Inventory Financing for Startups
Kickfurther funds up to 100% of your inventory costs at flexible payment terms so you don’t pay until you sell. Fund your entire order(s) on Kickfurther each time you need more inventory so you can put your existing capital to work growing your startup without adding debt or giving up equity.
- Often 30% lower cost than alternate lenders & factors
- Quickly fund $5,000,000+ in inventory
- Create a custom payment schedule (1-10 months)
- Fund inventory with no payments until revenue lands
1000+
Deals Funded
$200M+
In Inventory Funded
99.5%
Funding Success
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Why choose Kickfurther for
Startup Inventory Financing?
Don’t pay until
you sell.
30% lower cost
funding.
Fund up to $5 million
in an hour.
It’s easy, it works, &
it grows with you.
We fund inventory for direct-to-
consumer & major store brands
“Tough Times Call For Creative Funding — Check Out
Kickfurther’s Clever Model”
How does Startup Inventory Financing Work?
Connect with consumers across the United States to get your
inventory funded via our marketplace
Create your online account
Create a business account, upload your business information, and launch your deal
Get funded within minutes to hours
Once approved, our community funds most deals within a day, often within minutes to hours, so you’ll never miss another growth opportunity.
Control your payment schedule
We pay your manufacturer to produce inventory. Make the introduction and you’re off and running! Outline your expected sales periods for customized payment terms. At the end of each sales period, submit sales reports and pay consignment profit to backers for each item sold.
Complete and repeat!
Complete your payment schedule and you’re done! Often once the community knows you, you’re likely to get lower rates on your next raise.
Where you’ve seen us
How to Get Startup Financing
Scaling a new business can be challenging. And raising funds to aid in that growth can be one of the most taxing aspects. Without proper funding, you can struggle to invest in growth strategies like expanding your product line, increasing your marketing efforts, and hiring additional talented individuals.
Identifying financial resources to help fuel your expansion can ensure you get and stay on a growth trajectory.
The difficulty is that your startup has no trading or credit history and most loan providers want to see that a company is profitable before lending it cash. It’s a Catch-22 situation.
One common way to get around this is bootstrapping: gathering all the savings and credit you have available to scrape together the money for your first order. Bootstrapping can work and has the advantage that you retain all control of the business without diluting your equity. But for many, it is not a complete solution; often, the costs associated with beginning a business exceed what partners are able to source through friends and family. But some lenders will look at startups, though track record is obviously an advantage.
What is startup inventory financing?
Inventory financing is a common way for product businesses to raise the capital they need to purchase or manufacture the goods they’ll later sell. The cash is supplied as a short-term loan or as a line of credit. In both cases, no collateral is required as the inventory itself is the collateral. Should something unforeseen inhibit your ability to repay, the lender will repossess the inventory and sell it to repay their loan.
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How does startup inventory financing work?
An inventory finance company rarely provides 100% of the cost of the goods you are buying. The lender has to take into account the value of the goods if the borrower defaults. In that case, the inventory is possessed and liquidated by the loan provider, which is unlikely to get full retail value. Consequently, lenders will often offer around 50-80% of the money you need, depending on the value of the goods you’re purchasing.
The problem for startups is that many inventory financing lenders require good business credit and a positive financial track record. By definition, a new startup has neither of these.
Sales over $150,000? Kickfurther can fund your inventory. Apply Now!
It may be better for a startup in its first few months of trading to look elsewhere for finance. There are peer-to-peer platforms that may be willing to lend to startups with innovative business plans. Also, angel investors are always looking for opportunities to put money into interesting startups with great ideas.
What are the pros and cons of inventory financing for startups?
Pros
- Businesses can avoid costly out-of-stock scenarios on their best product(s).
- Additional financing means that your working capital is unaffected by purchasing new inventory, and your business can run smoothly.
- With no collateral needed besides the inventory itself, you can be sure that your property and assets are safe if your startup fails.
