Content Types: E-commerce

Shopify Capital alternatives: 7 funding options for online stores

Posted on by Amanda Levine

Key takeaways

  • Shopify Capital now operates as two distinct products, Capital Flex (currently U.S.-only) and Merchant Cash Advance, each with different fees and repayment structures.
  • The share of small business financing applicants seeking funding from online lenders rose from 2020 to 2025, but high interest rates and unfavorable repayment terms are often cited as the most common challenges.
  • Eligibility and repayment structures vary widely across the seven Shopify Capital alternatives covered here, from invite-only platform financing to consignment-based, non-dilutive funding.
  • CPG and inventory-heavy brands often need funding that aligns with sell-through rather than daily revenue, such as Kickfurther’s consignment-based (Co-Op) model.
  • The right alternative for your business depends on what you’re funding, how quickly your inventory turns, and how much repayment flexibility you need.

Quick answer

Shopify Capital alternatives are financing options outside Shopify’s built-in funding program, including revenue-based advances, other platform financing tools, traditional bank loans, and consignment-based, non-dilutive funding. Each option repays differently: Some collect a fixed percentage of daily sales, while others align repayment with inventory sell-through or follow a fixed monthly schedule.

If you’re searching for Shopify Capital alternatives, you’re probably running into one of two walls: You haven’t been invited to apply for Shopify Capital, or you already have funding through it and the daily sales deductions are squeezing your cash flow at the worst possible time.

You’re not alone: 38 percent of small employer firms applied for a loan, line of credit, or merchant cash advance in the prior 12 months, according to the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey, and a growing share of those applicants are turning to online lenders rather than traditional banks.

This guide breaks down seven alternative funding options for online stores, including platform financing, revenue-based advances, traditional bank loans, and consignment-based inventory funding like Kickfurther, so you can find the option that best matches how quickly your inventory turns into revenue and how that timing lines up with repayment.

What is Shopify Capital?

Shopify Capital is Shopify’s built-in financing program, available by invitation to qualifying merchants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Funding is offered directly through the Shopify admin (i.e., the dashboard merchants use to manage their store), with no personal credit check, and repayment collected automatically as a fixed percentage of the store’s daily sales.

The difference between Shopify Capital Flex and Merchant Cash Advance

As of 2026, Shopify Capital includes two distinct products:

  1. Merchant Cash Advance is a lump-sum advance repaid through a fixed percentage of daily sales, with a flat fee applied to the total advance regardless of how quickly a merchant repays it.
  2. Capital Flex is a revolving line of credit, with fees charged only on the outstanding balance and the ability to draw and repay repeatedly.

It’s important to note that Capital Flex is currently available only to select U.S. merchants. Sellers in Canada, the U.K., and Australia will see only the Merchant Cash Advance product in their Shopify admin account.

Shopify Capital requirements and eligibility

Shopify Capital isn’t something merchants can apply for directly. Shopify Capital eligibility criteria are determined by Shopify’s underwriting model, which reviews sales history, disputes, and customer engagement. Keep in mind that Shopify doesn’t disclose the exact thresholds it uses, so merchants won’t know that they qualify until they receive an offer. Merchants must also have sold on Shopify for at least 90 days. There is no personal credit check, but funding amounts and offers vary by merchant and are not guaranteed.

The Capital Flex product carries additional requirements, including a U.S.-based business and bank account and at least $50,000 in gross merchandise value (GMV) over the trailing 12 months.

Why Shopify sellers are searching for alternative financing options

Nationally, more small businesses are turning to online lenders for financing: The share of applicants seeking funding from online fintech lenders rose from 17 percent in 2020 to 29 percent of all applicants in 2025, according to the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey. But satisfaction with those lenders has fallen sharply. That same survey found that 60 percent of those applicants who borrowed from online lenders found actual borrowing costs were higher than expected, and cited high interest rates and unfavorable repayment terms as the most common challenges.

For Shopify merchants specifically, the reasons for looking beyond Shopify Capital tend to fall into a few categories:

  • Invite-only access leaves qualified merchants without an option at all
  • Daily sales deductions pull cash out during already-slow periods
  • Funding tied to one platform, with limited use for multichannel or wholesale sales
  • Limited visibility into total cost compared to fixed-term financing

For a closer look at how Shopify Capital stacks up against a non-dilutive option, see our Shopify Capital vs Kickfurther comparison.

5 questions to ask before choosing a Shopify Capital alternative

Before signing up for any funding option, run through these five questions below. They surface the issues that most often cause friction after the capital arrives.

1. What am I really funding, and is the rest of my business ready for it?

If you’re funding marketing spend without enough inventory, you’re creating demand that your business can’t easily fulfill. Funding inventory without a plan to drive demand creates stranded capital. Match the funding to the part of the business causing the real bottleneck.

2. Will this repayment affect other obligations I already have?

Stacking multiple repayment structures can quickly compound. Even if each one is manageable on its own, the combined cash outflow can strain working capital when a business needs it most, such as during a slow sales month or while waiting on a large wholesale payment.

3. Does the repayment schedule match when my business actually generates cash?

A fast funding decision feels good, but the repayment structure runs for months. Make sure the timing aligns with inventory cycles, payment terms, and seasonal patterns. For example, funding that repays daily doesn’t fit well with a seasonal business that sees most of its revenue in two months of the year.

4. Am I optimizing for speed of approval or fit with my business?

Fast approvals don’t fix misaligned financing. A same-day approval can leave a business locked into unfavorable repayment terms that don’t match cash flow six months later. The best option is usually the one that still works once the initial funding need has passed.

