Price increases and a lack of reserves are increasingly causing problems for the self-employed and micro-enterprises in Germany. According to a company survey commissioned by the credit agency Schufa, more than half fear a real economic crisis. This means that concerns at the turn of the year are at the same level as in May shortly after the Russian attack on Ukraine.

"The situation for small businesses and the self-employed is worrying," said Schufa Holding CEO Ole Schröder on Thursday. "Many lack the reserves." For example, 30 percent of the solo self-employed stated that they had no way of creating entrepreneurial reserves. 28 percent are currently traveling less than before the energy crisis. The situation is only slightly better for micro-enterprises with up to five employees: Here 15 percent are unable to build up any entrepreneurial reserves, 34 percent have fewer.

Falling payment morale among customers

According to their own statements, only 30 percent of the solo self-employed and 48 percent of the micro-enterprises have so far reacted to the cost increase with price increases. About a fifth also try to save when purchasing goods and use cheaper work materials. The respondents observed a declining payment behavior among customers: 51 percent of the micro-enterprises and 34 percent of the soloists reported late payment of invoices.

The Schufa itself has not yet observed an increase in payment defaults among small companies. "The values ​​of the so-called negative rate are consistently below the two previous years," reported Schröder. In November 2022, Schufa had saved at least one negative attribute for 9.0 percent of tradespeople, freelancers or registered merchants in Germany.