Crowdfunding vs. Other Loans: Which is Better?

Nowadays, businesses can access a plethora of financing options without ever going to the bank. However, choosing the best financing option that best meets your needs can be an overwhelming task. When choosing a funding source, you have to take into account a plethora of different factors such as your time in business, the purpose of the loan, and your overall creditworthiness. Without adequate research, your business can get stuck with a loan that you cannot afford. The good news is that there are new financing options out there that cater to more specific business ventures.

One such alternative financing option is crowdfunding.

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a relatively new financing option that allows businesses to raise capital through a series of small donations from multiple individuals. These individual backers, depending on the crowdfunding strategy that was used, are usually offered something in return for their monetary contribution. Sounds neat, right? Crowdfunding has effectively changed the fundraising landscape for businesses and has paved the way for various innovative ideas to get the funding it needs.

What are the different types of crowdfunding?

There are three main crowdfunding types based on what businesses are willing to offer in return to their investors. Let’s discuss equity-based, donation-based, and rewards-based crowdfunding.

Equity-Based Crowdfunding

When investors are offered shares or a stake in the company in exchange for an investment, that is equity-based crowdfunding. As opposed to other types of business financing options, equity-based crowdfunding does not have a debt component. Instead, investors are offered partial ownership of a company.

Donation-Based Crowdfunding

Donation-based crowdfunding is a type of crowdfunding that encourages a free flow of donations from multiple individuals. This type of crowdfunding is most often used by charities and social organizations to raise money for a charitable cause.

Rewards-Based Crowdfunding

As the name implies, rewards-based crowdfunding involves businesses soliciting a stream of financial donations from individuals in return for an incentive or a token of appreciation. For instance, a startup clothing brand may reward anyone that contributes a certain monetary amount with a limited edition piece of clothing.

Do you pay back crowdfunding?

It depends on the type of crowdfunding strategy you used. If you are raising money through donation-based crowdfunding, then the individuals that contributed to your cause are expecting nothing in return. This means that businesses are not obligated to repay monetary contributions or offer equity. On the other hand, if you opt to use rewards-based or equity-based crowdfunding, then you are expected to either offer a token, an incentive, or an ownership stake in your company. If you are seriously considering crowdfunding as your next business financing option, it’s important to weigh the different pros and cons of this type of funding.

Crowdfunding Advantages and Disadvantages

When it comes to inventory financing, crowdfunding can present several advantages and disadvantages. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled the most common pros and cons of crowdfunding.

Advantages of Crowdfunding

  • Little to no financial risk. Crowdfunding allows businesses to test the viability of a product, a project, or a business venture without spending a fortune on raw materials or making a huge investment.
  • Fundraising and marketing in one go. One great thing about crowdfunding is that it lets you raise the necessary capital you need while also validating your business idea. With crowdfunding, you would be able to gauge whether or not your business idea will generate enough demand to be profitable.
  • You can opt to not give up your equity. Depending on the type of crowdfunding used, businesses can offer perks or rewards instead of equity. This helps you keep full ownership of your company and in charge of all business decisions.
  • Great way to test the market. What makes crowdfunding unique is that it enables businesses to test the market before making a huge investment. If your crowdfunding campaign succeeds, this means that there is ample demand for the product or service that you are offering. If it doesn’t, then maybe it’s time to go back to the drawing board and start over.

Disadvantages of Crowdfunding

  • Takes a lot of time and effort. The truth is that crowdfunding is a lot of work. From writing persuasive content to developing convincing marketing campaigns, you have to make sure that your campaign is interesting enough and that it conveys what your business is trying to achieve.
  • May come with a lot of fees. Keep in mind that most crowdfunding platforms take a percentage of the funds raised by successful crowdfunding campaigns. You’ll also likely encounter signup fees and third-party payment processor fees.
  • Risk of losing intellectual property. One of the requirements of a crowdfunding campaign is for a business to disclose its business idea. Unless your idea is protected by the necessary measures, you are risking losing valuable information about your product and opening the door for copycats.
  • There is always a possibility of failure. Crowdfunding is becoming increasingly congested with thousands, if not millions, of crowdfunding campaigns being hosted each day. If your campaign doesn’t stand out, chances are you wouldn’t be able to meet your funding goal. It is also important to note that if you don’t meet your campaign goal, even if you raised a significant amount of money, you would not receive anything.

Is crowdfunding a good option to consider for inventory funding needs?

Fortunately, crowdfunding is a constantly evolving financial product. It has developed offshoots that focus on specific causes such as women-led projects, minority-owned businesses, social and environmental causes, as well as a platform that solely hosts inventory crowdfunding initiatives. If you are considering crowdfunding as an option to fund your inventory needs, you should check out Kickfurther.