5. Does this option require giving up equity or a personal guarantee?

Some financing options require a personal guarantee or trade equity for capital. Knowing this up front avoids surprises later, especially for early-stage brands considering long-term ownership.

7 funding options for Shopify stores

The right financing option comes down to a straightforward question: Does the repayment schedule match the timing of your sales? Each option below answers that differently.

Option Funding type Typical eligibility Payment structure Best for
Shopify Capital Platform financing Invite-only, based on Shopify sales history; active 90+ days % of sales or revolving draw Shopify sellers
Kickfurther Consignment-based inventory funding $200,000+ trailing 12-month revenue; physical product Pay as inventory sells CPG and inventory scaling brands
Wayflyer Revenue-based financing $10,000+ monthly revenue; 6+ months operating % of daily revenue Ad-driven e-commerce growth
Clearco Revenue-based financing 12+ months of revenue; $100,000+/month % of revenue Paid acquisition scaling
Stripe Capital Platform financing Invite-only, based on Stripe payment data % of payments Stripe-native sellers
Amazon Lending Platform financing Invite-only, based on Amazon seller data % of sales Multichannel sellers also on Amazon
8fig E-commerce financing Active e-commerce sales history % of sales (installments) E-commerce sellers planning supply chain
Bank loan or line of credit Traditional financing Strong financials and credit score Fixed monthly schedule Established businesses

1. Kickfurther

Kickfurther is a marketplace-based consignment financing model in which inventory is funded upfront by a community of Buyers, and brands pay for that inventory as it sells. There are no fixed monthly payments and no daily sales sweeps. Because funding is non-dilutive, brands keep full ownership and don’t take on traditional debt. Kickfurther works with brands once they’ve reached at least $200,000 in trailing 12-month revenue and have an established physical product. It’s best suited for CPG and inventory-heavy e-commerce brands managing wholesale orders, seasonal inventory, or long production timelines.

2. Wayflyer

Wayflyer is a revenue-based financing provider for e-commerce and DTC brands, offering cash advances and term loans with repayment collected as a percentage of daily revenue or through fixed installments. Funding can land in as little as one business day. Wayflyer is best for e-commerce brands funding paid acquisition with short revenue cycles, though continuous repayment can strain cash flow for brands with longer inventory cycles.

3. Clearco

Clearco offers revenue-based financing through several products:

  • Fixed Funding Capacity: A one-time upfront amount with a set repayment schedule
  • Rolling Funding Capacity: An ongoing line of funding that replenishes as the business repays it, so capital stays available without reapplying
  • Cash Advance: Working capital deposited directly for general use
  • Invoice Funding: Pays time-sensitive vendor bills, including inventory orders, with capped weekly payments

Clearco is best for brands with steady, predictable revenue that want short-term coverage for marketing spend or vendor invoices.

4. Stripe Capital

Stripe Capital offers built-in financing based on a merchant’s existing Stripe payment data, with repayment deducted as a percentage of daily payment volume. Like Shopify Capital, access is invite-only and tied entirely to one platform. It’s best for Stripe-native sellers who want frictionless funding without a separate application, though it shares the same platform lock-in tradeoff as Shopify Capital.

5. Amazon Lending

Amazon Lending offers invite-only financing to qualifying Amazon sellers, based on their sales history and platform account performance. Repayment terms vary by offer. It’s a useful option for sellers who sell only on Amazon, since funding is based on Amazon-specific performance data and is restricted to spending on Amazon-only initiatives.

6. 8fig

8fig is an e-commerce financing provider built around supply chain planning, now operating under Bizcap after a 2025 acquisition. Funding is delivered in installments aligned with a brand’s cash flow needs, with repayment tied to sales. It’s best for e-commerce sellers actively planning inventory and supply chain spend, particularly around larger restocks or new product launches.

7. Traditional bank loan or line of credit

Bank loans and lines of credit offer the lowest cost of capital for businesses that qualify, since they’re priced on creditworthiness rather than a flat factor rate. An SBA 7(a) loan, for example, can provide up to $5 million in financing with longer repayment terms of up to 25 years, but approval generally takes 60 to 90 days and requires strong financials and documentation. This option is best for established brands with predictable revenue and the ability to manage a longer approval process.

How Goodwipes funded inventory without taking on debt or giving up equity

Like many growing CPG brands, Goodwipes faced a familiar problem: Rising demand for its plant-based, hypoallergenic wipes, but not enough cash flow on hand to produce the inventory needed to keep up. Without additional stock, growth would have stalled. Through Kickfurther’s consignment-based funding, Goodwipes secured the capital needed to produce enough inventory to meet demand. Unlike financing tied to daily sales deductions, payments followed inventory sell-through, so cash flow stayed aligned with when the product actually moved.

“

We needed inventory to grow, and a company doesn’t always have the money to produce enough inventory. Thank god we found David and everyone at Kickfurther.

— Sam Nebel, President, Goodwipes

Choosing the right online funding option for growth

There’s no single best Shopify Capital alternative—only the one whose repayment schedule matches the pace at which your business actually gets paid. Revenue-based options like Wayflyer and Clearco can work well for brands funding marketing spend with short, fast-turning sales cycles. Platform financing, such as Stripe Capital and Amazon Lending, offers convenience for merchants who are comfortable staying within a single platform. Traditional bank financing remains the lowest-cost option for brands that qualify and can wait out a longer approval process.

For CPG and inventory-heavy brands, the bigger constraint usually isn’t access to capital; it’s how that capital is repaid. Kickfurther’s Co-Op model aligns payments with sell-through rather than a fixed schedule, so brands aren’t paying faster than their product is moving. Running through the five questions above before committing to any option can help confirm the right fit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are some financing options for scaling my Shopify store?

