Stop the cash drain: 3 stealthy ways your small business is losing money

The relentless hustle. The late nights fueled by passion and coffee. The exhilarating thrill of building something from the ground up. Owning a small business is a rollercoaster, and every entrepreneur knows –  keeping your finances on track is like gripping the reins with white knuckles.

But fear not! While investing is essential for growth, it’s the art of smart spending that truly propels you forward. Here, we’ve outlined some of the hidden costs lurking in the shadows, silently draining your profits. By unearthing these culprits, you can free up precious resources and fuel your small business’s journey towards success.

1. SaaS subscription overload

SaaS tools are a small business’s best friend, offering everything from customer management to streamlined communication. But with so many options, it’s easy to fall victim to SaaS subscription overload.

You might be paying for more than you need. Are you paying for multiple programs with overlapping functionalities? Do employees have unauthorised programs lurking beneath the surface that you’re unknowingly paying for? Are there any subscriptions gathering dust in the corner of your digital workspace? You’ll only know the answer to these questions if you have full visibility over your SaaS arsenal.

The solution lies in application rationalisation. Create a comprehensive list of all your SaaS subscriptions, leaving no stone unturned. Analyse each tool, assessing whether it contributes significantly to your business goals. Talk to your team – are their needs being met by the current SaaS stack?

Once you have completed the audit, you can make informed decisions on which SaaS tools are essential, and which can be ditched. However, remember to watch out for renewal dates and early contract termination fees to avoid unwanted charges.

2. Hiring mistakes

Finding the perfect talent is crucial for any small business, but rushing into the hiring process can be a costly mistake. It’s tempting to fill an empty seat as quickly as possible, especially during busy periods. However, strategic hiring focuses on long-term needs and cost-effectiveness.

First, be patient. Increased workload is a normal part of business, but it doesn’t always signal the need for a full-time employee. Consider outsourcing specific tasks or employing part-time help to manage temporary surges. This gives you time to carefully assess your needs and build a strong case for a new hire.

Second, remember that replacing a bad fit is expensive. High employee turnover not only disrupts your workflow but also incurs significant costs in recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity. According to research by Oxford Economics and Unum, it costs £30,614 on average to replace an employee earning £25,000 a year or more. 

To avoid this, invest in finding the right candidate who possesses the necessary skills and experience for the role. By taking the time to hire strategically, you’ll build a strong, stable team that contributes to your business’s success in the long run.

3. Expensive office space

A traditional office might seem like a badge of honour for your small business. It fosters collaboration, team spirit, and that oh-so-important facetime. But before you sign a hefty lease agreement, take a step back and consider whether the cost truly justifies these benefits.

The truth is, many jobs can be effectively done remotely, eliminating the need for a large, expensive office space. This can translate to significant savings on rent, utilities, and even office supplies. Think about it – do your employees truly require dedicated desks, or could they thrive in a remote work environment with occasional team meetings? 

As well as cost savings, there are other benefits to this too. According to the Office for National Statistics, 78% of Brits who worked from home in some capacity said that this gave them an improved work-life balance.

Even if a fully remote setup isn’t ideal, there are ways to optimise your office space and location to save money. Explore options outside of the city centre, where rent tends to be lower.  Consider downsizing your overall square footage or opting for a co-working space that offers shared meeting rooms and amenities.

Be ruthless when evaluating your current space. Do you really need all that unused meeting room space? Could on-site perks like a gym or catered lunches be sacrificed without significantly impacting employee morale? By rethinking your office needs and exploring alternative options, you can free up valuable resources to invest in areas that truly drive your business forward.