Published on: 28 May 2021
Last Updated on: 03 January 2025
Online shopping has been quite popular for some years now. However, 2020 was the year when e-commerce bloomed to its full potential
While it may seem unexpected, e-commerce growth has been a result of the pandemic. Successful drop shippers, Can Mandir examines these situations and discusses the future of dropshipping as well as crypto. Below are the key takeaways from the discussion.
The state of dropshipping in 2020:
The growth of e-commerce was matched by the growth of dropshipping. Consequently, drop shippers were on the better side of things throughout the pandemic. Dropshipping was supported by consumer behavior as well as market changes. Therefore, many dropshipping ventures enjoyed periods of success.
The growth of dropshipping is parallel to the increase in the demand for online sellers. People are adopting new habits of shopping online from which dropshippers are benefitting. Moreover, home deliveries have put dropshippers to the ultimate advantage. Can Mandir stand as the proof of what a drop shipper can attain by utilizing market information and consumer needs?
How to be a successful drop shipper:
Can Mandir has successfully established his dropshipping venture. Thus, he knows exactly what one needs to start their own dropshipping venture. In his interview, he lists some of these requirements.
●The primary requirements described by Can Mandir are smart devices such as phones, laptops, and computers. These devices are a must if you’re going to start a dropshipping venture.
●Secondly, you’ll need a good internet connection. Since dropshipping is a part of e-commerce and you’re dealing with consumers over the web, you need to have a stable internet connection.
●Aside from these monetary requirements, one must have willpower, dedication, and discipline. If you have a passion for selling online, you’ll definitely be one step ahead of other newcomers.
●You should also be ready to devote time to the venture, or it won’t succeed.
What to avoid while entering the dropshipping domain:
If you’re not ready to enter the online selling market, you should take your time. Many people are afraid to begin their journey as a dropshipper which is why Can Mandir considers people’s mindset to be the biggest problem. It isn’t easy selling online, and it has never been so. Therefore, one shouldn’t begin their journey if they aren’t sure.
Aside from that, Can Mandir also adds that the mindset of the consumer also serves as a barrier. “There are still many people with an old mindset, who often leave their homes to go to the city center to buy things,” he quotes.
The present and future of crypto:
The presence of crypto seems to be pointing towards the future of crypto. As of today’s date, crypto is still not a part of the regular currency dealings. However, it has gained a lot of attention and turned many heads towards itself. The active interest in crypto points towards its future. Mandir states that he is positive about the future of crypto.
Moreover, he believes that future dropshippers will be dealing in cryptocurrency. There are a lot of things that led to his opinion of crypto. One of them being the interest Elon Musk has shown towards crypto. The other being his foresight for future market trends and changes.
The state of e-commerce in the post-pandemic world:
When asked about the future expectations from e-commerce, Mandir quotes, “The e-commerce market will continue to generate the growth of revenue.” So, e-commerce agents can rest easy as the future of e-commerce seems as promising as it’s present.
Can Mandir believe that consumers will continue to support e-commerce as it provides consumers with better benefits? It’s difficult to change consumer habits which is why e-commerce will keep growing for now.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
In every person's life, there is a time when we start to set different decisions for ourselves. Someone is probably thinking about quitting smoking, someone else starts commuting to work by bike and somebody wants to find more time for the family. If you don’t really know what to do, I strongly encourage you to save money. Each of us likes to be aware of the amount of money in our bank account, wallet or just likes to look at the savings we have accumulated. I know that it's easy to say and much harder to implement, so I've prepared some useful tips for you on how to save more money every day.
For starters, you can go shopping only with a list of what you really need to buy, it will protect you against spontaneous and ill-considered purchases of products you don’t even need in the first place. Remember that it’s essential to have a strong will and to stick to the plan.
Eco-driving:
If you’ve got a car, economical driving is a great way to save fuel. Keeping your RPMs low and not stopping quickly at the last moment but rather slowly rolling towards the red lights can save you a lot of fuel.
