Making errors is part of the learning process for entrepreneurs and new business owners. However, it makes sense to avoid mistakes when possible and minimize the expenses associated with getting a new enterprise off the ground. What are the most common pitfalls for those launching their first company? In the transport sector, it’s buying too many vehicles, an expense misstep that can tie up necessary capital in idle assets.
Other common faults include the failure to reinvest initial profits back into the operation of the company, not establishing commercial credit, letting impatience lead to a too early launch date, and borrowing too much money. It’s better to know about the potential problems before they happen so that you can be on the lookout for them. Here are specifics about each one.
Purchasing Too Many Vehicles
Transportation and delivery companies tend to own more vehicles than they need, particularly during the first few years of operation. Whether the error results from wishful thinking or oversight, it can be costly to store, maintain, insure, and license cars and trucks that are not generating regular profits. The wise approach is to add to the fleet slowly and only as needed.
It’s better to be temporarily shy one or two trucks than to have several sitting in the lot doing nothing 24/7. It’s essential to purchase the right kinds and sizes of fleet vehicles based on the company’s needs. Start with one or two at launch, and then only add to the stock as your customer base grows.
You can review a guide that explains everything you need to know about fleet vehicles so you can research and purchase the right fleet vehicle to maximize productivity and profitability. During busy seasons, consider renting to meet temporary needs and short-term upswings in the number of orders.
Not Reinvesting Early Profits
It’s tempting to bank initial profits. The feeling of accomplishment at bringing in paying customers and earning money is palpable, particularly for first-time owners. Many find it nearly impossible to use those funds to cover operational expenses like advertising, the single best way to grow the enterprise.
Try to adjust your attitude so that you view advertising to earn even more money by gaining new customers. Assume you’ll need to reinvest every penny for the first two years of operations.
Relying Exclusively on Personal Credit
There are crucial factors to consider when borrowing money and you need to be careful about credit. Individuals who have excellent personal credit scores can get by for years without establishing a commercial rating. Instead, work with vendors who will let you open a small line of credit and report to the bureaus. Then, set up savings and checking accounts in the business’s name. Within six months or a year, you should be able to borrow without using personal guarantees, and your organization will be well on its way to establishing a solid credit rating of its own.
Launching Too Early
The classic mistake in this category is for owners to launch too soon and quickly discover that they don’t have enough operating capital to last for more than a few months. Then, they must shut the doors and start all over. The better approach is to build up a large enough cash reserve so you can survive for a full year without any income. Launching too soon is fraught with other perils, but the financial aspect is the most debilitating.