Shopify merchants have several options beyond Shopify Capital, including revenue-based financing (Wayflyer, Clearco), platform financing (Stripe Capital, Amazon Lending), traditional bank loans or lines of credit, and consignment-based inventory funding from Kickfurther. The right choice depends on what’s being funded and how quickly the business generates cash to repay it.

Can I get Shopify Capital and another loan at the same time?

It depends on the terms of each agreement. Some lenders restrict stacking additional financing on top of an existing advance, particularly when repayment is tied to a percentage of sales. Before combining funding sources, check both agreements for restrictions and consider whether the combined repayment obligations fit your business’ cash flow.

How much does Shopify Capital really cost?

Shopify Capital’s cost depends on which product you qualify for. Merchant Cash Advance applies a flat fee to the total advance amount, which is disclosed upfront, regardless of repayment speed. Capital Flex charges fees only on the outstanding balance, so cost depends on how long funds are drawn. Neither product discloses a traditional annual percentage rate, which can make it harder to compare to fixed-term financing.

Is Shopify Capital a loan?

Shopify Capital’s Merchant Cash Advance product is not a traditional loan. It’s a purchase of future sales in exchange for an upfront advance, repaid through a percentage of daily sales. Capital Flex functions more like a revolving line of credit. Because of this structure, Shopify Capital may not affect a merchant’s personal credit in the same way a conventional bank loan would. Merchants should confirm this directly with Shopify, since credit-reporting practices can change.

Does Shopify Capital affect my personal credit score?

Shopify Capital does not run a personal credit check during underwriting and is not typically reported in a way that affects a merchant’s personal credit score, since funding decisions are based on store sales data rather than personal financial history. Merchants should still review their specific funding agreement, since terms can vary.

Is Kickfurther a good alternative to Shopify Capital for CPG brands?

For CPG and other inventory-heavy brands, Kickfurther can be a strong alternative because payments are tied to inventory sell-through rather than a fixed schedule or daily revenue deduction. It’s best suited for brands with an established physical product and at least $200,000 in trailing 12-month revenue.

How to Raise Prices Without Losing Customers

Posted on by Amanda Levine

Tariffs are real. The cost increases are real. Here’s how to pass them on without blowing up your brand.

Nobody wants to raise prices. It feels like a risk. And it is. But in 2026, with effective tariff rates running 10–12% on most imports and significantly higher on goods sourced from China, the bigger risk for most CPG brands is not raising them.

The brands that get this wrong don’t just lose margin. They lose customers. The brands that get it right come out the other side with stronger pricing power, higher retention, and a customer base that actually trusts them. The difference is almost never the price increase itself. It’s how it’s handled.

Here’s what the evidence–and the brands we’ve worked with–actually shows.

The Worst Thing You Can Do: Nothing, Then Panic

The most common mistake isn’t raising prices too aggressively. It’s waiting too long and then moving in a rush. When brands absorb cost increases for months, hoping tariffs will reverse, and then face a cash crunch that forces an abrupt mid-season price change, the customer experience is chaotic. Prices on Amazon don’t match the website. Retail partners get caught flat-footed. Loyal subscribers suddenly see a different number at checkout with no explanation.

That kind of repricing erodes trust fast. Not because customers can’t accept a higher price, but because the inconsistency makes the brand feel unstable.

The fix is counterintuitive: move sooner, move once, and move with confidence.

Lead With Value, Not Costs

The impulse when raising prices is to explain yourself: to tell customers about tariffs, freight costs, and supply chain complexity. Resist it. Not because transparency is bad, but because cost explanations center on the wrong thing. They make the customer feel like they’re being asked to subsidize your supply chain problems.

What customers actually respond to is a clear, confident statement of value. What does this product do for them? What makes it worth the new price? That’s the message. If your product genuinely delivers, the value case is already there; it just needs to be stated clearly rather than buried under an apology about landed costs.

A brief, honest line about the broader environment is fine. Something like: “Like most brands, we’ve faced significant cost increases across our supply chain this year. We’ve absorbed what we could. This adjustment reflects what it takes to keep delivering the quality you expect.”

Then move on. Don’t dwell on it.

Sequence Your Channels Deliberately

Not all channels should get the price increase at the same time. The right sequence:

  1. DTC first. Your direct channel is where you have the most control over the message and the most direct relationship with your most loyal customers. Raise prices here first, communicate proactively to your email list, and give subscribers a heads-up before the change goes live. These customers are the most likely to understand and absorb it.
  2. Marketplace second. Amazon and other marketplace customers have less relationship with your brand and more exposure to competitive alternatives. Moving here after DTC means you’ve already refined your messaging and have some data on how customers are responding.
  3. Retail last—but with advance notice. Retail partners need time to update their systems, signage, and margin math. Blind-siding them is a fast way to lose shelf space. Give them 60–90 days’ notice and make it easy for them to communicate the change to their customers if needed.

Move in One Step

Multiple small price increases are harder on customer relationships than a single well-communicated one. Each increase resets the customer’s sense of what the product “should” cost and forces them to re-evaluate the purchase decision each time.

If you need to go from $24.99 to $28.99, do it once. Model your margin requirements across a realistic range of tariff scenarios (we lay out exactly how to do this in our 2026 CPG Margin Report), land on a price that holds up through the range, and commit to it. Brands that reprice reactively (chasing every tariff shift with a 50-cent adjustment) train their customers to wait and see rather than buy.

Protect Your Most Loyal Customers

Subscribers, repeat buyers, and long-term wholesale partners have built their routines and budgets around your pricing. They deserve better than finding out about a price change at checkout.

