Here Are Five Major Payment Problems That Business Owners Need Solutions To

The adage "Cash is King" has long been used to emphasize the importance of liquidity for businesses. However, in today's fast-paced and technology-driven marketplace, Cash may not be the King of business without a seamless payments process. 

Despite the efforts of business owners to manage their finances, they face various payment-related problems, such as late payments, non-payment, fraudulent transactions, and fluctuating currency rates. These issues significantly impact a business's cash flow, profitability, and general operations.

Moreover, banks impose significant fees for payment-related services, including transaction, currency conversion, and processing fees. These charges can erode a business's profit margin, making it challenging to maintain market competitiveness. A study by Forrester found that companies lose an average of 2% of their revenue to payment processing fees. These charges add another layer to their payment problems.

Let’s drill down five major payment problems that business owners frequently encounter

#1: Complicated processes and high fees of banks

Banks are vital for financing, foreign exchange transactions, and payments. However, their products and services are often not tailored to specific business needs, resulting in high fees, poor experience, and cumbersome processes. 

Navigating the banking world can feel like a game of Minesweeper, where a wrong move could result in an explosion of high fees and cash flow difficulties. For instance, if you choose a bank with high foreign transaction fees, you could lose more money every time you transfer funds. 

Choosing between a standard checking account and an EEFC account can be further challenging. An EEFC account allows foreign currency transactions, while a standard one allows local currency transactions exclusively. Different banks have distinct requirements for opening and maintaining an EEFC account. Choosing the right account type can help manage cash flows efficiently and minimize foreign exchange risks.

#2: Inefficient and expensive payment systems such as PayPal and Stripe

PayPal and Stripe are popular payment systems used for international transactions. However, these payment systems have high transaction fees, conversion charges, and regulatory issues that may affect your profit. Additionally, they take longer to provide the FIRA document, which is proof of payment for foreign transactions.

Freelancer.com faced financial difficulties in 2018 when PayPal froze $380,000 of its funds due to restrictions on certain transactions and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Freelancer.com had to explore alternative payment methods to continue its global operations and mitigate the risks of relying solely on PayPal for its transactions.

Similarly, in December 2020, Patreon faced a backlash from the community when they passed on new fees from Stripe to their creators. The new fees included additional fees for international and European transactions, resulting in higher transaction costs for Patreon creators and impacting their earnings.

Comparison of PayPal and Stripe as payment systems–

PayPal

Stripe

#3: Currency exchange and fluctuation issues

Currency exchange rate fluctuations can significantly impact your profitability in the global market, requiring constant monitoring and adjusting prices.

Currency exchange providers add a markup to the exchange rate, an additional fee they charge for the service. By overlooking the hidden foreign exchange costs and focusing solely on the sale price, you may have unknowingly incurred losses due to FX markup.

While this cost may seem like a small percentage, it compounds over time. This markup can affect the money you receive, reducing the exchange rate and increasing the transaction cost. 

Furthermore, currency exchange volatility caused by the pandemic has significantly impacted business owners, leading to the following.

You can take several steps to manage currency exchange and fluctuation issues, such as–

#4: Security and tracking concerns

Payment security is a concern due to fraudulent transactions, inaccurate invoicing, and cybersecurity threats like phishing and hacking. 74% of companies experienced attempted or actual payment fraud in 2020, with wire transfer fraud being the most common.

Additionally, disparate payment systems and processes across different countries and currencies can create complexities and inefficiencies, further complicating payment tracking and reconciliation.

Some common security threats in export payments include the following.

Ensuring proper documentation, using secure payment methods, and verifying the counterparty's identity can help mitigate these risks, ensure smooth transactions, and stay vigilant against potential fraud or cyber-attacks.

#5: Cashflow issues due to delayed payments

Delayed payments in a business are like that one friend who always promises to pay you back but never actually does. You may feel like you're constantly chasing them down for payment, but in the end, you still have to wait for the money to come in. Some common reasons for delayed payments for business owners are:

64% of respondents in a related survey reported that late payments significantly impact their business operations, with 33% indicating that it affects their ability to pay suppliers. It further results in cash flow problems and affects their ability to fulfil orders, pay suppliers, and invest in future business ventures. 

Additionally, you may lose customer trust and credibility if you cannot manage your finances effectively.

Common issues faced by business owners:

Then, how can you manage payments effectively?

In the highly competitive landscape of today's business world, you need a reliable partner to traverse the intricacies of international trade. Skydo assists you in managing international payments by setting up international accounts to accept payments seamlessly and unlock:

These let you focus on core business activities, confidently expand your operations and maximize cash flow. 

Contact us today to manage your payments effectively and excel in the global marketplace.