Tips For Negotiating Favorable Terms On A Business Loan

Securing adequate capital is vital for both starting and growing a business. As an entrepreneur or small business owner, choosing the right funding option is crucial for success. Business loans, offered by numerous banks in India, are a practical choice for entrepreneurs. Negotiating for favourable terms is important, but understanding the basics of business loans is essential before entering into negotiations.

What Is A Business Loan?

A business loan is a financial product intended to provide external funds for supporting business operations. These funds can be utilized for various business purposes, such as employee salaries, rent, equipment purchases, or business expansion. Lenders evaluate the business owner's creditworthiness based on factors like credit score and turnover before sanctioning an amount. To meet the unique capital requirements across different industries, lenders offer specialized business loans, including term loans, working capital loans, commercial loans, start-up loans, and equipment financing loans.

Are The Terms Of Business Loan Fixed Beforehand?

You might believe that most of a business loan's components are fixed, but many can be changed to better suit your needs. The parts that can be negotiated are-

Interest Rate:

Negotiating a lower business loan interest rate on your business loan can be unexpected but possible. Prepare for the discussion to increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Terms Of Prepayment:

Lenders may charge penalties for early loan repayment or early payment of installments. Negotiating with the lender can help reduce or eliminate these fees.

Terms Of Repayment:

While reviewing your loan agreement's repayment terms, carefully consider any fees or clauses that may impede loan repayment. Discuss these concerns with your lender and inquire about potential options to make the terms more favorable for you.

Check For Personal Guarantees:

Certain lenders may demand borrowers to provide a personal guarantee for loan repayment, potentially placing them in a challenging position if they encounter difficulties. Although small business owners often consider personal guarantees as standard loan terms, it may be possible to negotiate these terms during the loan process.

Prepare To Negotiate With These Tips-

Be Well Versed With Terminologies:

Before entering loan negotiations, it's essential to understand common lending terms and concepts. Here are key terms you may encounter:

• Loan Principal: The amount available for your use. Disbursed funds become principal outstanding, which you must repay. Approved credit may differ from the applied amount.
• Default: Conditions in the Loan Agreement where a borrower fails to meet repayment obligations or violates loan terms, even if circumstances are beyond their control.
• Equity: Startups often rely on equity they get from personal savings or loans from family and friends. Lenders consider equity as an indication of your commitment to business success and may decide on the business loan accordingly.
• Security: Refers to the collateral the borrower pledges to secure the loan. If you default, the lender can seize the assets.
• Negative Amortization: Occurs when a repayment amount is insufficient to cover interest charges, resulting in an increasing loan balance. It's important to pay enough principal during each payment.

Understanding these terms will empower you during loan discussions and enable you to make informed decisions.

Keep Your Business Plan Ready:

Prepare a comprehensive business plan to negotiate with the bank, outlining the purpose, operations, and fund utilization. Be ready to provide additional details such as bank statements, credit reports, and your business vision to boost the lender's confidence in your venture.

Prepare A Negotiation Strategy:

Before approaching a bank for a loan, consider your priorities and preferences for the financing terms. Identify what is crucial, non-negotiable, and what you can compromise on. Being prepared and aware of your acceptable conditions will help you make an informed decision. It's beneficial to approach a bank with a good long-term relationship with you.

Assess The Risks Of Your Business:

Before negotiating a business loan, put yourself in the lender's shoes and assess the risks associated with your business. Understand potential weaknesses and have backup plans to convince lenders and instill confidence in your business proposal.

Homework:

After determining your funding requirements, research and compare lenders based on interest rates, fees, repayment terms, and customer reviews. Also keep your credit score calculated and try to filter your choices for lenders based on their speciality.

Conclusion:

When applying for a business loan, it's natural to feel apprehensive about negotiations. However, approaching a trusted lender like IIFL can ease the process. IIFL Finance offers customized business loans without collateral, providing transparent loan details. With instant funds up to Rs 30 lakh and a streamlined online application process, it ensures quick disbursal. Moreover, attractive business loan interest rates are designed to make repayment manageable and avoid financial strain. So, if you wish to expand your business well, consider a business loan, apply today.