8 Unusual Businesses That Show Versatility of a Merchant Cash Advance

Posted by Karen Erdelac on Jun 2, 2016

8 Unusual Businesses That Show Versatility of a Merchant Cash AdvanceMerchant cash advances are useful for businesses that need cash for marketing, to expand, or to accomplish other business growth goals. There are many different business models and types of businesses in today's marketplace that can benefit from merchant cash advances, including unusual ones that don't typically come to mind.
Any of the 23 million small businesses now in existence that have daily credit card sales and have been operating for at least two years may qualify for a merchant cash advance. Here is a list of unusual businesses that can benefit from MCAs.

1. Online Course Providers

Websites like Skillshare and Udemy allow users to pay to take courses online. Material is created, uploaded and sold by experts, with the website keeping a portion of the sale price for overhead like website fees, an interactive platform, and marketing of the site. Some online course providers like Craftsy specialize in one area, while others like Udemy cover pretty much every topic you can imagine. A MCA can be helpful for upgrading software or servers as well as for marketing campaigns to get more users registered and taking courses.

2. Food Subscription Service

A number of companies have begun offering meals, snacks, or customized food offerings in a box. Users subscribe to the kind of food they want and get a monthly or weekly offering in the mail for a set price, making their food choices easier with pre-planning. Some examples are Blue Apron (for meals) and NatureBox (for snacks). A merchant cash advance can help a food subscription service business market to new areas or can fund the "try it free" promotions many of these services offer to new customers.

3. Clothes With a Cause

Cause-oriented clothing retailers offer custom clothing options, with part or all of the proceeds benefiting a particular cause. For instance, TOMS offers to donate a pair of shoes to a needy child in a third world country for every pair purchased, and Serengetees sells t-shirts with patterned pockets that have ties to various global causes. A MCA can help to fund manufacturing of new clothing pieces, which can have a large up-front cost.

4. Shareable Office Space

8 Unusual Businesses That Show Versatility of a Merchant Cash AdvanceFreelancers and other small business owners have warmed to the idea of renting office space by the hour, day, week or month from companies like WeWork and Regus. Shareable office space saves small businesses hundreds or thousands of dollars a month, which they can use for other needs rather than maintaining permanent office space. Merchant cash can be useful for procuring more space to sell as the business grows.

5. Maternity Home Care

Pregnant women tire easily and have alot on their mind. Companies like Bed Rest Concierge provide pre- and post-delivery services like creating a baby registry, birth announcements, nursery design, diaper delivery, laundry services and pampering for the mom-to-be. MCAs may be useful for hiring staff as the business grow. 

6. Portable Restrooms

Businesses like ElizaJ provide attractive portable restrooms with fresh flowers, designer soap, and air fresheners for outdoor events where porta-potties just won't do, such as weddings and formal parties. Merchant cash advances may help with purchasing new inventory to rent as well as marketing at festivals or other high traffic areas.

7. Custom-Designed Tees

Social media marketing has helped companies that make t-shirts with custom designs and sayings take off. Companies can target their marketing to the specific interests of individuals based on their social media likes and dislikes. Some businesses like CafePress allow buyers to design their own t-shirts complete with sayings and graphics. MCAs may help with equipment purchasing or with pay-per-click advertising on social media sites. 

8. Specialized Pet Services

Spending on pets continues to rise. Companies like The Pet Loo and Fido to Go, a food truck for dogs, provide services for pampered pooches and felines whose mommies and daddies want to give them the best of everything. Marketing is a continual need for these businesses, as well as inventory costs and auto maintenance (many of the businesses involve travel or home delivery).

Merchant cash advances are a versatile option for businesses that could benefit from extra cash flow. If you're ready to take the next step for your company, learn more about our financial products and how Sterling can help you achieve success.

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Topics: Merchant Cash Advance