Kickfurther is an inventory financing platform that allows businesses to raise funds through consignment opportunities or co-ops. Brands go through a strict vetting process that involves a review of their sales performance, personal and business credit history, as well as an internet search for any negative or criminal news about the business. This ensures that businesses using Kickfurther are a great fit for the platform and its community. If you want more information, visit www.kickfurther.com.

What are the most common types of inventory financing?

Apart from crowdfunding, there are several ways that businesses can choose to finance their inventory. If you think crowdfunding does not suit your business’s needs, check out these other inventory financing options:

Short-Term Loans

As the name implies, short-term business loans are mostly associated with loans that have shorter repayment periods. These loans are often offered by traditional financial institutions like banks and credit unions. This type of loan can be used for a variety of purposes such as purchasing equipment, financing expansion projects, or developing a new product. The only downside to this type of loan is that it often has higher interest rates compared to other types of loans.

Lines of Credit

A business line of credit is more flexible compared to term loans as it can be accessed anytime as long as businesses pay their balance on time and do not go over the borrowing limit. This could be a great option for inventory financing as a revolving line of credit could help businesses buy additional inventory during peak shopping seasons.

Personal Savings

Depending on the circumstances, using money you’ve saved up could be a great way to cover cash flow shortages. The main advantage of using your personal savings is that you do not go into debt. However, it’s important to note that this should be a last resort as you risk losing your investment forever in case your business folds.

Credit Cards

Credit cards can be used to cover day-to-day expenses while also accumulating points and rewards. When choosing a credit card as an inventory financing option, make sure to look for financial institutions that offer interest-free financing that would let you pay for big purchases over time without paying for added interest.

Online Loans

Online loans are offered by, you guessed it, online lenders. Online lenders are not associated with traditional financial institutions and are often seen as an alternative to banks. Like other loans, the amount that a borrower can qualify for is based on their overall creditworthiness. However, that does not mean that bad credit can hinder you from getting approved for an online loan. Online lenders are known to be more flexible when it comes to a borrower’s qualifications and can be a great option for borrowers that have exhausted other efforts to secure other types of loans.

How to apply for an inventory financing loan?

Inventory financing loans allow you to leverage your inventory to be able to secure additional funding. However, not all businesses will be able to qualify for an inventory financing loan. For a business to enjoy the many benefits of inventory financing, it must first meet the following criteria:

  • Must be operational for at least one year
  • Must be a product-based business with a reliable inventory management system
  • Must agree to a due diligence process
  • Must provide relevant and accurate financial statements
  • Must prove that the business is profitable
  • Must provide credit history and scores

Key Takeaway: Which Financing Option Is Best For Your Business?

Choosing from the many different types of inventory financing loans can be overwhelming. If we could leave you with one piece of advice, it’s this: shop around! The truth is that not all inventory financing loans are created equal. As a responsible business owner, don’t forget to compare interest rates, maximum loan amounts, and repayment terms offered by various lenders to be able to determine which loan will give you the best deal possible.

About Kickfurther

Kickfurther is the world’s first online inventory financing platform that enables companies to access funds that they are unable to acquire through traditional sources. We connect brands to a community of eager buyers who help fund the inventory on consignment and give brands the flexibility to pay that back as they receive cash from their sales. This alleviates the cash-flow pinch that lenders can cause without customized repayment schedules, allowing your brand to scale quickly without impeding your ability to maintain inventory or financial flexibility.

How to Find a Manufacturer for Your Product Company

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to entrepreneurship, the exhilarating feeling of owning and operating your very own business is second to none. However, what most business owners don’t realize is the plethora of factors to consider prior to developing and selling a product. One of which is finding the perfect product manufacturer. Luckily for you, we did the heavy lifting and compiled a list of tips to help you find the right partner that would assist you in creating and producing your product. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a product manufacturer?

A manufacturer is defined as a person or a company engaged in the development and production of finished products. Typically, manufacturing involves the use of skilled labor and machinery and equipment to create goods to be sold to consumers. Product manufacturers play an integral role in the success of a business as it serves as the foundation to a company’s supply chain. Manufacturing companies also contribute to the economy through increased job creation and economic activity.

What are the different types of product manufacturers?

In this section, we will explore the three main types of product manufacturers and practices. Check them out below:

Make-to-Stock (MTS)

Make-to-Stock, or MTS, is a production strategy used by businesses to gauge production commodities based on forecasted sales and expected demand. This type of product manufacturing strategy is a conventional method where commodities are produced on a larger scale to maximize the use of labor and equipment. However, one big downside to using this “push” production system is that one simple error may spell disaster for your cash flow and the shelf life of your products.

