Some basic ways to improve your business liquidity

The liquidity of an asset can be determined by taking into account the convenience, when converting it into cash at any given time. For example, an asset is highly liquid if it can be switched into cash quickly and easily, whereas an asset is less liquid if it takes lots of time and efforts to convert it into cash. Liquidity is an important factor, which is considered by investors whenever they are looking to invest. When we talk of business liquidity, it is the ability of some specific business to arrange cash for its daily requirements. A business can be profitable and all, but it can still fail to prosper if it lacks in liquidity department. Business liquidity is necessary to carry routine business operations, for example paying utility bills, wages and fulfilling other obligations.

Cash management and liquidity:
Business liquidity is directly related to cash management that includes budgeting, forecasting, ROI, cash collection & allocation, and the likes. Poor cash management can hurt business liquidity in many ways. Finance managers must consider liquidity risk every time they are looking to invest the capital in any venture; also they need to monitor cash flow closely.

Account Payable & Receivables:
When you’ve got lots of sale and purchase going on credit basis, you need to keep an eye on your account receivable, as well as account payable. The idea is to try and collect payments as soon as possible, while trying to delay payments which are due (while staying in ethical limits and not bullying your creditors). Encourage customers to pay in cash, remember cash is the king, even more so in times of recession.

Don’t stack useless assets:
Some businesses make the mistake of piling up assets that are not really useful at that particular time. These assets can be some seldom-used vehicles, vacant land, useless furniture, inventory or machinery that they don’t need at the moment. Sometimes renting or outsourcing can do the job, therefore you don’t really need to purchase all sorts of equipment every time the slightest need arises.

Choose the right investment:
When the company holds cash that exceeds its present expenditures, the excessive amount must be invested instead of holding (because of opportunity cost). However, the people responsible for choosing investment options must keep the liquidity factor in mind. Try to avoid investments that lack in liquidity, and keep an eye on future expenses as well.

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UK Wholesale

A brief introduction of Money market instruments

The market that helps short term borrowers find the lenders or vice versa, is known as money market (similar to the other financial markets however “short term” is the key word that distinguishes money market from other financial markets). Borrowers go to the money markets when they are in need of short term loan and the lenders provide them with the required financing. However, both borrowers and lenders do not trade in cash. Securities which are traded in money markets are called money market instruments. Following are some of the most commonly used money market instruments.

Commercial Papers:

Normally banks and financial institutions issue commercial paper, which is a promissory note that entitles note holder to get the face amount on a fixed date. Usually commercial papers are issued for short terms and their maturity period ranges from 1 to 270 days. The only guarantee you have when purchasing commercial paper (to get the promised amount or at least the amount you’ve invested) is issued by the bank or corporation itself, which is why they are known as unsecured promissory notes. Because of the high risk involved, issuing companies offer higher interest rates to investors.

Treasury Bills:
Very similar to commercial papers, however treasury bills come with the guarantee of the treasury department of United States, making them an investment with very little risk. The maturity periods often extends to one year (starting from 4 weeks) with no payments preceding the maturity date. These bills are divided into two categories known as marketable and non-marketable securities. You can buy directly from treasurydirect.gov or from brokers.
Certificate of Deposit:
The investors deposit some amount into banks or financial institution and get a certificate known as Certificate of Deposit. Interest rate is fixed (the bigger the amount, the higher the interest rate will be) and a fixed maturity period as well. You cannot take out your money before the fixed date, in case you really need to withdraw; you’ll have to pay a penalty.

Banker’s Acceptance:
Banker’s Acceptance is basically a draft accepted and signed by some well known bank. The acceptance by that particular bank makes it an instrument used in money market as it carries very little risk. Once a time draft is approved (accepted) by some bank, the drawee can sell it in secondary market in case he/she is in need of immediate cash (of course at a price lesser than its face value). It is very similar to US Treasury bill; however the guarantee comes from some reputed bank instead of US government.

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Wholesale
Wholesale Products

Types and characteristics of consumer loans

Banks normally thrive on the loans and services they provide to businesses. For example, offering funds for new businesses or expansion of some existing business, managing inter-city or international transactions involving large sums, or offering financial advice, etc. However, no bank can completely ignore the individual consumers, as they constitute a large part of the market and are considered an important source of funds for the banks.

With the passage of time, more and more individuals have shown interests in lending from banks, they'll seek loan for a small home-based business, go for a loan for house construction, or even knock at the door of bank when they need a brand new car. Consumer loans differ in sizes and characteristics, ranging from long term huge mortgage loans to small loans taken out for shopping through credit cards.

Consumer loan is different from business loan in many ways. Even though the business loans are borrowed by individuals as well, but people tend to think differently when borrowing for the business as compared to the borrowing for personal use. Consumer loans are thought to be the more risky ones than business loans because individuals defaults (fails to payback) more often than the businesses, that's why consumer loans normally have higher interest rates than the business loan. Also, consumer loan mostly has fixed interest rate.