Verification of the bank costs of our account:
it is worth checking from time to time whether it’s not too expensive to have a personal account in your bank by chance. In times of fierce competition on the market between the best national banks, there is no problem with finding a better offer.
Less TV, more movement:
Instead of wasting time on the couch, it is better to move, even if you walk. Your weight will drop, your mood will improve, and your wallet will become a little thicker.
Planning:
Planning everything that can be scheduled is an easy matter for the perfectionists. They love to have everything arranged and prepared as early as possible. Planning avoids sudden and massive expenses. A simple example: a school layette. It has always been known that the school year begins on 1 September, so there is no problem to start saving money to buy books or utensils a few months in advance. It is also possible to plan holidays well in advance, a large amount of time will help us to save money.
Bills:
Negotiating with utility providers, current bills consume a large part of every family's budget, so I see no reason not to try to reduce them. It is worth checking whether it is worth changing electricity supplier. I also encourage you to regularly check the offers of mobile phone operators or Internet providers. If it is cheaper somewhere, it is worth trying to negotiate better conditions with the current company.
Motivation:
Mobilizing yourself to make savings without a goal is, in my opinion, a little pointless. That is why I think it is worthwhile to find the motivation to save. It can be a dream trip, buying a new car or securing your child's future. Knowing what you are saving for makes it easier to get down to business.
The internet:
Learning foreign languages over the Internet, there is no cheaper option, and with a little bit of self-denial, you can achieve great results.
Car-sharing:
Carpooling, a.k.a. joint commuting to work, school or university and all other places you just have to get to. Just ask your co-workers or your neighbors. Many carpooling services unite the interests of people and you can make new friendships this way! Do not forget that it’s a very environmentally friendly – look at the other cars when you commute to work. They have at least 4 seats and most of the time only 1 person is in the car. Just imagine how many cars would disappear from the roads if four people wherein one car instead of one person in each car. This is just a waste of gasoline.
Many people are still afraid of credit cards, but using best credit cards wisely saves a lot of money, not just on Moneybookers.
Food:
No more wasted food! Statistically, the family throws away food worth 20 euros every month. It is hard to imagine a greater waste. So it’s better to buy less and possibly buy the missing products later than to push the fridge and then throw away the overdue food.
Shopping:
As we know, there are many examples of smart and rational shopping. For example buying winter tires in the summer or Christmas presents... just after Christmas.
Be your own dentist:
Taking care of your teeth, we can guess that it is always much cheaper to spend a couple of dollars on a toothpick and a toothpaste than waste hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars on treating them.
Healthy diet instead of supplements:
Europe is the leader in the field of buying all kinds of medicines and pharmaceuticals. We spend vast amounts of money on it and it’s just a waste of money. Why buy a vitamin C supplement if you can, for example, drink fresh juices or eat fruit? It goes out cheaper, and certainly tastier and healthier.
Looking through your wardrobe:
Going shopping for clothes only to have fun with your friends is a very simple way to waste tremedous amounts of money. If you think you need new clothes, it's a good idea to review your wardrobe first and assess whether something is missing in it. It can be an opportunity to get rid of damaged or too small things.
Subscribing to newsletters, I am myself registered for newsletters of several shops with computer components and regularly get codes for discounts of 10% or 20% each.
For post-season holidays, it is better to plan your holidays in June or September, for example. Prices of trips and hotels are much lower then than in July and August, and in many countries, the weather is still guaranteed to be at least good.
Moneybox - an old but still effective way to save money. I have it myself and for years I have been throwing little things into it, which are in my wallet. This way, without any effort, I can raise a lot of money that otherwise would go to waste.
Currency exchanges at internet exchange offices are much cheaper than permanent ones, not to mention banks.
I am of the opinion that a lot of work in your home can be done by yourself. For example, painting walls, grouting, or installing panels.
Making sandwiches to work is sometimes a nuisance, but it pays off. A healthy lunch will satisfy hunger better than an expensive snack from a scrubbing machine or fast food restaurant.