Make-to-Order (MTO)

Make-to-Order (MTO) is entirely different compared to the Make-to-Stock method. This business production strategy is based on actual customer demand. MTO enables companies to produce goods only after customers have placed an order for products based on their specifications – eliminating the need for “cookie-cutter” styles and reducing stock wastage. This product manufacturing technique works well with products that can be easily made or assembled. If you’re planning to make use of the MTO strategy for your business, it’s important to note that there may be an increase in cost and production time since products are custom-made.

Make-to-Assemble (MTA)

The Make-to-Assemble (MTA) production strategy, also known as Assemble-to-Order (ATO), combines both the significant components of MTS and MTO wherein a company assembles a product only after an order has been placed. In a typical MTA scenario, the assembly of a product is initiated after a sales order has been generated and the customer has specified their requirements. Businesses can then respond to an order through the use of readily available materials that can be customized with little added time needed.

How to find a product manufacturer?

Researching “how to manufacture a product” or “how to find a manufacturer for your product” would be useless if you don’t have a complete grasp of your business’s capabilities. The most important thing to remember is that not all businesses and not all manufacturers are the same. Your product specifications may better fit the expertise of one manufacturer as opposed to another. The best course of action to take is to look inwards and understand what you, as a business, need. If you’re wondering where to start, check out some tips below:

  • Is there a demand for your product? Before investing in product development, it’s crucial to determine if there’s enough demand for your product. Understanding if there is enough demand for your product gives you an overview of the market, who your customers are, and how profitable your product idea is.
  • Domestic vs Overseas. First things first: Do you need a domestic or overseas manufacturer? A domestic manufacturer is a company that produces goods in the country that you are located. On the other hand, an overseas manufacturer produces goods from another country. When choosing between a domestic and an overseas manufacturer, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons associated with each model and identify whether it aligns with your business model.

Domestic Manufacturing Advantages

    • Easier communication
    • Higher labor standards
    • Better product quality
    • Greater oversight on production

Domestic Manufacturing Disadvantages

    • Can be expensive
    • Limited production capabilities

Overseas Manufacturing Advantages

    • Easy access to a skilled workforce
    • Greater production variety
    • High-volume capability
    • Fewer legal and economic regulations

Overseas Manufacturing Disadvantages

    • Businesses can encounter cultural barriers
    • Quality control concerns
    • Minimum order quantities often involve large-scale orders
    • Risk of losing intellectual property
  • Check online listings. It’s also important to check listings online. The Better Business Bureau hosts a portal that lets you gauge a manufacturer’s capabilities without having to do tedious site visits. While this will not provide you with a complete overview of a manufacturer’s competency, it’s a great place to start!
  • Ask for a referral. Asking for a referral should be a core part of your evaluation of potential manufacturing candidates. Reach out to family, friends, and business partners and ask if they can refer manufacturers based on your product specifications. Asking for a referral may be an effective way to gain insight into a particular manufacturer since you’re asking the people closest to you about their honest opinion.
  • Don’t focus on the price. Pricing – One common pitfall when it comes to finding a product manufacturer is putting too much emphasis on price. Before anything else, you should first focus on the quality of production if you want your customers to be happy. Keep in mind that getting the best deal from your suppliers does not necessarily mean negotiating the lowest possible price. Rather, other factors such as payment terms, product quality, and logistics should also be taken into consideration.

What to look for in a product manufacturer?

Now that you have done your due diligence when it comes to finding the right product manufacturer, it’s now time to validate their capabilities.

  • Technical know-how – Once you’ve identified the type of manufacturer you’re looking for, the next thing to consider is their expertise and technical know-how. Does your potential manufacturer produce quality products that are sturdy and fit for consumption? What type of products do they specialize in? Are they able to send product samples? These are just some of the factors to consider before partnering with a manufacturer. Remember, your supply chain heavily relies on a great partnership between you and your manufacturer. Make sure to look into quality standards, production practices, and client testimonials.
  • Production capabilities – One rule of thumb is to take a look at how big their facility is. Having an established factory supporting your business allows you to scale your products as you grow and expand. If you’re serious about bringing your products to a bigger market, having the support of a big factory is what you need. The last thing you want is to keep worrying about the quality of your products and if they will be delivered on time. You don’t want to keep switching manufacturers because of safety and quality issues, right?

Supply Chain Risks You Need to Consider

As with most things in business, there are certain risks to take into account. However, with proper due diligence and research, you will be able to place preemptive measures to eliminate some of the headaches that you may encounter when finding the right manufacturer for your business.