- It’s generally easier to get than other forms of financing because the inventory acts as collateral.
Cons
- It’s always going to be difficult to obtain – you need to have a great idea if you’re going to secure inventory financing for your startup.
- You should also be aware that startup financing is rarely available if you wish to get your products manufactured.
- Sometimes the interest rates imposed by the lender can make inventory financing an expensive way to borrow money.
What is required to get a startup business loan?
Sometimes it can seem that the odds are stacked against startups, with lenders being unwilling to lend money to untried businesses. From their perspective, that is hardly surprising; why risk lending money to a company that can’t prove profitability ability to repay the loan?
To get a startup business loan, you’ll need an extremely detailed business plan that shows your research, where you plan to sell, why you plan to do things as you do, and so on. It should also detail your experience in your field to show credibility in leading a business there. Ideally, you have already worked in that industry and are now applying your expertise to your own startup; if not, does a co-founder, investor or advisor? You’ll likely also need an excellent personal credit score to illustrate your money management skills.
Many startup business loans are available locally, to help businesses in certain economies and communities flourish. If you find you have these options available to you, do your research into what they require from you to start your application.
What will a startup loan cost?
This entirely depends on the lender, the type of finance and the amount borrowed. When you’re comparing startup loans, don’t be tempted to simply take whatever is offered, especially if it’s even larger than you planned. Remember that you need to be able to afford the repayments comfortably to avoid endangering your startup’s success.
Can you get an SBA loan for a startup?
The most popular Small Business Administration loans are the 7(a) and 504. They offer low rates, long terms and large amounts but are not designed for startups. High credit scores, a good financial record, and longevity are all important if you are to secure one of these much sought after business loans.
The only SBA loans available for startups are their microloans. SBA microloans are available to startups and businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans for amounts up to $50,000. This is a good option for those who fit into these demographics, but they are often offered by community-based organizations, which can mean you may or may not have one near you.
Which startups should consider inventory financing?
Any commerce business with a solid business plan that needs to buy products should consider inventory financing. In an ideal world (to make accessing funding and other resources easier for your business), you would fund your first sales out of your own pocket/fundraising to establish a viable product and market, then seek inventory financing when you have proof that customers are purchasing from you. If you can do this, you will be in a strong position when you apply for startup inventory financing, because you will have proof of concept.
What are the best options for startup business loans?
Young companies should investigate the many options listed here to help bolster their initial funding. They should find success here fairly accessible.
- Microloans from the SBA and other organizations – do your research for what is available to you and businesses in your area as there are often local grants, especially if you will be running a brick and mortar store.
- Friends and family – it’s not easy to ask, but it’s always worth it. If you do borrow from friends and family, put a contract in place and pay them back as you would any other lender. If you don’t, you can risk permanently damaging your relationships.
- Credit cards – getting those first sales is key, so sometimes using business credit cards or your personal credit cards is the best way to purchase that early inventory and advertising, as long you don’t endanger your own financial health.
- A personal loan is a common way for startups to get their funding. If you are still working for someone else and have a good credit score, then a personal loan will likely get you the best rates as you get your business off the ground.
- Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending
- Grants from government agencies or private foundations – it’s a good idea to spend some time exhausting these options, as every dollar counts in the early days of your business and these carry very favorable rates and terms.
- Inventory financing from lenders who will consider new businesses – since your inventory is collateral, you may find a lender that will take on this type of funding. 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. Examples of previously funded startup Kickfurther co-ops include: SUNJACK, Ellison Eyewear, Inc, and iFetch.
How to Apply for a Startup Loan
Due to the age of your business, lenders will want to see every piece of evidence that your business can grow to profitability. To do that, prepare a comprehensive and realistic business plan that will show a loan provider that you are a bankable risk. Try to be as ready to start operating as you can to prove to them you are ready to put your plan into action. All startup loan applications will be different, but if you have the right plan, the right history, and accurate facts and figures, you give yourself the best opportunity to secure funding.