A few approaches that work well:

  • Lock in existing subscribers at their current rate for 60–90 days before the new price takes effect. This rewards loyalty and gives you time to demonstrate value before the change hits.
  • Email your top customers directly (not a mass blast, a genuine note) before anything goes public. The gesture matters more than the discount.
  • Offer a pre-buy window for DTC customers who want to stock up at the current price. This generates a short-term revenue spike, reduces your inventory risk, and creates goodwill.

The math on retention is straightforward. Acquiring a new customer costs 5–7x more than retaining an existing one. A 60-day rate lock for your top 1,000 subscribers is almost certainly cheaper than replacing them.

What to Watch After You Move

A price increase isn’t a one-time event; it’s a signal worth monitoring carefully. Track changes in conversion rates by channel over the first 30 days. Watch your subscription churn rate. Monitor review sentiment for language around value and pricing. If you’ve communicated well and the product genuinely delivers, most of these metrics will stabilize faster than you expect.

If conversion drops sharply and stays there, the issue is usually one of two things: the price is genuinely above what the market will bear for your current positioning, or the communication didn’t land. Both are fixable, but you need the data to know which problem you’re solving.

Raising prices is a business necessity, but doing it wrong creates a brand risk

Raising prices in a tariff environment is not a brand risk. It is a business necessity. The brands that handle it well often build stronger customer relationships than before. Because they demonstrated they could make hard decisions without panic, and they treated their customers like adults in the process.

The brands that wait, absorb, and eventually scramble are the ones that lose both margin and trust.

The brands that move decisively protect their margins, maintain customer confidence, and keep their growth momentum intact.

Check out all our research in our new report, Priced for Yesterday: How Tariff Volatility Is Breaking CPG Margin Models, which introduces a three-tier gross margin framework with category-specific targets, built from the ground up using a full cost-stack model with a 15–20% tariff buffer baked in.

Cash Flow vs. Profit: Why E-Commerce Founders Get This Wrong

Posted on by Amanda Levine

You built something real. Your Shopify dashboard shows revenue climbing. Your accountant tells you the business is profitable. You should feel great, right? And yet, at the end of the month, you’re staring at a near-empty bank account, wondering how a growing company can feel so financially fragile.

If that scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone (and don’t worry, you’re not bad at business). You’ve just run into one of the most common and costly blind spots in e-commerce: confusing cash flow with profit.

These two numbers tell very different stories about your business’s health. Mixing them up can lead to decisions that look smart on paper but quietly drain your company’s ability to operate. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what separates cash flow from profit, why e-commerce makes the gap between them especially treacherous, and what founders can do to stay on the right side of it.

First, what’s it all mean?

Profit is what remains after you subtract your costs from your revenue. It lives on your income statement (also called your P&L). A business is profitable when, over a given period, it earns more than it spends.

Cash flow is the actual movement of money in and out of your business bank account—day by day, week by week. Positive cash flow means more money is coming in than going out. Negative cash flow means the opposite, regardless of what your P&L says.

Here’s the important take-home message: a business can be profitable and cash flow negative at the same time. This isn’t a paradox; it’s accounting reality. And in e-commerce, this gap is felt constantly.

Why e-commerce makes the cash flow gap especially dangerous

In many service businesses, you deliver work and get paid quickly. The gap between earning revenue and receiving cash is small. E-commerce is fundamentally different, and the gap between profit and cash can stretch for months.

Here’s why:

  • You pay for inventory before you sell it. Most consumer goods brands pay their suppliers 30, 60, or even 90 days before that product ever generates a dollar of revenue. That cash is locked up in boxes on a shelf or sitting in a container on the ocean.
  • Marketplaces hold your money. Amazon typically pays out every two weeks and can hold reserves for months on newer accounts. That’s real revenue you’ve earned that isn’t yet real cash in your account.
  • Wholesale creates even longer lags. If you sell through retail partners on net-30 or net-60 terms, you could ship product today and not receive payment until the end of next quarter, even as you’re already funding the next production run.
  • Seasonal demand spikes require front-loaded cash. If your biggest sales window is Q4, say Black Friday through the holiday season, you need to place inventory orders in Q2 or Q3. That means spending heavily months before the revenue arrives.

When these things manifest, brands showing strong profit margins can still run out of operating cash at exactly the moment they need it most: when it’s time to reorder.

The danger signs: Are you confusing cash flow with profit?

Watch for these warning signals in your own business:

  • You’re consistently profitable on paper, but frequently scrambling to cover expenses
  • You hesitate to place inventory orders even when demand is strong
  • You’ve turned down wholesale or retail opportunities because you couldn’t fund the inventory
  • You make major spending decisions based on your P&L without checking your 13-week cash flow
  • You’re surprised by cash shortfalls that seem to come out of nowhere

If any of those feel familiar, the issue isn’t profitability—it’s timing. And timing is a solvable problem.

How to build a cash flow-first operating mindset

The fix starts with a shift in how you manage your numbers. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

  • Run a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast: This is a week-by-week projection of what cash is expected to come in and go out over the next quarter. It sounds simple, but most founders never do it. It’s the earliest warning system you have.
  • Separate your P&L review from your cash review: Look at both on a regular cadence, and understand that they’re measuring different things. Profitability is about whether your business model works. Cash flow is about whether your business can operate tomorrow.
  • Map your cash conversion cycle: The cash conversion cycle measures how long it takes from spending cash on inventory to receiving cash from sales. The longer that cycle, the more working capital you need to keep the machine running. According to research from SCORE, poor cash flow management is cited as a leading reason small businesses struggle to scale — even when underlying unit economics are strong.
  • Negotiate payment terms aggressively: On the payables side, push your suppliers toward net-30 or net-60 terms so you’re not paying until closer to when you’ll receive revenue. On the receivables side, offer small incentives for early payment from wholesale accounts, or require deposits.

