Merc Strategy Business Strategy and Guidance

Is your profitable government contract actually a ticking time bomb?

Profitable government contracts are being undermined by R15.5 billion in overdue payments, creating a hidden lending crisis for businesses. Understand the risks and protect your cash flow.

By Strategy August 12, 2026 5 min read

Latest

See all →

Business Models

Did Costco's membership fee hike just reveal a weakness?

By Strategy August 12, 2026 5 min read

The company's latest price adjustment is more than a revenue boost; it's a public exam of whether its long-standing model still holds up for members.

Business Models

Why Costco can sell so cheap: It's not about the stuff you buy

By Strategy July 31, 2026 5 min read

The warehouse giant makes billions from membership fees alone, freeing its merchandise business to run on razor-thin margins and predictable value.

Post-Mortems

It's not creditors. Owners close most SA businesses first.

By Strategy July 31, 2026 5 min read

Forget the dramatic collapse: most businesses in South Africa are quietly liquidated by their owners after a slow, sensible decline. This order matters more than you think.

Unit Economics

It's not about dignity, it's about business. The economics of funerals.

By Strategy July 31, 2026 5 min read

Grief is real, but the balance sheet doesn't care. Learn how funeral homes cover massive fixed costs and profit from high-margin sales when customers are most vulnerable.

Succession and Exits

Selling your business? An earn-out could be your biggest mistake.

By Strategy July 31, 2026 6 min read

Founders often lose control after an earn-out, leaving their payout vulnerable to new owners' decisions. Learn how this common clause can turn your dream exit into a nightmare.

Blog

When Your Water Well Runs Dry Navigating Drilling and Pump Problems

By Strategy June 11, 2026 5 min read

A failing water well demands reliable solutions for drilling or pump problems. Understand the critical decisions to secure a system that truly…

Inside Casinos

Browse →

From the archive

4 years ago

Business Models

Is your profitable government contract actually a ticking time bomb?

Profitable government contracts are being undermined by R15.5 billion in overdue payments, creating a hidden lending crisis for businesses. Understand the risks and protect your cash flow.

By Strategy August 12, 2026 5 min read

Is your profitable government contract actually a ticking time bomb?

Latest

Did Costco's membership fee hike just reveal a weakness?

Why Costco can sell so cheap: It's not about the stuff you buy

It's not creditors. Owners close most SA businesses first.

It's not about dignity, it's about business. The economics of funerals.

Selling your business? An earn-out could be your biggest mistake.

When Your Water Well Runs Dry Navigating Drilling and Pump Problems

Inside Casinos

Lyrics From Songs Inspired by Gambling It’s a Winner-take-all Mindset

The Only Method for Winning at Online Casinos, Which You Need to Be Familiar With

Play at Las Atlantis Online Casino and Receive Bonuses

Five Most Famous Casinos in the World Are Ranked by Architectural Merit

From the archive

Is your profitable government contract actually a ticking time bomb?