Buying second-hand items:
I’m not only talking about clothes, but also computer games and electronic equipment. A great way to save a lot of money is to buy a new car, which officially is no longer new. Showroom cars or the ones that served as a test modelsare almost in a perfect conditionjust like the new ones, but 20-30% cheaper.
Drinking water instead of carbonated drinks is not only much cheaper, but it is also incomparably healthier. If you want to save on buying water, consider installing a reverse osmosis filter in your home.
Selling unnecessary items - something to us is just rubbish, but it may be useful to someone else - to such an extent that they will be ready to pay for it.
As we can see to save you don’t need to do amazing things, it is enough to focus on simple activities that we do every day and think about what to do to save on it. Above I presented a few methods of saving more money, but each of us can conclude what level of his monthly revenues he wants to keep and what goals he assumes to save his money. Wouldn't it be worth to just start and try an check for yourself which method works for you? Let's start today and not tomorrow.
Read Also:
Use These Tips To Save Money When You Move Your Business To The Cloud
How To Save Money When Shopping Online
Planning to investigate some small business loans? What are the best options out there?
Most importantly, how can these loan options help you?
Contrary to popular belief, it is more complex than filling out a form and getting your loan approved. That too from the very first source!
There is eligibility, which you must fulfill from your end, and criteria that the small business loan providers must ensure.
These are subjective to individuals and the business they are trying to build.
For example, which provider should you go for when you need a quick loan of a larger or smaller amount?
So, without any further ado, let’s get into the blog post
What Are Small Business Loans?
What are exactly small business loans? The criteria? Is it different than other forms of business loans?
Small business loans are classified under money lending for commercial purposes Like any other business loan.
There are several reasons why you would consider lending. Do not worry if it is for operational expenses and you fall short!
Not everyone accesses such loans just for their initial business investment or to extend their business to new grounds. In fact, it is common for people to underestimate their expenditure margin when they are starting their business.
In fact, in 2020, 56% of all small business loans were to manage operational costs. While only 31% of loans were for expansion opportunities.1
The Best Small Business Loans
Here are the best small business loans to investigate:
1. SBA 7(a) Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of Acceptance SBA 7(a) Loan680+Two years$100,000+$5 million5-10 business days
This government-backed loan program offers competitive rates and long terms for various needs.
Pros:
Low interest rates
Long repayment terms
Cons:
Lengthy application process
Strict qualification criteria
2. Kabbage Business Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceKabbage Business Line of Credit640+1 year$50,000+$250,000 Same day
This is a revolving line of credit with a quick application process for managing cash flow.
Pros:
Fast funding
Flexible access to funds
Cons:
High APR
Limited revolving credit line (although that is how they advertise).
3. OnDeck Term Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceOnDeck Term Loan600+1 year$100,000+$250,000 24 hours
This loan offers short-term loans with quick approval, which is ideal for fast access to capital.
Pros
Fast Funding
Discounts for repeat customers
Cons
High interest rates
Frequent repayments
4. BlueVine Business Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceBlueVine Business Line of Credit600+Six months$100,000+$250,000 24-72 hours
Flexible line of credit with fast approval, useful for managing cash flow.
Pros
Quick funding
No early repayment fees.
Cons
Higher rates for lower credit scores.
Limited to revolving credit.
5. Fundbox Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceFundbox Line of Credit600+Six months$50,000+$150,000 As fast as the next business day
It provides a simple, quick line of credit ideal for immediate cash flow needs.
Pros
Easy qualification
Quick access to funds
Cons
Lower Loan Amounts
Shorter Repayment terms
6. Lendio Loan Marketplace
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceLendio Loan Marketplace550+Six months$50,000+$5 million On the loan amount
This type of loan is a great help to small business owners. Rather than just one loan, this is a marketplace that connects businesses with multiple lenders for various loan types.
Pros
Wide range of loan options.
Easy comparison of the offer.