When your cash conversion cycle is the problem, not your margins

Sometimes, founders look at a cash crunch and assume they have a margin problem. They cut prices to move product faster, or slash costs in ways that hurt quality and brand equity. But if your gross margins are healthy and your demand is strong, the issue is almost always the timing mismatch between cash out and cash in—not the fundamental economics.

This is exactly the problem that consignment inventory funding is designed to solve. Rather than using cash reserves or taking on traditional debt to fund inventory production, brands can access capital specifically tied to inventory, paying it back as the inventory sells. This means repayment aligns with your actual revenue cycle, not an arbitrary monthly loan schedule.

Kickfurther operates on a consignment model where they fund up to 100% of inventory COGS, and brands repay only as they sell. The obligation doesn’t appear as debt on the balance sheet, and payment terms flex with the sales cycle rather than forcing founders to repay before revenue has come in.

For brands like The Adventure Challenge, which faces a five-month purchasing cycle ahead of a Black Friday-to-Valentine’s Day peak season, this kind of structure made it possible to fund over $800,000 in inventory without straining operating cash or giving up equity.

Practical metrics you can track (starting this week)

If you want to build a healthier relationship with your financials, start tracking these alongside your P&L:

  • Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC): Days Inventory Outstanding + Days Sales Outstanding − Days Payable Outstanding. The lower this number, the healthier your cash position.
  • Operating Cash Flow: Found on your cash flow statement, this shows the cash generated by your core business operations — separate from financing or investment activities.
  • Cash Runway: How many months can your business operate at current expense levels without any new revenue coming in? Every founder should know this number.
  • Inventory-to-Sales Ratio: How much inventory are you holding relative to what you’re selling? Too high means cash is sitting idle in product that isn’t moving.

These metrics, paired with your standard P&L and revenue tracking, give you a genuinely complete picture of business health.

Profit is the goal. Cash flow is what gets you there.

Profitability is ultimately what makes a business worth building. But cash flow is what keeps it alive long enough to get there.

The e-commerce founders who scale most successfully understand that managing these two things separately—and proactively—is not optional. They don’t wait for a cash crisis to build a 13-week forecast. They don’t assume a strong P&L means they can fund their next inventory run without planning. And they don’t mistake a profitable quarter for permission to stop watching the bank account.

If your business is growing and your margins are solid but you constantly feel like you’re one big purchase order away from a cash emergency, the answer isn’t to slow down. It’s to get smarter about how you finance the growth you’ve already earned.

Understanding the difference between cash flow and profit isn’t just accounting knowledge — it’s the foundation of every scaling decision you’ll make. Get it right, and the rest gets a lot easier.

The Holiday E-Commerce Rush Starts Now! Five Things to Remember

Posted on by Amanda Levine

As we approach the holiday season, it’s crucial to start preparing early to ensure a successful Q4. The e-commerce landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, and staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever. Here are five key things to remember as you gear up for the holiday rush in 2025:

  1. Stay Ahead of Ecommerce Trends

The e-commerce industry is constantly changing, and 2025 is no exception. Key trends include the rise of blockchain technology for secure transactions, the popularity of livestream shopping, and the increasing importance of sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) claims. Brands are also leveraging AI and data analytics to streamline operations and better understand their customers. Keeping up with these trends will help you stay competitive and meet consumer expectations.

  1. Diversify Your Supply Chain

Recent global disruptions have highlighted the importance of having a diversified supply chain. Establish relationships with multiple manufacturers and ensure you have the ability to scale up production as needed. This will help you avoid potential delays and keep your customers satisfied during the busy holiday season.

  1. Leverage Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing remains a powerful tool, but it’s essential to collaborate with influencers who align with your brand values and target audience. Personalized shopping experiences and flexible payment options are becoming increasingly important to consumers. By working with the right influencers, you can create authentic connections with your audience and drive sales.

  1. Optimize Your Amazon Listings and SEO

Optimizing your product listings on Amazon and other platforms is still crucial. Brands should also consider using AI tools to enhance their SEO strategies and create content that resonates with their audience. This will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract more customers.

  1. Focus on Mobile-Friendly Email Marketing

With the increasing use of smartphones for online shopping, mobile-friendly emails are more important than ever. Use data-driven insights to personalize your email campaigns and create a sense of urgency with limited-time offers and countdown clocks. This will help you capture your audience’s attention and drive conversions.

By incorporating these tips, you can ensure that your holiday e-commerce preparation strategy is current and effective. Start preparing now to make the most of the holiday rush and set your business up for success.

 

How Does Google Advertising Work?

Posted on by Amanda Levine

Google Advertising, also known as Google Ads, is an online advertising platform that allows businesses to place ads on Google’s search engine results pages, as well as on other websites and platforms that are part of the Google Ad network. Google Ads uses a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning that advertisers only pay when someone clicks on their ads. By using Google Ads, businesses can drive targeted traffic to their website and increase sales. However, running a successful Google Ads campaign requires careful planning, monitoring, and optimization. This can be time-consuming, costly, and challenging for small business owners who are already juggling multiple responsibilities.

To free up cash flow and prepare for an increase in sales, you may need to utilize inventory financing. As you may already know, inventory financing can be expensive and hard to qualify for, but it doesn’t have to be. Kickfurther is a small business committed to helping other small businesses and entrepreneurs by maintaining a platform that allows businesses to fund inventory on consignment. Because you should stay in control of the business you’ve dedicated your life to build, inventory funding through Kickfurther is debt-free and allows you to maintain full ownership. The list of reasons why you should use Kickfurther goes on to include affordability, flexible payment terms, and a community of entrepreneurs here to support you.

