Online Grocery & Foods Retailer Inventory Financing

Top reasons online grocery retailers seek financing

Small online grocery businesses often need to obtain additional capital in order to stay competitive with big-name brands known throughout the industry.

Financing can be used to help grocery retailers pay for start-up costs, overcome short-term funding gaps, cover the purchase of new inventory, upgrade equipment, expand to new markets, pay for marketing expenses, and many other endeavors.

How financing for online grocery and foods retailers works

While there are different types of financing, the majority of business financing is set up as a traditional installment loan. This means that the balance is paid back over time in equal monthly installments. However, there are more options available that may offer more flexibility. The type of financing and the source can vary as can how they work. Here is an overview of some financing options and a brief explanation of how they work. We will go more into detail later on.

Credit card: Business credit cards work the same as personal credit cards, but they are only intended for business use. The cardholder will have access to a predetermined credit limit and monthly payments will be determined based on the outstanding balance.

Line of credit: A line of credit is revolving, similar to a credit card, but usually has higher limits and lower rates. A business line of credit is typically secured by an asset.

Inventory financing: Inventory financing is used specifically for purchasing inventory and is typically based on the value of your inventory. Traditional inventory financing may be expensive and hard to qualify for, but there are alternative funding options such as Kickfurther. Inventory funding can offer faster access to funds and more flexible repayment plans.

Invoice factoring: Invoice factoring turns your invoices into a lump sum of cash by allowing you to sell invoices at a reduced price in exchange.

Revenue-based financing: Revenue-based financing gives business owners access to cash advances that are then paid back as a percentage of sales.

Can an online grocery retailer obtain financing?

Any business can obtain financing whether they operate from a brick and mortar store or entirely online. In order to obtain financing from some lenders, you may need to have been in business for at least 1-2 years and be able to demonstrate a minimum annual revenue amount.

The exact requirements of your business loan, line of credit, or other type of financing will depend on the lender and the type of financing you are seeking to acquire. Some types of financing are easier to obtain than others. We’ll cover these options in the next section below.

Types of financing options for online food retailers

Online food retailers have many options when it comes to obtaining more capital to run their business. Let’s look at the main courses. 

• Inventory Financing: Inventory financing is an increasingly popular way to fund your inventory purchases without giving up equity in your business. As an alternative to traditional bank loans, inventory financing allows small businesses to pay for their inventory purchases upfront and repay the balance over time. Online businesses may have less assets, thus presenting challenges obtaining financing through traditional sources. Online food retailers struggling to qualify for inventory financing through traditional methods should create an account at Kickfurther.
  

• Invoice Factoring: Invoice factoring allows businesses to sell unpaid invoices to an invoice factoring company who then pays out a lump sum and goes to work collecting on the invoices. For just a small fee, companies can take advantage of cash upfront without the need to wait for invoice payments to come in.
  

• Revenue-Based Financing: Similarly, revenue-based financing allows business owners access to instantaneous cash advances that are then paid back as a percentage of sales.
  

• Working Capital Loans: Traditional business loans can help online grocers finance everything from inventory purchases to marketing expenses. Working capital loans often have flexible loan terms, fixed interest rates, and fixed monthly payments that benefit your business in the long term.
  

• Business Credit: Grocery stores can also benefit from opening up a business credit card or business line of credit that can be used to finance inventory purchases and other expenses on an ongoing basis.
  

• SBA Loans: SBA loan programs are loans that are backed by the Small Business Administration, allowing a network of partner lenders to offer beneficial loan terms. Since the loans are backed by the SBA, there’s less risk for the lender. To get an SBA loan, you’ll need to work with an SBA approved lender.

Which financing option is right for your online grocery based business?

In order to evaluate which financing option is best for your business, you will need to look at a few things. These factors include how much capital you need, what you are using the funds for, what type of financing you qualify for, and how you prefer to pay the funds back. With careful planning and through research, you can determine which type of financing is best for your circumstances.

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How big of a loan can my online grocery business obtain?

Small business loans are available in amounts ranging from $1,000 to upwards of $1 million.

The total loan amount that you will be able to qualify for will depend on a few different factors including the type of financing, the lender, your personal and/or business credit score, how long your company has been in business, and how much annual revenue you are taking in.

You may be asked to provide additional information about your online grocery business such as bank statements, tax records, and financial projections.

Can I get an inventory loan for my online foods business?

Business owners can take advantage of a variety of financing options in order to help support their online foods business. Any product-based business that maintains a current inventory can utilize inventory financing and funding. Requirements for funding typically include revenue, length in business, credit score, product restrictions, and so forth. Typically, whether you operate online or in-store does not impact your ability to get a loan as long as you are operating legitimately.

What credit score do I need to qualify for a loan?

In order to qualify for a business loan, applicants must have an acceptable personal and/or business credit score. Although the minimum credit score will vary depending on the source, applicants should have a credit score of 680 or better. Keep in mind that credit score is not the only requirement taken into account. Factors such as revenue, assets, and time in business can be considered. Most lenders or sources should be able to provide a vague frame of what requirements are necessary. At Kickfurther you may be able to qualify with a personal credit score of 600 if you meet or exceed other requirements. Other requirements include a minimum $400,000 revenue over the last 12 months, must sell non-perishable products, and at least one production run.

How online grocery retailers can qualify for financing

Online grocery retailers can qualify for financing the same way that in-store grocery retailers qualify. First, you’ll need to determine the type of financing or funding you wish to pursue. Next, you’ll need to make sure you meet the requirements. In most cases, you’ll need to meet revenue, credit score, and general business requirements. Small online retailers may struggle to qualify for traditional financing, but don’t lose hope, there are funding solutions available. At Kickfurther, online grocery retailers can be on their way to getting the funding they need in 3 easy steps.

How can Kickfurther Help Your Business?

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

Why Kickfurther?

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, or even lower your business’s valuation if you are looking at venture capital or a sale.

Quick access: You need capital 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 CPG brands. And by funding your largest expense (inventory), you can free up existing capital to grow your business wherever you need it – product development, advertising, adding headcount, etc.

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

Create a free business account at Kickfurther today!