Cons
Can receive multiple calls from lenders, which can be irritating.
Not all lenders have favorable terms.
7. American Express Business Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceAmerican Express Business Loan660+1 yearNot specified$50,000 3-5 days
This fixed-rate loan is available only to pre-approved American Express Business Card members.
Pros
Fixed rates
No origination fee
Cons
Only available to pre-approved members.
Relatively small maximum loan amount.
Therefore, if you plan to get a small business loan in the foreseeable future, getting an American Express Business Card is better.
8. Accion Opportunity Fund
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceAccion Opportunity Fund550+1 yearNot specified$250,000 1-3 weeks
Offers loans to underserved small business owners, including minorities and women.
Pros
Focus on underserved businesses.
Personalized support
Cons
Longer approval process.
It may have a higher interest rate.
9. Credibly Small Business Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceCredibly Small Business Loan500+Six months$15,000/month$400,000 24-48 hours (about two days)
Provides working capital loans and merchant cash advances with flexible terms.
Pros
Fast funding
Flexible repayment options
Cons
Higher cost of financing.
Frequent repayments
Small Business Loans With Separate Criterions
Now, we will be delving into the different criteria and which small business loan provider would be best!
1. Startup Needing Initial Capital
"I just started my business and need funds to get it. What are my options?"
Best Loan: Fundera by NerdWallet
Offers access to multiple loan options, including startup loans, even with lower credit scores and minimal business history.
2. Expanding An Established Business
"I’ve been in business for two years and want to expand. What loan should I consider?"
Best Loan: SBA 7(a) Loan
Ideal for established businesses needing significant funding for expansion, with favorable terms and interest rates.
3. Need For Quick Cash Flow Solutions
"I need quick access to cash to manage cash flow. What’s the fastest option?"
Best Loan: Kabbage Business Line of Credit
Offers quick application and approval processes, with funds available on the same day for urgent cash flow needs.
4. Managing Seasonal Inventory And Expenses
"My business is seasonal, and I need funds to purchase inventory before the busy season. What loan fits this need?"
Best Loan: OnDeck Term Loan
It provides short-term loans with quick funding, ideal for managing seasonal inventory purchases and expenses.
5. New Business Owner With Limited Credit
"I have a low credit score and a new business. Are there any loan options available for me?"
Best Loan: Credibly Small Business Loan
Accepts lower credit scores and offers working capital loans, making it accessible to newer businesses with limited credit.
6. Needing A Flexible Line Of Credit
"I want a flexible financing option. This is to cover unexpected expenses as they arise. What should I look for?"
Best Loan: BlueVine Business Line of Credit
It offers a flexible line of credit with fast approval. Plus, it is suitable for covering unexpected expenses.
7. Seeking Low Interest Rates And Long Terms
"I’m looking for a loan with low interest rates and long repayment terms. What’s the best choice?"
Best Loan: SBA 7(a) Loan
It is known for its low interest rates and long repayment terms. Therefore, it is ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective funding.
8. Socially Responsible Business Owner
"I want to support a loan provider that helps underserved communities. What are my options?"
Best Loan: Accion Opportunity Fund
Focuses on providing loans to underserved small business owners. In fact, it also includes minorities and women, with personalized support.
9. Looking For A Fast And Easy Application Process
"I need a loan. However, I don't want to go through a long application process. Which loan is easy to apply for?"
Best Loan: Fundbox Line of Credit
Offers a simple, quick application process with funds available before the next business day.
10. Needing A Small, Short-Term Loan
"I need a small amount of money quickly for a short-term need. What’s the best option?"
Best Loan: American Express Business Loan
It provides small, fixed-rate loans with a quick approval process, which is ideal for short-term financial needs.
Related: How To Use An SBA Loan For Business Purchase
Eligibility For Small Business Loans
You might find the best loan provider. However, when it comes to eligibility, rejection can be common.
Regarding personal loans, good mortgage lending (a property that you place as collateral when taking the loan) makes loan acceptance easier.