Ready to grow your business? Here’s what you should know about how Google Advertising works.

What is Google Advertising?

Google Advertising is a marketing platform created by Google that allows businesses to display ads on its search engine results pages (SERPs), on other websites that participate in the Google Ads program (known as the Google Display Network), and on YouTube videos. This platform is designed to help businesses of all sizes to reach their target audience and drive traffic to their website or physical store. Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning that businesses only pay when a user clicks on their ad. The platform uses a bidding system in which businesses bid on specific keywords and ad placements to determine how much they will pay per click.

How do Google Ads work?

Google Ads works by allowing businesses to create ads, target specific audiences, bid on keywords, and pay for clicks. By using this platform, businesses can reach a wider audience and increase their online visibility, leading to more leads and sales.

Here is how Google Ads works:

#1. Create an account: First, businesses must create a Google Ads account and set up a campaign. They can choose their budget, targeting options, ad format, and keywords to bid on.

#2. Set a budget: Advertisers set a daily or monthly budget, which determines how much they are willing to spend on their ads.

#3. Choose keywords: Advertisers choose specific keywords that are relevant to their business and target audience. They bid on these keywords, and the amount they bid determines how likely their ad is to appear when someone searches for those keywords.

#4. Create ad groups: Advertisers create ad groups that contain one or more ads and relevant keywords. Each ad group targets a specific audience and contains ads that are tailored to that audience.

#5. Write ads: Advertisers write ad copy that appears on the SERP when someone searches for the relevant keyword. The ad copy should be compelling and encourage the user to click on the ad.

#6. Launch the campaign: Once the campaign is set up, advertisers can launch their ads and start bidding on keywords. Google’s system will automatically show the ads that are most relevant to the user’s search query and that have the highest bid.

#7. Measure and optimize: Advertisers can measure the performance of their ads using Google Ads analytics tools. They can track metrics like clicks, impressions, and conversions, and use that data to optimize their campaigns to get better results.

How do I create a Google Ads account?

To create a Google Ads account, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Google Ads website at https://ads.google.com/.
  2. Click on the “Start now” button.
  3. Choose the Google Account you want to use for Google Ads or create a new one if you don’t have one.
  4. Follow the prompts to set up your account. You will need to provide information such as your business name, website, location, and payment details.
  5. Once you have provided all the necessary information, click on the “Submit” button to create your account.

After creating your account, you can start creating your first Google Ads campaign by following the instructions provided by Google Ads. Remember to set up your targeting options, choose your keywords, write your ads, and set your budget and bids.

What are the different types of Google Ads, and how do I choose the right type for my business?

There are several types of Google Ads that you can use to promote your business, and choosing the right type depends on your business goals, target audience, and budget. Here are some of the most common types of Google Ads:

  • Search Ads: These are the most common type of ads that appear at the top and bottom of Google search results. They are text-based ads that target specific keywords and search phrases.
  • Display Ads: These are image-based ads that appear on websites across the internet that are part of the Google Display Network. They can be targeted based on demographics, interests, and behavior.
  • Video Ads: These are video-based ads that can be shown on YouTube and other websites across the internet. They can be skippable or non-skippable and can be targeted based on demographics, interests, and behavior.
  • Shopping Ads: These are ads that feature product listings and appear at the top of Google search results when someone searches for a particular product. They are targeted based on product data and can be used by online retailers.
  • App Ads: These are ads that promote mobile apps and can appear in Google search results, Google Play, and other mobile apps. They can be targeted based on app data and user behavior.

To choose the right type of Google Ads for your business, consider your goals and budget. If you want to increase website traffic and sales, search and shopping ads may be the best option. If you want to build brand awareness, display and video ads may be more effective. If you have a mobile app, app ads can help you acquire new users. Ultimately, it’s important to test different types of ads to see which ones perform best for your business.

How to set a Google Ads budget

To set a Google Ads budget, consider following these steps:

  • Determine your advertising goals: Before you set your budget, you should have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with your Google Ads campaign. Your goals will help you determine how much you need to spend.
  • Choose your bidding strategy: Google Ads offers different bidding strategies that allow you to control how your budget is spent. You can choose to pay for clicks (CPC), impressions (CPM), conversions (CPA), or maximize clicks or conversions.
  • Estimate your costs: Use the Google Ads Keyword Planner tool to estimate the cost of your keywords and get an idea of how much you need to spend to achieve your advertising goals.
  • Set your budget: Once you have a clear understanding of your advertising goals, bidding strategy, and estimated costs, you can set your budget. Start with a conservative budget and adjust it as you monitor your campaign performance.
  • Monitor your campaign performance: It’s important to monitor your campaign performance regularly to ensure that you are getting a good return on investment (ROI). Adjust your budget as necessary to improve your results.

Remember that your budget is just one part of your Google Ads strategy. To get the best results, you should also focus on targeting the right audience, choosing the right keywords, and creating compelling ad copy.

Tips for choosing keywords for your Google Ads campaign

Choosing the right keywords is crucial for the success of your Google Ads campaign. The world of Google Ads can be confusing so don’t be ashamed if you need to hire a professional to help. It’s better to invest and do things the right way rather than take on more than you can handle. Should you choose to execute your own Google Ads, learn as much as you can about keywords.

