One of the major struggles of businesses is the charges that they don’t realize. Many find that they end up paying for costs that they didn’t know they had despite doing everything right. During these uncertain times, it is best to save as much as we can. To avoid further losing money, look out for these things.
Utility Charges
Energy bills will take up a big chunk of your overall expenses, whether per month or yearly. This is why it is important to know what you are actually paying for. Studies found that the most common source of additional fees come from overdraft fees and late payment costs. The prices for this can vary, but it can go as high as five percent of your mortgage costs. This can be a substantial among, especially if you are running a small business.
Another thing you should look out for is capacity charges. To put it simply, a utility company will estimate how much energy is needed to power your business. They would look at your peak consumption dates and compare them to your daily use. The difference between the two is what determines your capacity charges. That means if you are exceeding demand or constantly using large energy surges, then you will be charged a hefty fee.
The best ways to avoid these charges are to regulate your energy consumption. Finding alternative sources of energy is also a good way to prevent hidden charges because it makes you less reliant on large companies. Solar panels and septic tanks are a good eco-friendly way to power your business.
Air Leaks
If you notice that your insulation and cooling systems aren’t working as well as they used to, then you likely have an air leak. Cracks in your windows and foundation may be letting air in and causing you to have higher energy consumption. It also means that cool or warm air is escaping the property, so it feels less efficient.
It is fairly easy to detect an air leak because you’ll feel a draft. The most common locations of these are windows, electrical outlets, door frames, baseboards, and vents. Once you find them, all you need to do is have some caulking done to seal them. Watch out for possible air leaks in plumbing as well.
Loan Interest
You have most likely had to take in some loan to start your business or buy your property. One unfortunate thing that happens to many startup businesses is that they receive expensive loans because of their lack of experience. If you have a low credit score, it can cost you a lot more in the long run.
Although there is little you can do to avoid this, you can increase your credit score before securing a loan. Experts say that good mortgage rates can save you thousands of dollars when compounded over 30 years. It may seem inconvenient for now, but you can benefit a lot from it when the time comes.
Outdated Equipment
Have you been using the same equipment from decades ago? Though it is good practice to maximize the use of your items, there comes a time where using old equipment is costing you more than replacing it. Having to repair old equipment constantly can easily add up over time. If the amount you spent repairing it exceeds the price of a new model, then it’s time to look for something new.
Outdated equipment often becomes faulty and less efficient. They use more power to perform their function, which can be reflected in your bills. Even with proper maintenance, equipment that is no longer at top performance will cause hidden charges.