Different types of loans:
Consumer loans can be divided into different categories. Some commonly known types are …

Credit Cards:
One of the most widely used forms of consumer loan; Credit cards have got such a huge user base because of the convenience factor. People use it for shopping at large retail stores, dining out in restaurants or at petrol pumps. Best thing about these loans is that consumers can avoid the interest altogether by paying back shortly after the transaction, otherwise a small percentage is added into the basic amount on monthly basis as interest.

House Finance or Auto Loans:
Another very important type of loan, house finance or mortgage has helped many to be in possession of their own house. Auto finance is a loan that succeeds in the time of economic growth. However, both of these loans are subject to manipulation by dishonest parties.

Installment vs. Non Installment Loans:
Installment loans are relatively smaller loans which the borrower is required to return in monthly installments, whereas non installment loans are needed to be paid off in a lump sum after a fixed period of time. Most of the time consumer loans fall in “installment based loans” category.

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Whoelsale Suppliers
Wholesale Manufacturers

Some standard export contracts and their significance

Export Contracts:
Buyers and sellers have to settle on issues like price, mode of payment, delivery of goods or the possession of goods in all types of sales and purchase. For example, when we go to the market and buy something, there is an understanding at work between both parties, because the payment and delivery of goods is made on the spot, we don't normally need a contract or agreement in this case.

Export and especially international export is not that simple. So many new factors come into play such as different currencies, mode of shipment or delivery time. Delivery takes time and somebody has to bear the risk and expenses of cargo, insurance, etc. Importers and exporters need to secure themselves and this sense of security comes from agreeing upon all the terms and conditions of trade. Both parties will sign on an agreement that states these provisions in detail. Normally export contracts have following sections.

i. Specifications & Signature of contracting parties
ii. Specifications of trading products
iii. Price & terms of payment
iv. Mode of shipment & Delivery period
v. Contract Validity

Following are some of the standard export contracts. These standards are known as "Incoterms", developed and published by "International Chamber of Commerce".

Free on Board:
Importer designates a board (ship) and exporter is responsible to deliver goods on the ship. Exporter has to bear all expenses except the insurance and cargo charges. FOB contract works only when maritime transportation is used as the mode of shipment.

Cost, Insurance and Freight (C.I.F):
Unlike F.O.B, the exporter has to arrange (and pay) for everything including shipment and insurance. In both types (F.O.B and C.I.F) delivery time is crucial and exporter is obliged to deliver the goods on the exact date that has been specified in the contract.

Ex works:
Seller's obligation ends when he makes the goods available at his place. Buyer arranges and pays for everything after that (clearance, transportation, etc).

Delivered Ex Ship:
Seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port (advised by the buyer). Unlike F.O.B, where seller has to deliver the goods on the ship, in DES the seller has to bear the risk along with freight and insurance cost.

Free Carrier:
This "incoterm" is quite similar to F.O.B, but unlike F.O.B (that's just used for maritime transport), Free carrier (FCA) is used for all types of transport including air, by rail or road.

These are the ones mostly used in international trade; other types include "Cost and Freight", "Carriage paid to", "Delivered Ex QUAY" or "Delivered Duty Paid".

Source:
UK Wholesalers

Implications of the "Incoterms" in international import & export

Communication is crucial in international import & export, where both buyers and sellers are located a long way away, there’s every chance of misunderstanding in the interpretation of various terms used in contracts and agreements. These confusions and misapprehensions can cost one or both parties, dearly. What sounds pretty simple and straight-forward to a buyer sitting in United States, could turn out to be a perplexing one for the seller in China.

This problem continued to exist and resulted in many mix-ups and losses until the International Chamber of Commerce set down “Incoterms”, which is a set of 13 terms, referred as

1. EX-Works
2. FOB (Free On Board)
3. FCA (Free Carrier)
4. FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
5. CFR (Cost and Freight)
6. CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)
7. CPT (Carriage Paid to)
8. CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid to)
9. DAF (Delivered at Frontier)
10. DES (Delivered Ex Ship)
11. DEQ (Delivered Ex Quay)
12. DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
13. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

Businesses can choose any of these 13 terms according to their own needs and requirements. For example, "Ex-works" inflict the minimum liability for seller; on the other hand "Delivered Duty Paid" makes it obligatory for the seller to arrange for almost everything including export duty expenses, loading and unloading expenses, landing charges, transportation, insurance and custom clearance. Incoterms are not applicable to all aspects of trade, however they do standardize most of the terms used in international trade. For example, they spell out the terms of delivery in detail, and establish the responsibilities for buyers and sellers as to who will bear the expenses of insurance, clearance or various other taxes. Another important implication of "Incoterms" is the reduction (or removal) of uncertainty about the transfer of risk.

As an exporter or importer, you need to spend some time on understanding each of these 13 "Incoterms" and their explanations given on the official website of "International Chamber of Commerce". Each of them is an agreement in essence, with predetermined terms and condition, for that reason each of them has got different advantages and disadvantages. After a careful study, maybe you can underline the best ones and then stress on using that particular Incoterms when getting into an agreement with some buyer or seller. Incoterms are acknowledged all over the world (by courts, governments, etc); therefore a good comprehension of all of these terms is a must for all international exporters. Remember, ICC keep making minor changes (not very often though), it's important to keep a track of these modifications.

Source:
UK Wholesalers