Getting the capital to begin a startup is rarely easy. But if you put in the effort, and you see a fit within the market for your idea, you will succeed, even if it requires some lateral thinking. The key thing is to ensure that you understand any finance that is offered.
Once you’ve crossed over $400,000 in annual sales, Kickfurther can help you fund inventory to meet demand without exhausting your cash on hand and help unlock volume-ordering discounts to improve your profit margin.
Additional Startup Inventory Financing FAQs
What are startups in business?
Startups are young companies in the very infant stages. Startups can be of all sizes but are usually fairly small. As entrepreneurs ponder on their best ideas and daydream about the future, they may find one that they must live out. Startups are usually a unique product or service that founders want to bring to market. It’s perfectly normal for a startup to lack a fully developed business model or plan and adequate funding too, but if things take off, this should quickly change. Startups are often funded by founders until they are established enough to receive outside funding. Some well-known companies that have changed the way we do things once started as a startup. For example, Airbnb, Uber, Square, and Instagram were all once a struggling startup thriving on a valuable idea. In most cases, startups begin as a sole proprietorship, but can easily grow from there.
What are the 4 types of startups?
While there are other types of startups aside from the following, the four main types of startups are as follows.
#1. Small Business Startups
Small business owners are an elite group of entrepreneurs truly willing to risk it all. Driven by a belief in their product or service they devote their lives to helping others with their product or service while trying to make a living. Startups can start as a small business. If they do, they’ll likely have a team of employees and some money behind them. Tech startups often fall under this category. While it can be difficult to raise funding, small business startups have the opportunity to pivot faster to meet market demand since they’re already established. Small business startups may not ever become profitable. It’s normal for small business startups to be created with the sole intention of being sold.
#2. Lifestyle Business Startups
Lifestyle brands are on the rise. Entrepreneurs that create products or services as a direct result of their own lifestyle can start a lifestyle business startup. Lifestyle startups usually don’t require as much capital and are designed to be smaller. While they may be easier to start and operate, they may not be as profitable. These startups are usually driven by the goal of turning a profit that will sustain the founder rather than growing as fast as possible to be sold or reap major profits.
#3. Freelance Startups
Freelancers are certainly entrepreneurs. Their fearless spirit enjoys freedoms and being their own boss. Most freelancers stumble upon a niche and keep chasing it. Freelancers can contract out services or work on a per-project schedule and can cover just about any field from engineering to project management. Freelancing is most definitely a type of startup and you never know where it’ll take you.
#4. Solopreneur
Solopreneurs and freelancers are similar, but there’s one main difference. Solopreneurs run their own business while freelancers typically work for or have relationships with other businesses whom they perform services for. Solopreneurs are an employee and a founder bundled into one. While the stress may be high, solopreneurs are an elite breed that can achieve great success. Some even thrive on the stress and anxiety of needing to rely on themselves.
How do I start my own startup?
While we can break down the steps to start a startup, it’s not always clean and easy. Furthermore, it’s not always planned. Who knows when you will have that one idea that ignites an entire business journey. For inspiration, here are 6 steps involved with starting your own startup.
#1. The million dollar idea
The foundation of a startup is the idea. With so many successful products and services already on the market, you’ll need to bring fierce competition to earn a share of the market. Startups can improve existing products and services or create new ones, whatever you see fit. Keep in mind that consumers will also need to understand why your product or service is better so you’ll need to invest in marketing efforts.
#2. Plan your path to success
Startups often just start, and then realize their idea is growing but their foundation is not set. Should you choose to seriously pursue a startup, create a business plan and organize the steps you’ll need to take. Furthermore, when you’re ready to receive funding you can use the business plan to close investors.
#3. Raise capital
Startups will need access to funding to grow. Whether the funds come from personal accounts, friends or family, angel investors, bank loans, or some mix of the following, you’ll need healthy cash flow. In the beginning it may be hard to qualify for traditional financing so you may need to get creative. Once you have at least $150,000 or more in trailing 12 months revenue, you can apply for inventory funding at Kickfurther.
