balance sheet using Microsoft Excel or a similar program. Taking note of all your expense will not only help you stay on budget, but it will provide a log of business-related purchases that you can claim on your taxes. While it may seem tedious, this tip is one of the pillars of setting up your business for financial success.
With these tips, you’ll be able to get your new business off the ground without the burden of expensive startup costs weighing you down. Remember, there’s always room to grow as your company expands, but setting yourself up for financial success from the start allows you to scale your business much faster.
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