APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Cash flow struggles? You’re definitely not alone. In today’s episode, Sara Burks, Director of Education, gets real about one of the biggest challenges small retailers face — not being able to pay the bills. Whether you’re sweating payroll or wondering where all your money is hiding, Sarah is breaking it down in a way that’s honest, practical, and totally doable.

Struggling to Pay Your Bills? How to Find Hidden Cash in Your Business

1. Who Owes You Money?

First things first — check your outstanding balances.
Are there vendors who owe you product? Customers who still have unpaid layaways, house accounts, or special orders?

It’s easy to let these slide, especially when the balances are small or when you’re trying to be accommodating. But when cash is tight, every dollar matters.
Don’t let these overdue payments slip through the cracks — now’s the time to follow up and collect what’s owed.

2. Review Your Pricing Strategy

Many boutique owners fall into the trap of underpricing their products to stay “competitive” — often against an imaginary competitor who doesn’t even exist.

Here’s the truth:
If you’re offering exceptional service — think fancy gift bags, friendly staff, beautiful packaging, and marketing automations — you should be charging accordingly.

Stop nickel and diming yourself.
A few dollars more per item can make a huge difference on your monthly bottom line and could be the very thing that covers your payroll.

If you’re stuck between $41.99 and $45.99 — choose the higher price. You and your business deserve it.

3. Cut Down on Overhead Expenses

Take a deep dive into your expenses, especially your overhead and monthly subscriptions.

Start by reviewing your credit card statements line-by-line. Are you paying for services or apps you no longer use? Are there unnecessary fees draining your bank account each month?

Many boutique owners forget to regularly reconcile expenses — only to realize they’ve been paying for something useless for months (or even years).
Trim the fat and free up that cash for what matters most — your team, your inventory, and your growth.

4. Manage Your Inventory Wisely

Sales growth sounds great — but if your inventory levels have exploded and you’re sitting on more product than ever, you might be facing a hidden cash crisis.

If your inventory is triple what it was last year, but your sales are only up by 5%, you’re likely tying up much-needed cash in product that’s just sitting there.

Ask yourself:

• Did I overbuy at market?
• Is old inventory clogging up my cash flow?
• How quickly am I turning new product into sales?

Focus on moving that inventory — host a flash sale, bundle products, refresh your merchandising. Just remember: before pushing more sales, go back and fix the cash flow leaks we talked about first.

Bonus Tip: Sell What You Don’t Need

If you have extra racks, props, or fixtures collecting dust in your basement or backroom — sell them!
Every little bit of cash you can generate without adding new expenses helps.

Above all, never delay paying your employees. Their trust in you as a leader is critical to the health of your business.

Remember:
There is cash hidden in your business — you just have to know where to look.
✔️ Collect on outstanding payments.
✔️ Reevaluate your pricing.
✔️ Cut unnecessary expenses.
✔️ Manage inventory carefully.

Get aggressive. Get resourceful. Go find that cash.

You’ve got this!

Let’s Connect #AskAshley

• Have a question or guest recommendation? Let us know your feedback directly here!
• Do you love the Boutique Chat Podcast?! Subscribe to our podcast and after that, leave us a review on iTunes Apple Podcasts here!

Must Have Resources

• 🔹 Supermoon – Customer Support Platform
• The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube
• Small Business Marketing Handbook
• Small Business Hiring Handbook 
• Brand Owner Basics Masterclass
• Tradeshow Marketing Handbook
• Boutique Hub Black
• Hubventory.com

Recent Posts:

• 
  Christmas in July: Creative Ways to Clear Inventory & Generate Summer Sales
  Feeling that mid-summer sales slump? Christmas in July is your chance to shake things up, clear out old inventory, and have a little fun while doing it. In this blog, we’re sharing quick promo ideas, event tips, and marketing inspo to help you boost cash flow and make space for fall, all without the holiday chaos.
• 
  The Boutique Hub is Heading to the PGA Buying Summit!
  The Boutique Hub is heading to the PGA Buying Summit in Frisco, TX for the first time, tapping into the fast-growing golf apparel market projected to hit $13B by 2032. Golf fashion is evolving beyond the course, creating big opportunities for boutique retailers. The Hub team will be connecting with brands, discovering new trends, and offering live education and retail audits at the event on July 28th. Boutique owners interested in athleisure, activewear, or preppy styles should consider adding golf-inspired looks to their lineup. VIP perks available through The Hub’s exclusive registration link.
• 
  Slow Sales? Ask These 5 Why’s Before You Panic
  Is your cash flow feeling tight but you’re still not paying yourself? In this episode of Five Minute Friday, Sara breaks down one of the most common retail traps: tying up cash in things that don’t bring you a return. From unnecessary trips to market to unused apps, pretty packaging, and impulse inventory buys, these hidden money leaks could be holding your business (and paycheck!) back.