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Completion Fees, Retainers and Process
As
with most Professionals, I charge exorbitant fees… though Clients who have
found success through me do not seem to mind.
Actually,
my Fees are negotiated in advance, based on the requirements of the transaction
I am to Originate for. Fees are normally based on a percentage (%) of the
amount funded by an Investor or Lender to the Client with sometimes performance
payments scheduled at various points of our success with the bulk of the Fee
paid upon Completion. Having to actually pay the agreed to Fees is generally
a good thing, as this means the client has accepted and received an investment
or solution for their business. The Client is the one who I work for and have
the responsibility of Agency with and who is expected and responsible to
provide compensation for delivering the Capital.
Each
Transaction will be entered into with a specific engagement outlining what the
objective is and what I will be able to provide based on reviewing the information
and some initial Lender discussions. If
you agree that what I can provide will be acceptable to you, a Fee is agreed by
both parties and will be paid upon closing of the Transaction with most cases Fees
being paid from Proceeds. Generally, I
have Lenders protect me and they will deduct at the time of funding or build my
fee into their fee thus making sure that all obligations are lived up to.
For
those transactions that require additional work, such as proforma spreadsheets
or working with Clients accountant to retool statements as an example so as to
have client presenting well to a Lender before application, a retainer will and
can be asked for. If the Client has
other professionals we can utilize, this retainer will be a fair charge to
cover time and charges. Retainers also
provide compensation for time, against those clients who say they want money
but then disappear when they realize that the loan or the investment they
thought they wanted is simply too much for them to fathom or making that much
needed or wanted acquisition is going to be too much work. My experience is
valuable so if you are just kicking tires to see what is out there, my time
will be paid for.
Regardless,
the bulk of the Fees will be based on Performance and ultimately the Client receiving
funding. Fees will vary based on the
type of Funding or Investment provided. These Fees are negotiated as to what is
fair and based on going rates for what I am asked to provide back to the Client.
Once
we agree to work together, trust becomes paramount. Full disclosure is
Required, Expected and is Given Back. Operating under the belief that Business
is fluid, opportunities and solutions for the client will be fleeting with time
being of the essence, solutions are provided quickly. Delays will generally occur from other areas by
other professionals work which is required as part of the transaction. Normally,
the biggest delay in completing on a solution is due to the Client. This occurs by over negotiating, or negotiating
to early or not being prepared. Generally, a list of items that will be
required will be known upfront and an approach to a Lender will not occur until
all is gathered and a presentable package has been prepared. However, sometimes
life gets in the way so be prepared for delays or to jump through hoops
quickly.
Lenders
do not have a shortage of deals to consider and not surprisingly only consider
those that will suggest a good mix of return versus risk. Initial terms will
never be as good as they will get once full disclosure and Comfort is shown,
one needs to wait until we show that the Client is worthy and then hard negotiation
can take place.
A
Hugely successful and wealthy Canadian Businessman once told me "When you
are growing and someone offers you or your business money, take it, because you
never know if it will be offered again."
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