Starting a new business comes with a long list of challenges, and for service-based startups, cash flow and debt management are among the most stressful. For Brisbane-based recruitment agency Fynd, getting off the ground without these headaches was essential. Here’s how Fynd, with a little help from Pinch Payments, transformed their operations from day one.
Meet Fynd: The Startup That’s Making Waves in Brisbane’s Recruitment Scene
Fynd is not your typical recruitment agency. Founded in 2024 by four veteran recruiters, the team had already spent years working together at a previous recruitment agency. They specialised in matching startups and scale-ups with top tech and digital talent. But when market challenges led to downsizing at their previous firm, the founding team saw an opportunity to create something new—something better.
The vision for Fynd was clear: focus on helping startups and scale-ups find talent while offering innovative recruitment models like spread payment options and fractional HR services. However, to make this vision work, they needed to solve one of the most painful issues they’d faced in their previous agency—delayed payments from clients.
The Problem: Aged Debts and Awkward Conversations
Imagine running a service-based business where payments trickle in 90 to 120 days after invoices go out. At most agencies, this is the reality. Consultants have to follow up on overdue debts manually, creating inefficiencies and damaging client relationships. It isn't just about chasing money; it's also the emotional and reputational toll that came with these awkward conversations.
Daniel described the frustration: “It was just such a time sink. When you’re constantly chasing overdue debtors, it eats into your day and affects your relationship with clients.”
When they started Fynd, the founders knew they couldn’t afford to let history repeat itself. As a startup operating on personal loans, cash flow had to be stable, predictable, and stress-free.
The Solution: Automating Payments with Pinch
From the beginning, the team knew they needed a payment solution that would integrate seamlessly with Xero, their accounting software, and automate as much as possible. Enter Pinch Payments. After evaluating a few options, the Fynd team decided to implement Pinch—and it made all the difference.
How Pinch Set Fynd Up for Success Right from the Start:
Automated Payment Collection: Fynd does not have to chase up clients for payments. Pinch automates the process, debiting accounts as soon as invoices are issued through Xero. This saves Fynd both time and stress, making collections effortless and freeing up their energy for what matters most. Xero's in built reminders feature and Pinch's re-attempt features allow them to receive payment almost every time.
Reducing Aged Debts: With automated reminders, overdue invoices are now a thing of the past. Unlike in previous agencies, when debts could linger for months, Pinch keeps everything on track, ensuring steady and reliable cash flow.
Improving Client Relationships: Debt collection often puts strain on client relationships, but as a people-focused recruitment agency, Fynd avoids those awkward conversations. With Pinch managing automatic payments and retries, Fynd maintains a professional and friendly image, building trust and positive connections with clients.
Effortless Integration with Xero: Pinch’s seamless integration with Xero makes invoicing and payment tracking a breeze. The team stays organised and efficient, focusing on growing their business instead of worrying about unpaid invoices.
Why Pinch Payments Was a “No-Brainer” for Fynd
Daniel was clear: using Pinch was one of the smartest moves they made. “It’s a no-brainer if you’re in a service-based industry,” he said. By automating the payment process, Pinch took the legwork out of collections and allowed the team to work more effectively.
One of the standout features Joe McCord from Pinch highlighted was a new integration with Annature, an e-signature tool. This integration allows businesses to capture client payment details at the contract signing stage, simplifying the process even further. For Fynd, features like these represent an ongoing opportunity to refine and improve their operations.
The Results: Stability and Growth Without Financial Stress
Thanks to Pinch, Fynd has avoided the cash flow nightmares that plague many service-based startups. In just six months, they made 30 new appointments and onboarded key clients, all without the pressure of aged debts. Their reputation as a people-first agency remains intact, and they’ve built strong relationships in Brisbane’s tech community.
For a startup that relied on personal loans to get off the ground, this financial stability has been invaluable. It’s allowed Fynd to focus on what they do best: connecting talent with the right opportunities and supporting their clients with HR expertise.
Final Thoughts
The story of Fynd is a great example of how the right technology can transform a business. By choosing Pinch Payments, they turned a potential weakness into a strength, automating away one of the most stressful parts of running a service-based business.
If you’re a startup or a service business looking to take the stress out of payment collections, Fynd’s experience proves that automation and integration are the way forward. As Daniel puts it, “Just do it. You’ll save time, maintain your reputation, and most importantly, sleep a little better at night.”
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Posted by Joe McCord on 07 November 2024