#4. Enlist the right people and get legal protection
You may plan to run your startup alone but more times than not others will be involved. As you build out your team, put in the work to attract the right people. One wrong fit could diminish your success. Furthermore as you involve others and prepare to begin serving customers, make sure there are no legal issues.
#5. Setup retail channels (online and/or storefront)
Securing the necessary real estate will be important in most cases. If a third party is producing products, you may be able to run the startup out of your home. But, at some point you’ll likely need more room. Determine if leasing or buying property makes more sense and consider tax deductions for commercial space. Selling online can create tremendous opportunity too, in fact some startups only sell online.
#6. Connect with a customer base
As a startup you may not entirely know who your target market is, but you should have a good idea. Be sure to invest in a thorough and effective marketing plan that targets your customer base. As you grow, constantly make changes to better define who your customer base is.
Do banks give loans to startups?
Some banks will loan money to startups, but usually with a hefty interest rate or serious collateral. In most cases, the bank will expect the business owners to borrow against their home or another significant asset to secure the loan. Startups are usually better off pursuing financing from alternative sources.
How much can you get for a startup business loan?
Most startup loans range from $9,000 to $20,000, but there’s really no rule for what’s possible. Some startups are able to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars. It will really come down to your ability to repay, your idea, and how much of a risk investors or backers are willing to take.
How do I qualify for business startup financing?
Qualifying for a startup business loan is no easy task. First, you’ll need to determine what kind of loan you need. Next, you’ll need to research what requirements are specific to the particular loan you need. Most lenders and investors will look at personal and or business credit scores and require documentation. Before applying for a loan make sure your credit score and financials are healthy as you’ll probably need good credit to qualify. Startups pursuing funds for inventory are highly encouraged to apply at Kickfurther for affordable inventory funding.
Is it hard to get startup business financing?
More times than not, startups fail. According to Investopedia, 90% of startups ultimately dissolve. Getting startup financing can be challenging and expensive. However, funding may be the difference between success and failure. If you’re confident in your mission, put in the work and get the financing you need, but always be aware of the cost. Kicfurther is the world’s first online inventory funding platform that enables small businesses to access funds that they are unable to acquire through traditional sources. At Kickfurther startups can access inventory funding up to 30% cheaper than traditional sources.
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Kickfurther FAQs
How does Startup Inventory financing with Kickfurther work?
Startups can access funding for inventory (or can get reimbursed for recently produced goods) from marketplace participants. The marketplace allows brands to access private funding at costs that can improve with each use. Your funding goes directly to your manufacturer for production of goods and you make no payments until you receive and begin selling new inventory.
How does Startup Inventory financing with Kickfurther work?
Startups can access funding for inventory (or can get reimbursed for recently produced goods) from marketplace participants. The marketplace allows brands to access private funding at costs that can improve with each use. Your funding goes directly to your manufacturer for production of goods and you make no payments until you receive and begin selling new inventory.
What are the requirements to qualify for Startup inventory financing with Kickfurther?
Your startup must be compliant with State and Federal regulations and have an established track record of sales. Kickfurther is for inventory financing so you must have a physical product. Finally, all businesses are subject to approval by the Kickfurther quality team
How can I create a co-op with Kickfurther?
- Launching a Co-Op involves 3 key steps:
- Create a basic profile including information about your business and product line. Once you’ve done this you can go live with an “upcoming Co-Op” profile that users can choose to follow to hear when your Co-Op launches.
- Determine your Co-Op structure using the Kickfurther calculator to determine costs, earnings, and timeline.
- Verify your Credibility Metrics with the Kickfurther team and finalize your Co-Op profile.
How fast will I get funded?
Once approved and the deal goes live, most deals fund within a day (often within minutes to hours), so you’ll never miss another growth opportunity
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