However, when it comes to business loans, the rules are a little different. The loan lender (bank or private) must closely investigate your business expenditure, cash flow, and profit margin.
If you do not have a steady personal and business credit score (unless you are building your business from scratch, in which case the rules will be different), getting your small business loan approved can be challenging.
Do not worry; this is not to scare you. However, ensure you take the time to investigate your and improve financial health.
Here are some of the absolute eligibilities when it comes to small business loans.
1. Your Business Needs To Be Nonprofit
Unfortunately, you cannot have a nonprofit organization and demand a small business loan. Your business must be making some profit through a steady income.
2. A Lucrative Business Idea, Aka The Cash-Flow
Since business loans do not depend on collateral submission, lenders are mostly concerned about the business idea.
Most importantly, is there a demand for such business in the market?
Will there be enough opportunities to build a steady cash flow?
Is there any stock market share for businesses with the same ideation?
The loan they offer you will depend on the potential profit you can make from that base. Plus, it must be backed by solid data.
3. Your Credit Score
Although we have already mentioned the credit score for each loan provider, you need to be serious about your creditworthiness.
Any loan provider will scrutinize your personal and business credit score. Any suspicious activity (including something as simple as an unpaid credit card bill) can put you under the radar. Eventually, it does not make you a good candidate for a loan.
In other cases, your business credit score also plays a crucial role.
What is your total business income?
Is it holistic with your business expenditure?
What is your business credit card transaction history? Are you able to balance your bills alongside your monthly operational costs?
...and many more.
You must submit all your financial documents, especially if you are planning to expand through different business locations and real estate. How your business funds are handled becomes crucial in such a case.
Secured & Unsecured Loan
Starting a business? Want a small business loan? Then, you should understand the importance of collateral in such a business.
Most importantly, do you even need to submit collateral to get your loan sanctioned?
Secure business loans will charge you some collateral (cash money, real estate property, gold bonds, etc.).
Meanwhile, unsecured loans do not charge any collateral.
Which is better as Small Business Loans
As someone just starting a business, I know the advantages/disadvantages of both kinds of loans will depend on your criteria and loan amount.
So, let’s discuss the overall pros and cons of both!
Secured Loans
Let’s begin with the kind of loans that require collateral.
Pros ConsLower Interest RatesLonger Approval RatesHigher Loan Amounts (because of the collateral)Risk of Losing AssetLonger Repayment Period (you can elongate your loan repayment term for two decades)Not everything can be collateral. It, after, depends on the bank.
Unsecured Loans
Now, let’s talk about loans without collateral.
ProsConsYou Need No CollateralAutomatically, the maximum loan amount is less.Quick Loan ApprovalHigher Interest RatesFlexible for all types of loansThe repayment period is a short
When Should You Get What?
For the ease of your own understanding, here is when you should get what!
Secured Loans Might Be Better If
You need a larger loan amount.
Can provide valuable collateral.
You want lower interest rates and longer repayment terms.
If your business has significant assets that can be used as collateral.
Unsecured Loans Might Be Better If
You do not have assets to offer as collateral.
Need funds quickly.
You prefer not to risk losing business or personal assets.
The business needs a smaller loan amount.
You can check the listicle above for a good idea of which secure/unsecured small business loans would be better for you.
Types Of Small Business Loans
These are the types of small business loans which you should investigate:
Term Loans: You borrow a set amount and pay it back over time with fixed payments.
SBA Loans: The government backs these loans, giving you good terms for your business.
Business Lines of Credit: You get access to a credit line like a credit card.
Invoice Financing: You can get cash based on your unpaid invoices.
Equipment Loans: This loan helps you buy business equipment.
Merchant Cash Advances: You get an advance on your future credit card sales.
Microloans: These small loans are often given by nonprofits to help you start.
Commercial Real Estate Loans: Use these loans to buy or fix up your business property.
Personal Loans for Business: You can use your personal credit for business needs.
