
A restaurant cash advance can be a lifesaver for restaurants struggling to make ends meet. This type of funding allows restaurants to access cash quickly, often in a matter of days, to cover unexpected expenses or capitalize on new opportunities.
With a restaurant cash advance, you can borrow a lump sum of money and repay it over time, typically through a percentage of your daily credit card sales. This flexible repayment structure can help reduce the financial burden on your restaurant.
Restaurant cash advances are often easier to qualify for than traditional loans, as they don't require collateral or a perfect credit score. This makes them an attractive option for restaurants with limited assets or credit history.
By providing a quick injection of cash, a restaurant cash advance can help you stay afloat during slow periods, invest in marketing and advertising, or even expand your menu offerings.
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What is a Restaurant Cash Advance?
A restaurant cash advance is a type of short-term funding that provides businesses with upfront access to a lump sum of cash in return for a percentage of their future credit card sales at a discounted price.
Merchant cash advances are especially valuable to small businesses, including restaurants, as they offer flexible working capital when needed most.
Businesses can get approved for a merchant cash advance in minutes and receive the cash flow they need swiftly.
This type of funding is beneficial because it allows businesses to use the cash advance for almost any business expense.
Funding for merchant cash advances is a purchase and sale transaction, giving your restaurant more flexibility in how you allocate your funding.
AdvancePoint Capital is a reliable option for restaurant cash advances, providing various options, including a holdback method, where the lender deducts a portion of your debit and credit card sales receipts until the loan, along with interest, is repaid in full.
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Benefits and Features
Restaurant cash advances offer flexible repayment terms attached to future restaurant revenue, allowing you to manage your cash flow more effectively.
Restaurant owners with sub-prime credit can still access funds, as merchant cash advances consider excellent to poor credit scores. This makes it easier for restaurant owners to get the funding they need.
You can choose from different payment plans, including fixed daily or weekly payments from a bank account, or a percentage of daily credit and debit card sales. This flexibility helps you maintain day-to-day operations while repaying the advance.
Here are some common payment options:
- Fixed daily payments from a bank account (Business Cash Advance)
- Fixed weekly payments from the bank account (Business Cash Advance)
- Percentage of daily credit and debit card sales from merchant processing (Merchant Cash Advance)
This credit and debit card split enables you to easily navigate cash flow projections, maintain operations, and grow effectively with your chosen MCA provider's backing.
Benefits of Financing
Financing can be a game-changer for restaurant owners who need help accessing traditional funding options.
Restaurant cash advances provide immediate funding to cover expenses like inventory, payroll, and equipment purchases. This can be a lifesaver for businesses that are struggling to make ends meet.
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One of the biggest benefits of merchant cash advances is their flexible repayment terms. These terms are attached to the future sales revenue of the business, so payments will fluctuate based on how well the restaurant is doing.
Restaurant cash advances also consider excellent to poor credit scores, making them a viable option for owners with sub-prime credit. This is a major advantage over traditional loans that often require a minimum credit score.
Here are some key benefits of merchant cash advances at a glance:
- Flexible repayment terms attached to future restaurant revenue
- Excellent to poor credit score considered. No minimum credit score.
- Provides funds to owners with sub-prime credit
- Payments are attached to the future sales revenue of the business and will fluctuate
Credit Scores Are Less Critical
Credit scores are less critical when it comes to merchant cash advances because they're primarily based on the performance and revenue of the business, rather than the business owner's creditworthiness.
MCAs are structured around a business's sales, with funders evaluating the revenue stream to determine the advance amount and repayment terms.
A business with less-than-perfect credit scores can still access financing through merchant cash advances.
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Some MCA providers, like The LCF Group, will fund those with sub-500 credit scores.
MCAs are typically short-term business funding solutions, with repayment periods, making funders less concerned with long-term credit risk.
Here are some key differences between traditional loans and merchant cash advances:
This focus on cash flow and sales performance allows businesses to access financing even with less-than-perfect credit scores.
Application and Approval
The application and approval process for a restaurant cash advance is designed to be quick and easy. You can apply online and sign all required paperwork digitally, which saves time and effort.
Traditional bank loans can take days to weeks to process, but a merchant cash advance can provide a funding decision often within hours or a few days. This streamlined process allows MCA providers to quickly assess your eligibility and provide a funding decision.
The application process typically requires minimal documentation, such as recent credit card processing statements, bank statements, proof of business ownership, and identification. You can receive the additional working capital needed within 24 hours, allowing you to address immediate needs swiftly.
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Here are some key benefits of the application and approval process:
- Minimal paperwork
- Meet less onerous qualification requirements
- Same day Underwriting review times
- Same day borrower's personal credit history reviews
Note that a merchant cash advance doesn't require a high credit score for approval, making it a viable option for small business owners with less-than-perfect credit.
Easy Application Process
The application process for a merchant cash advance is surprisingly easy. You can apply online and sign paperwork digitally, saving you time and hassle.
