Finance

Building a cash reserve for a service business

By Scavi Company · · 3 min read
Building a cash reserve for a service business

A reserve protects payroll during slow months and surprises.

Target

Months of expenses.

Separate account

Out of sight.

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Monthly transfers

Automatic.

Using it

Real emergencies.

Rebuilding

After use.

A closer look

Slow seasons, a broken truck or a big customer paying late can squeeze payroll. Owners with reserves make calm decisions; owners without them take bad jobs or expensive loans.

Where to start

Open a separate savings account and set an automatic weekly transfer.

An example

An HVAC company built a reserve over two years. When a mild summer cut revenue, it kept every technician.

Common mistakes

Using the reserve for wants, no target and stopping transfers.

What to track

Track reserve balance in months of expenses.

Questions to ask

How many months could we cover today? What counts as an emergency? Who approves using it?

Price every call so it pays.

We help service businesses set clear policies, book better jobs and turn more calls into profitable work.

Frequently asked questions

How much cash should a service business keep in reserve?

Many owners aim for several months of operating expenses. The right amount depends on seasonality, payroll and how fast customers pay.