How to Spot a Bad Offer

Red flags to look for, and the questions to ask before you sign anything.

By Robbie Garvey, Founder · Last updated

What's inside

  • Common red flags in funding ads, calls and contracts
  • The questions to ask about total payback, fees and personal responsibility
  • A side-by-side worksheet for comparing two offers
  • When to slow down and get a second opinion

Who it's for

Owners comparing offers, or anyone who has been getting calls and emails promising easy money.

Format: PDF, 7 pages. Free. Education only, not legal, tax or financial advice.

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How can I tell if a funding offer is a bad deal?

Be careful with offers that promise approval before anyone looks at your business, rush you to sign, or will not tell you the total payback. Always ask for everything you will pay back, start to finish, plus all fees and whether you are personally responsible. The guide lists the red flags and the questions to ask.

By Robbie Garvey, founder of Natural Lending Co · Updated

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