Here are some tips for selecting effective keywords:

  • Use keyword research tools: Use keyword research tools such as Google’s Keyword Planner to identify relevant keywords for your business. These tools can help you identify search volume, competition, and estimated cost-per-click (CPC) for each keyword.
  • Consider intent: Choose keywords that align with the intent of your target audience. For example, if you are a plumber, you might use keywords such as “emergency plumbing services” or “leaky pipe repair” to target people who need immediate plumbing help.
  • Focus on relevancy: Choose keywords that are relevant to your business and your landing page. Avoid broad or generic keywords that are not specific to your business.
  • Use long-tail keywords: Long-tail keywords are more specific and less competitive than broad keywords. They are often cheaper and more effective at driving relevant traffic to your website.
  • Monitor and refine: Monitor the performance of your keywords regularly and refine your list as necessary. Remove underperforming keywords and add new ones that are driving relevant traffic to your website.
  • Consider negative keywords: Use negative keywords to exclude irrelevant searches that may trigger your ads. This will help you avoid wasting your budget on clicks that are unlikely to convert.

How to create effective ad copy for Google Ads

Creating effective ad copy for your Google Ads campaign is essential for driving traffic to your website and converting leads into customers. Here are some tips for creating compelling ad copy:

  • Use a clear and concise headline
  • Highlight your unique selling proposition (USP)
  • Use persuasive language
  • Include a call-to-action (CTA)
  • Use ad extensions
  • Test and refine

Remember that your ad copy should be relevant to your target audience and aligned with your landing page. By creating compelling ad copy that resonates with your target audience, you can increase the effectiveness of your Google Ads campaign and drive more traffic to your website.

Tracking Google Ads performance

Tracking the performance of your Google Ads campaign is important to ensure that you are getting a good return on investment (ROI). Here are some key metrics to track and tools to use:

  • Click-through rate (CTR): CTR measures the number of clicks your ads receive divided by the number of impressions. A higher CTR indicates that your ads are relevant and engaging to your target audience.
  • Conversion rate: Conversion rate measures the percentage of clicks that result in a desired action, such as a purchase or a sign-up. A higher conversion rate indicates that your ads are effectively driving conversions.
  • Cost-per-click (CPC): CPC measures the cost of each click on your ads. A lower CPC indicates that you are getting more clicks for your budget.
  • Return on investment (ROI): ROI measures the revenue generated by your ads divided by the cost of your ads. A positive ROI indicates that your ads are generating more revenue than they cost.
  • Google Ads reporting: Use the reporting features in your Google Ads account to track your campaign performance. You can create custom reports that show data for specific time periods, campaigns, and keywords.
  • Google Analytics: Google Analytics provides additional data about your website visitors and can help you track conversions and ROI.

Remember to regularly monitor your campaign performance and adjust your strategy as necessary to improve your ROI. By tracking your Google Ads performance, you can make data-driven decisions that improve the effectiveness of your campaigns.

How Kickfurther can help

Google Ads campaigns can drive a lot of traffic to a business’s website, but this traffic won’t convert into sales if the business doesn’t have enough inventory to meet demand. Kickfurther can help with small business inventory funding that’s affordable and easily accessible. Free up the cash flow you need to grow your business all while ensuring you have enough inventory on hand. At Kickfurther you can get inventory now and pay later – and yes, it’s really that simple.

Closing thoughts

With a successful Google Advertising campaign, you should see an uptick in sales. To free up cash flow to invest in the campaign all the while stocking enough inventory for the increase in demand, we encourage you to use inventory funding.

Kickfurther funds up to 100% of your inventory costs on flexible payment terms that you control. Our unique funding platform can fund your entire order(s) each time you need more inventory, so you can put your capital on hand to work growing your business without adding debt or giving up equity.

Interested in getting funded at Kickfurther? Here are 3 easy steps to get started:

#1. Create a free business account

#2. Complete the online application

#3. Review a potential deal with one of our account reps & get funded in minutes

5 eCommerce Funding Solutions for Startups Seeking Growth

Posted on by Amanda Levine

In business, liquidity is the ace up your sleeve. Without it, your startup might miss out on critical growth opportunities, struggle with operational costs, or fail to adapt to market changes swiftly. If you’re looking to beef up your web-based retail or wholesale operation, one critical strategy is getting additional funds. But where do you find the right financing that won’t hinder your growth with stifling fund limits, lengthy processes, or high costs? Here, we’ve gathered some eCommerce funding options to help you grow and scale your business.

eCommerce Funding Solutions: Understanding Your Options

Explore these funding solutions for your eCommerce business, weigh the pros and cons, and find the right option for you:

1. Traditional bank loans

Traditional bank loans have a fixed interest rate and require regular repayments over a set period. Most are amortized loans, which means you pay the same amount every time.

Pros:
  • Substantial eCommerce seller funding – Potential loan amounts can reach up to $5 million for small businesses.
  • Lower annual percentage rates (APRs) – Traditional bank loans have APRs that often start in the single digits, from 3% to 8%.
  • Longer repayment terms – A typical repayment period usually ranges from 5 to 7 years. However, this can vary based on the financial institution, the type of loan, and your credit standing.
  • Establishes creditworthiness – Regular, on-time loan payments get recorded, which contributes to a strong business credit profile.
Cons:
  • Bias toward a healthy credit history – Traditional banks often favor businesses with solid financial statements.
  • Collateral requirement – You may be asked for collateral like real estate or equipment.
  • Rigorous application process – Application processes are lengthy and require extensive documentation, including business plans, tax returns, etc.
  • Lower approval rates for small or online businesses – Banks may view these businesses as higher risk due to their size or unproven business models.

2. Conventional lines of credit

Lines of credit offered by banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions allow you to access up to a specific amount of money as needed. You can repeatedly borrow from it provided you haven’t maxed out your credit limit.