Traditional bank loans can be a nightmare to deal with, requiring excessive paperwork and high qualification requirements. This can take days or even weeks to process, leaving you waiting anxiously for a decision.
On the other hand, merchant cash advance providers like Advancepoint Capital offer a streamlined process with minimal paperwork and less onerous qualification requirements. They can review your application and provide a funding decision in as little as a day.
Here are the key benefits of the easy application process:
- Minimal paperwork
- Less onerous qualification requirements
- Same day underwriting review times
- Same day borrower's personal credit history reviews
The application process typically requires minimal documentation, such as recent credit card processing statements, bank statements, proof of business ownership, and identification. This allows MCA providers to quickly assess your eligibility and provide a funding decision.
You can receive the additional working capital you need within 24 hours, allowing you to address immediate needs and prepare for the next busy season.
Bad Credit, No Problem: For Startups & Small Businesses
Bad credit is a major hurdle for many startups and small businesses, but there's a financing option that doesn't require a high credit score for approval. Unlike traditional funding products, a merchant cash advance (MCA) doesn't hinge approval on a credit score.
You can get an MCA even if your credit score is not ideal, making it a lifeline for businesses that need cash on hand. Many small business owners, including those in the restaurant industry, have found that their credit score prevents them from getting traditional financing.
An MCA works by turning future credit card transactions into immediate capital, allowing you to access funds quickly. You can use this money to purchase food, upgrade POS systems, or other essential equipment for your restaurant.
Defaulting on MCA payments can have serious implications for your credit, so it's essential to carefully consider your financial situation before applying. However, if you do default, it won't be recorded on business credit bureaus, leaving no positive or negative impact on your business credit history.
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Funding and Repayment
You can choose from flexible repayment plans that fit your restaurant's cash flow. A business owner can opt for fixed daily or weekly payments from their bank account with a Business Cash Advance.
Restaurant owners can also consider a Merchant Cash Advance, which allows for automatic deductions based on daily credit and debit card sales.
With a Merchant Cash Advance, you can repay the advance while maintaining day-to-day operations. This is especially useful for restaurants that rely heavily on credit card sales and debit transactions.
Credit scores are less critical when it comes to Merchant Cash Advances. Funders evaluate the business's revenue stream and sales performance to determine the advance amount and repayment terms.
In fact, some MCA providers will fund businesses with sub-500 credit scores. This makes Merchant Cash Advances a viable option for restaurants with less-than-perfect credit.
Here are the repayment plan options for a Merchant Cash Advance:
- Fixed daily payments from a bank account
- Fixed weekly payments from the bank account
- Percentage of daily credit and debit card sales from merchant processing
Using the Funds
You can use restaurant cash advance funds to cover immediate expenses, such as rent or utility bills.
Restaurant cash advance lenders typically require daily or weekly repayments, which can be a significant burden on your cash flow.
The repayment period can range from a few months to a year or more, depending on the lender and the agreement.
You'll need to carefully review the repayment terms and conditions to ensure they fit your business's financial situation.
This can help you avoid getting stuck with high interest rates or excessive fees.
Some lenders may also offer flexible repayment options, such as lump sum payments or extended repayment periods.
These options can provide more breathing room for your business, but be sure to review the terms carefully before agreeing.
It's essential to keep track of your repayments and ensure you're meeting the agreed-upon terms to avoid any potential issues with the lender.
Regularly reviewing your financial statements can help you stay on top of your repayments and make adjustments as needed.
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Understanding the Terms
The flat fee for a merchant cash advance can be steep, with a financing amount of $20,000 coming with a flat fee of $3400. This means you'll owe a total of $23,400.
The good news is that this fee isn't due upfront, but rather as part of the daily withdrawals from your business bank account. 11% of your daily credit card sales will be taken out via ACH, so make sure you have enough funds to cover it.
Is a Debt Considered?
A debt is considered a financial obligation that must be repaid, but not all financial obligations are created equal.
A merchant cash advance (MCA) is a debt, but not a loan, because it is only repaid by a percentage of future business sales, unlike a loan.
Repaying a debt can be stressful, but understanding the terms can make it more manageable.
A merchant cash advance is a type of debt that is specifically tied to business sales, making it a unique financial obligation.
Understanding the terms of a debt can help you make informed decisions about your finances.
A loan, on the other hand, is typically repaid in fixed monthly payments, whereas a merchant cash advance is repaid through a percentage of daily sales.
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Is This a Loan?
Merchant cash advances are often misunderstood as loans, but they're actually a purchase of future receivables.
A loan is borrowed money that's paid back according to a set schedule, by a certain deadline, with a specified interest rate. Traditional financial institutions can require collateral to reduce their risk, but merchant cash advances don't carry this stipulation.
Merchant cash advances are repaid as a percentage of income on each future sale until the purchase amount is remitted in full. This can be a more flexible option for businesses that have fluctuating income.