Franchise Loans: These loans help you start or grow a franchise business.
The Final Note!
The choice between a secured and an unsecured small business loan ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
a secured loan might be more suitable If you have valuable assets and prefer lower interest rates.
On the other hand, if you need quick access to funds and prefer not to put up collateral, an unsecured loan could be the better option.
Always consider the terms and conditions carefully and consult a financial advisor to make the best decision for your business.
Things to remember before you get a small business loan:
Have a solid, chalked-out plan for how you will repay it. You wouldn’t want to lose your collateral.
Do not take hasty loans because you have fulfilled a business milestone. Remember, a loan is not a temporary fix; it is a debt for years to come. Therefore, be careful before sanctioning a loan.
Finally, be candid about your financial decision. Keeping it discreet to get a quicker loan approval will only cause you trouble later.
What do you think? Should getting a small business loan come after so many considerations, or should it be a little easier?
Do let us know in the comment section below!
Read Also:
Core Banking Solutions: A Game Changer?
Alternative Business Financing – What Is It And How Do You Do It?
Ways To Apply For A Personal Loan & The Reasons To Opt For This Loan.
Being in need of extra cash and not having the time to do something about it can put you in a pretty tough position. Luckily there are some things you can do to make free money without putting in much effort as well as save free money without even knowing it. Check out the tips below to grab that extras cash ASAP.
Easy Ways To Make Free Money Without Doing Much:
Fill out online surveys
There are tons of websites out there that will pay you to take surveys or answer just a couple of questions. Some of these websites include
Swagbucks
Toluna
Vivatic
MySurvey
YouGov
Panel Opinion
These surveys usually don’t take too long and definitely don’t take too much brainpower to complete. Check out one of these sites if you’re bored and make a few extra bucks in the process
Sell your old clothes
Everyone has clothes still hanging in their closet or folded in their drawers that they either forgot they had or haven’t worn in years. If this is the case, sell them! You can either physically bring them to a spot like Plato’s Closet where they’ll assess the value of your clothes or then hand you cash, or you can post them online. One great online clothing selling platform is Poshmark. All you have to do is upload a picture of your clothing item, answer a few questions, set a price, and wait for it to sell. Once it’s sold, Poshmark will provide you with a pre-paid shipping label so that all you have to do is pack the box and send it on its way.
Sell your things
So maybe you don’t have a ton of clothes you’re willing to sell. In that case, check out some of the old stuff you have hiding away in your basement or attic. As they say, one mans garbage is another man's treasure. Check out sites like eBay or LetGo for a platform with a huge audience.
Sell your old gift cards
Sites like GiftCash make it easy to check the balance of your gift cards and then sell them on their site. You can check any gift card balance from Abercrombie to a second cup gift card balance. This is a great way to make some quick cash if you’re not going to use the gift cards.
Stop buying coffee
If you’re tight for cash, you need to make those trips to Dunkin or Starbucks a treat rather than a necessity. Not that coffee is particularly expensive, but if it’s an everyday expense, it’s definitely adding up over time. Try cutting this down or out completely and watch your bank account grow slowly but surely.
Cut back on subscriptions
There’s going to be some things where you’re just not willing to budge, but do you really need Netflix, Hulu, and HBOGO? Maybe it’s time to pick and choose which subscriptions are really a priority for you. Or maybe you should stop watching TV altogether and get another job.
Write online
This might not be a gig for everyone, but you have any ability to write, it’s not too tough to find a job online. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer offer platforms for you to advertise yourself as a blog writer, article writer, or any other professional talents you may have. You can sell photography, design websites, or just about anything else you can think of through these sites, and get paid for it!
When you’re in a pinch for free money, things can get pretty frustrating. No matter what though, there’s always something you can do about it. Even if you’re not working some fancy job, for the time being, there are totally ways to get that extra cash into your pocket. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box in order for it to work.
Read More :
Top Apps to Help You Manage Your Money.
Substantial Tips On How To Invest Your Money Responsibly.