Pros:
  • Flexibility – Choose when to draw out the money and only pay interest on the amount used. Upon payment, the balance replenishes, so you get continuous access to funds.
  • Higher credit limits – Avail of credit limits of up to 3 million dollars or more, depending on your company’s financial strength.
Cons:
  • Risk of overspending – The flexibility and continuous access to funds can lead to borrowing more than you can comfortably repay.
  • Variable interest rates – Rates tend to be variable and can adjust according to market conditions.

3. Crowdfunding platforms

Crowdfunding platforms are online services that allow startups to secure eCommerce startup funding as donations, or in exchange for rewards and equity. This method is particularly effective if your business has a unique or strong concept.

Pros:
  • No credit checks – Bypass traditional gatekeepers like banks and venture capitalists and pitch ideas directly to the public.
  • No repayment obligations – Reward-based crowdfunding doesn’t require financial repayment, unlike loans.
  • Validation – You can access a broad audience to test consumer interest in your product or service and generate significant publicity.
Cons:
  • No guarantee of success – Meeting your eCommerce funding target relies heavily on your campaign’s effectiveness and your project’s appeal.
  • Potentially costly and labor-intensive – Crowdfunding requires marketing, constant updates, and rewards fulfillment.
  • Intellectual property exposure – Sharing your idea or product on a public platform before securing intellectual property protection can be risky.

4. Equity-based financing

Equity-based financing involves raising capital from various sources, such as angel investors, venture capitalists, or private equity firms, by selling shares or stakes in a business.

Pros:
  • No repayment schedule – This type of eCommerce funding doesn’t require monthly repayments, alleviating pressure on a growing business.
  • Access to large capital – You can secure significant funding, potentially more than what you can get from other types of financing.
  • Valuable partnerships and expertise – Investors often bring industry expertise, business connections, and additional resources beyond just capital.
  • Distributed risk – You share the risk with investors, so you don’t have to repay them if your business doesn’t succeed.
Cons:
  • Ownership dilution – Raising capital through equity financing means you have to give up some ownership and control in the company. This can result in  conflicts if your investors have different views or strategies.
  • Pressure for growth – Investors typically seek a high and swift return on their investment – To achieve this, you might rush decisions, overextend resources, or engage in unsustainable business practices.
  • Exit strategy condition – The exit expectation from investors can force you into paths you might not be ready for or interested in, such as going public (IPO).

5. Inventory financing

Inventory financing is a type of short-term financing that advances a large portion of the cost of production to you even before your customers pay. You’ll find this type of eCommerce funding ideal if your business is experiencing unexpected growth or faces seasonal fluctuations.

Pros:
  • Reduced opportunity costs – By freeing up cash flow tied up in inventory, you can allocate resources to other vital areas, such as marketing, product development, or expanding operations.
  • Quick access to capital – The upfront cash allows you to take on larger orders than you could otherwise handle, supporting your growth and scalability. This also empowers you to negotiate better supplier terms.
  • No standard collateral needed – The inventory or purchase orders act as collateral, making this option more accessible than traditional loans.
  • Streamlined approval process – If you have a clear inventory record and established sales history, your approval process will be straightforward and fast.
Cons:
  • Risk of overstocking – Relying too heavily on inventory as collateral can lead to the risk of overstocking, as this inventory can become outdated or lose value.
  • High costs – The interest rates and finance fees can be burdensome and strain finances.
  • Dependence on inventory quality and sales – The value and saleability of your inventory directly affect your financing terms and the amount of eCommerce startup funding. ​

How to Choose Your eCommerce Funding

When selecting funding for your eCommerce business, be guided by these essential  considerations:

  • Identify the exact reasons you need funding to target the right financing source.
  • Determine the eCommerce startup funding you need by assessing the scale of your operations, business activities, and future growth plans.
  • Look for providers who offer expedited application approval and fund disbursement.
  • Pick an option that matches your financial capacity and won’t strain your profit margins​.
  • Scrutinize all the details, from the costs and repayment structures to the interest rates, potential hidden fees, and even any equity requirements.
  • Go for a solution that offers flexibility on fund usage and repayment terms.

Drive eCommerce Success with Smart Inventory Funding

Why waste any growth opportunity just because your cash flow can’t keep up with your sales? Get the eCommerce funding you need to free up working capital and promptly stock up and meet customer demands. With eCommerce inventory funding, you can enhance customer satisfaction and strategically outpace the competition.

Looking for a reliable partner to fund your inventory needs and support your long-term growth? Look no further than Kickfurther—the innovative company that can help take your business to the next level.

Why Kickfurther?

With Kickfurther, eliminate stockouts, keep up with demand, and move into growth mode. Here’s what we offer:

  • No immediate repayments: You don’t pay back until your new inventory order begins selling. You set your repayment schedule based on what works best for your cash flow.
  • Non-dilutive: Kickfurther doesn’t take equity in exchange for funding.
  • Not a debt: Kickfurther is not a loan, so it does not put debt on your books. Debt financing options can sometimes further constrain your working capital and access to capital—even lower your business’s valuation if you are looking at venture capital or a sale.
  • Quick access: Get the capital you need when your supplier payments are due. Kickfurther can fund your entire order(s) each time you need more inventory.

Kickfurther puts you in control of your business while delivering the costliest asset for most brands. By funding your largest expense (inventory), you can free up existing capital to grow your business wherever you need it—product development, advertising, and expanding your team.

Interested to know how you can secure inventory funding from Kickfurther? Just follow these easy steps:

  1. Create your free business account.
  2. Complete the online application.
  3. Review a potential deal with one of our account reps to get funded in minutes.

Close your cash flow gap between paying your supplier and receiving future revenue with Kickfurther, and strike at opportunities as they arise. Join our funding marketplace today!