Interest Rate Inquiry
There is no interest rate on a merchant cash advance from Lightspeed Capital, as they use flat-fee pricing instead.
The flat fee is a percentage of your cash advance balance that's added on to the total amount to be remitted. This fee is not due as a cash payment upfront, but rather as part of the daily withdrawals.
You won't pay anything unless you make sales, and 11% of your daily credit card sales will be taken directly from your business bank account to remit the cash advance.
The total amount owed will include the flat fee, which differs from the payment rate. For example, with a financing amount of $20,000 and a flat fee of $3400, the total amount owed would be $23,400.
It's essential to make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover the ACH transfer, as the fee is paid as part of the daily withdrawals.
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How to Escape Cash Loans
Escaping cash loans can be a daunting task, but understanding your options is key. If you have no current or future revenue, you're not obligated to repay any remaining balance.
It's essential to calculate your total payback amount beforehand to know which lender works best for you. Factor rates and holdback amounts are crucial parts of this calculation.
Don't hesitate to call your lender and ask for a reduction in holdback percentage if you're struggling to make payments. This might be a viable solution.
If that doesn't work, consulting with an attorney to discuss potential alternatives is a good idea. They can help you explore your options.
Here are some popular lenders you might want to consider:
- Stripe Capital Loans
- Square Capital
- Lendio
- LendingTree
- Kabbage
Navigating and Managing
Navigating and managing restaurant cash flow fluctuations can be a challenge, especially during slow seasons. A merchant cash advance can provide a lump sum of money upfront in exchange for a specified amount of future revenue.
Restaurant cash flow can be strong during the summer or holiday season, but business can slow down at other times of the year. This can make it difficult to cover expenses like food, electricity, and wages.
A merchant cash advance can improve your cash flow and allow your restaurant to cover these costs even when business is slow. This is because merchant cash advances have flexible payment schedules and no fixed maturity date.
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How to Navigate
Navigating a merchant cash advance can be complex, but understanding the basics is key. A merchant cash advance (MCA) isn't a loan but a sale of future revenue based on the sales deposited in a business' merchant account.
To navigate this process, it's essential to know that an MCA is provided upfront in exchange for a specified amount of future revenue.
Managing Flow Fluctuations
Managing cash flow fluctuations is crucial for restaurants, especially during slow seasons. Business can be strong during the summer or holiday season, but slow down at other times of the year.
Restaurants still have expenses during the slow seasons, such as food, electricity, and wages. A merchant cash advance can improve your cash flow and allow your restaurant to cover these costs even when business is slow.
Due to the flexible payment schedules and no fixed maturity date, an MCA is a good option for a business that experiences seasonal cash flow fluctuations. This type of financing can help bridge cash flow gaps caused by seasonal factors.
If your business has a slow period that causes it to operate with limited working capital, a merchant cash advance can help improve cash flow and give your restaurant some room to breathe. An MCA covers a shortfall in funds so your business can keep running.
How it Works
A restaurant cash advance works by a funder purchasing a portion of the business's future sales at a discount. This is done through a merchant cash advance agreement, which outlines the terms of the deal.
The funder commits to buying a portion of the business's future earnings, and the business receives an upfront lump-sum payment. This payment is then repaid through a fixed percentage of the company's sales profits.
The cost of a restaurant cash advance lies in the disparity between the upfront lump-sum payment and the amount refunded to the funder. This difference is referred to as a factor rate and is treated as a discount.
For example, if the purchase price is $40,000 and the Purchase Amount returned to the funder is $49,000, the factor rate is 1.225. This means the funder purchases the future sales for less than their estimated value.
The repayment rate is typically a percentage of future credit card processing, such as 15% in the example provided. This rate is used to service the debt until the amount is fully paid off.
The funder estimates the repayment time frame based on the current sales of the business, but the actual repayment period is variable. This can range from 3 to 18 months, depending on the business's risk scoring and fluctuations in future sales.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are merchant cash advances illegal?
Merchant cash advances are not necessarily illegal, but their legality depends on the state and whether they are licensed by the relevant authorities. In some states, like Utah, they may be permitted under certain conditions, while in others, like California, they are allowed but must be licensed.
Can you pay in advance at a restaurant?
Yes, you can pay in advance at a restaurant by calling ahead and putting your credit card on file, allowing you to skip the bill at the end of your meal.
Are merchant cash advances a good idea?
Merchant cash advances can be very costly, with triple-digit interest rates that may lead to a cycle of debt. Consider exploring other small-business loan options before considering a merchant cash advance.
Sources
- https://advancepointcap.com/blog/restaurant-cash-advances/
- https://www.rapidfinance.com/blog/benefits-of-a-merchant-cash-advance-for-restaurants/
- https://cfgmerchantsolutions.com/merchant-cash-advance-restaurants/
- https://thelcfgroup.com/blog/industries/restaurant-business-loans/the-top-6-ways-merchant-cash-advances-help-restaurants/
- https://www.lightspeedhq.com/pos/restaurant/capital/
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