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This paper aims to analyse the challenges and outcomes of “selling-to-finish” by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. “Selling-to-finish” is a global problem that threatens SMEs everywhere. It entails an unconventional business strategy that deviates from the main goal of most businesses, which is to make profit. In South Africa, “selling-to-finish” in SMEs has a detrimental effect on the country’s economic development, growth, and efforts to combat poverty. The misunderstanding of “selling-to-finish” hinders the growth of SMEs. This is because SME owenrs mistakenly believe that having more clients who buy products and service equates to selling for a profit without doing the necessary calculations. “Selling-to-finish” puts at risk not only the expansion and advancement of SMEs but also the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, which is to eradicate poverty and National Development Plan (NDP) vision 2030, which is to build a good economy and provides employment to all citizens. This chapter employed a desktop-based qualitative research. The paper argues that improper application of selling-to-finish causes major downfall of SMEs in South Africa. It found that the achievement of economic growth, development, and poverty reduction is seriously jeopardized by “selling-to-finish” in SMEs. As a result of “selling-to-finish”, SMEs face difficulties such as financial unsustainability, cash flow problems, decreased investment capacity, and competitive disadvantage. It recommends that SME owners should prepare well-informed monthly, quarterly, or annual cash flow statements. It goes on to advise SMEs to contract with outside firms to ensure that their cash flow figures are accurately prepared.

As the 3D printing industry continues to gain momentum in South Africa's SME sector, issues about their financing and financial management need to be investigated. This is due to the capital-intensive nature of the business as well as the financing challenges encountered by 3D printing SMMEs. This study aimed to contribute to research on financial management practices and sources of finance as predictors of performance for 3D printing small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in terms of profitability and increase in client base. The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm, exploratory research design, inductive research approach and qualitative research method to achieve the objectives of the study. A total of twenty (20) 3D printing firms participated in the study. Employees and managers were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The participants comprised finance managers, senior managers and managers of the twenty (20) 3D printing firms that participated in the study. Structured interviews served as the instrument for data collection based on the objectives of the study. Data gathered from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that effective working capital management practices boost the profitability of 3D printing SMMEs, particularly through adopting no-credit policies and hiring competent finance officers. These practices also help expand the client base by ensuring timely delivery of products and services, with customer relationship management being a strategic approach. The study also revealed that liquidity management practices significantly boost the profitability of 3D printing firms by ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet financial obligations, managing financial risks, and ensuring timely product delivery, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and contributing to growth in the customer base. The study recommends the need for 3D printing SMMEs to prioritise cash flow management and develop robust systems to monitor and control working capital components, including inventory, receivables, and payables.  

This paper aims to analyse the challenges and outcomes of “selling-to-finish” by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. “Selling-to-finish” is a global problem that threatens SMEs everywhere. It entails an unconventional business strategy that deviates from the main goal of most businesses, which is to make profit. In South Africa, “selling-to-finish” in SMEs has a detrimental effect on the country’s economic development, growth, and efforts to combat poverty. The misunderstanding of “selling-to-finish” hinders the growth of SMEs. This is because SME owenrs mistakenly believe that having more clients who buy products and service equates to selling for a profit without doing the necessary calculations. “Selling-to-finish” puts at risk not only the expansion and advancement of SMEs but also the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, which is to eradicate poverty and National Development Plan (NDP) vision 2030, which is to build a good economy and provides employment to all citizens. This chapter employed a desktop-based qualitative research. The paper argues that improper application of selling-to-finish causes major downfall of SMEs in South Africa. It found that the achievement of economic growth, development, and poverty reduction is seriously jeopardized by “selling-to-finish” in SMEs. As a result of “selling-to-finish”, SMEs face difficulties such as financial unsustainability, cash flow problems, decreased investment capacity, and competitive disadvantage. It recommends that SME owners should prepare well-informed monthly, quarterly, or annual cash flow statements. It goes on to advise SMEs to contract with outside firms to ensure that their cash flow figures are accurately prepared.

As the 3D printing industry continues to gain momentum in South Africa's SME sector, issues about their financing and financial management need to be investigated. This is due to the capital-intensive nature of the business as well as the financing challenges encountered by 3D printing SMMEs. This study aimed to contribute to research on financial management practices and sources of finance as predictors of performance for 3D printing small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in terms of profitability and increase in client base. The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm, exploratory research design, inductive research approach and qualitative research method to achieve the objectives of the study. A total of twenty (20) 3D printing firms participated in the study. Employees and managers were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The participants comprised finance managers, senior managers and managers of the twenty (20) 3D printing firms that participated in the study. Structured interviews served as the instrument for data collection based on the objectives of the study. Data gathered from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that effective working capital management practices boost the profitability of 3D printing SMMEs, particularly through adopting no-credit policies and hiring competent finance officers. These practices also help expand the client base by ensuring timely delivery of products and services, with customer relationship management being a strategic approach. The study also revealed that liquidity management practices significantly boost the profitability of 3D printing firms by ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet financial obligations, managing financial risks, and ensuring timely product delivery, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and contributing to growth in the customer base. The study recommends the need for 3D printing SMMEs to prioritise cash flow management and develop robust systems to monitor and control working capital components, including inventory, receivables, and payables.