Every enterprise or business undergoes numerous ups and downs before they become a renowned and established business. Every business of any age and size faces both P/L (profit and loss) at some point of time in its journey. Such kinds of profit and loss have a huge impact on the business when the business is in its starting stages. Small gains are sufficient to encourage mid or small business owners to work extremely harder, while a loss can be extremely frustrating and bring excessive disappointment. Disappointment can also be higher if a business that faced a loss was servicing a business loan.
Business loan or PSB loans in 59 minutes are extremely useful instruments for setting up and functioning your business in a smooth way. Such loans assist you by offering financial support when they require it the most. Given the fact that profit and loss are part and parcel of a business, one must be aware of the important consequences that can knock on business loans when the enterprise faces any loss.
Loan default definition
In simple terms, loan default happens when an applicant breaches a specific loan agreement term. Usually, this takes place when the borrower does not make any agreed instalment repayment. It leads to lenders taking significant legal action against the loan borrower.
What are the impacts of defaulting on an unsecured business loan?
Every entrepreneur at a specific point in time has considered availing or has availed of a business loan. Everyone holds the best intention of repaying their debt fast. However, owing to occasions like wrong calculations, sudden fall in sales, or any other unforeseen situation, your financial condition may be impacted, and you may not be able to make any monthly instalments. Owing to this reason, you may default on your loan.
The impacts of defaulting on business loans differ as per the trade agreement’s terms and conditions. They also can impact your credit score. Listed here are various consequences that you may face upon business loan default:
Drop-in credit score
Each time you miss out on your instalment, the lender reports directly to the credit agency. This results in a fall in credit score, which enhances your chances of availing approval for any loan in upcoming times.
Enhanced rate of interest
Once you witness a drop in your credit score, your rate of interest either goes up, or you are levied an additional late payment fee based upon your business loan agreement. It might impact your present loan repayment and possibly your near future loan approvals.
Foreclosure or legal action
In the case of any business loan default based upon your loan type – secured or unsecured, consequences may vary. In the case of a secured loan, foreclosure permits the full lender possession of all assets mentioned in the agreement as security. Basically, the lender sells the security at a public or private auction to recover the losses. In the case of an unsecured credit option, lenders generally charge a late payment fee. However, even in the case of an unsecured loan, the lender requires a personal guarantee for business assets. Thus, upon further failure, the lender may also file a lawsuit against the existing business.
Trouble in getting a loan sanctioned in the near future
After you default on your loan with a poor credit score, it is thoroughly tough to avail of any loan in future. You may require looking for alternative options to finance your business.
Bankruptcy declaration
In case you default on your business loan, the lender will initiate a legal proceeding to recover the loan amount. In the case of a secured loan, collateral might be seized. For the unsecured loan, as stated previously, the lender may sue you for loan defaults. The loan may be recovered according to the court’s order. However, in the case the lender is still unable to recover the loan proceeds, your business might require filing for bankruptcy.
As an outcome, defaulting on a business loan has numerous adverse short terms and long-term impacts –
In case you are finding it tough to repay your business loan, there are various options available. Listed here are a few pointers that may prevent you from business loan default –
Maintain adequate balance
It is always better to maintain an adequate balance in your account to avoid missing out on loan payments. Business is always subject to volatility; hence it is recommended to endow yourself the headroom. Ensure to keep reserves in your bank account for nearly 6 months of repayment.
Be totally aware of the due date.
Ensure to know the instalment’s due dates. It ensures that you hold the required loan amount in your bank account. Also, this assists you in planning out your finances better in reference to other expenditures incurred in your enterprise or other credit option. Even if you miss out on your EMI, it may not project you as a defaulter. But note that it might lead to a late penalty.
Interact with your bank lender
If you think it may be tough to pay your instalment in the upcoming few months, ensure to talk with your lender. It is often not wise to sit around and not find a solution for it. Your lender will appreciate it and may come up with a solution. It may do so by reducing your monthly repayments or extending your repayment tenure.
Ensure to reschedule your business loan
If there is any trouble with the amount of your business outgo, you can always make the decision to reschedule your finances. Your lender may revise your rate of interest, and then your loan tenure may be extended. It means that monthly repayments will reduce drastically, and things may become extremely manageable. However, it may still harm your credit score. But note that it is always better than missing out on your loan repayments.
Manage your expenditures & prioritize your debt
It may appear like simple and easy advice, but it is the building block for an efficient financial plan. In the early years of your company, ensure you just focus on important expenditures. Paying your debt must be your main priority. There is zero exemption from monthly repayments, so ensure that all your other expenditures are secondary. Also, just borrow as per your requirement.