  1. Federal, state, local regulations – As a business owner, one of the first risks to consider is taxes and regulations. However, it’s understandable that you don’t have the time to learn the ins and outs of business practices in another state or another country. The quick fix? Consider hiring a sourcing company. A sourcing company will help you identify the best manufacturer for your product and ensure that the final product fulfills your expectations.
  2. Labor concerns – Whether it’s poor working conditions or a lack of skilled labor, businesses must make certain that their products are being made by manufacturers that have sound labor practices to ensure product quality and efficacy. Staying on top of your manufacturer’s labor standards will prevent you from facing liability issues down the road.
  3. Quality control – In manufacturing, quality control guarantees that products are well-built and are free from defects. Conduct a site visit to personally inspect a potential manufacturer’s quality control measures. And once you’ve sealed the deal, make sure to schedule frequent site visits. By scheduling frequent factory visits, not only are you showing how serious you are about building a business relationship with your manufacturer but it will also give you a deeper insight into the amount of care and attention to detail being given to your products.
  4. Intellectual property risks – For many businesses, intellectual property is often the most important thing to keep secure. Protecting your IP means you’re preventing copycats from stealing your million-dollar product idea. Before making hasty decisions, make sure to secure the necessary trademarks, copyrights, and patents for your product. When choosing a potential manufacturer, also ask about their intellectual property security protocols. In this way, you can take necessary legal action in the event of an IP infringement.
  5. Financial risk – Failure to consider the previously mentioned factors may put your company at serious financial risk. From equipment failure to delayed shipments, it would be wise to consider another option to manufacture your products and avoid tying up cash on future inventory orders. Ever heard of Kickfurther?

How can Kickfurther help your business?

Kickfurther is the world’s first online inventory financing platform that enables companies to access funds that they are unable to acquire through traditional sources. We connect brands to a community of eager buyers who help fund the inventory on consignment and give brands the flexibility to pay that back as they receive cash from their sales. This alleviates the cash-flow pinch that lenders can cause without customized repayment schedules allowing your brand to scale quickly without impeding your ability to maintain inventory. 

The Basics of Inventory Crowdfunding [Explained]

One of the most important aspects of running a business is proper cash management. Without it, businesses wouldn’t be able to provide their cover services or secure enough inventory to meet customer demand. Poor cash management can even lead to debt and, in the worst-case scenario, business failure.

In the digital era, businesses have been given plenty of innovative ways to address their cash flow issues. From online loans to crowdfunding, businesses can now pick and choose which type of financial solution best meets their current funding requirements. In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of crowdfunding as well as how it can help finance a business’s inventory needs.

What is Crowdfunding?

Put simply, businesses use crowdfunding by tapping into a “crowd” of people and asking them to donate small amounts of money in order to reach a specific monetary goal. This type of financing option is often used by small to medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations to finance a new business venture, expand a brand’s product line, or raise money for a charitable cause. Crowdfunding has effectively changed the fundraising landscape for startups – allowing them to raise the cash that they need while also generating public interest in their business idea.

Hosting a crowdfunding campaign involves a lot of work. You have to make sure that you have an appealing business plan, the drive to succeed and grow, and a marketable product that people can easily support. If you’re planning to conduct a crowdfunding campaign, make sure to put in the time and effort to learn what makes crowdfunding campaigns successful. Remember, there are thousands – if not millions – of active crowdfunding campaigns at a time. How will you set your brand apart?

What are the Different Types of Crowdfunding?

Due to its convenience and ease of use, crowdfunding has become a popular method for businesses to raise cash in a short amount of time. However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. As with other business decisions, you have to make sure that the type of crowdfunding campaign aligns with your current financial requirements and, ultimately, your business model. Fortunately, crowdfunding has developed offshoots that cater to what businesses need and what they can offer in return. Let’s talk about donation, rewards, and equity crowdfunding.

Donation-Based Crowdfunding

Donation-based crowdfunding involves investors freely donating money to a charitable cause without expecting anything back. This type of crowdfunding campaign is more commonly used by charities and other nonprofit organizations.

Rewards-Based Crowdfunding

As the name implies, rewards-based crowdfunding means investors having the expectation of receiving an incentive or a “reward” for their monetary donation. Rewards-based crowdfunding is a great way for startups to raise money if they have already exhausted every effort to acquire traditional small business loans.

Equity-Based Crowdfunding

Similar to rewards-based crowdfunding, equity-based crowdfunding involves businesses offering a stake in their company in exchange for an investment. Unlike other crowdfunding models, equity-based crowdfunding does not have a debt component. Instead, investors are given partial ownership of a company and stand to make a profit from their investment if the company grows.

But what if you’re only trying to raise capital to be able to purchase additional inventory and meet consumer demand? The good news is that crowdfunding has evolved to support specific causes such as social and environmental projects, women and minority-owned businesses, as well as a platform that solely offers equity crowdfunding campaigns for startups. If you’re trying to raise money for your inventory, one funding platform that focuses on inventory funding is Kickfurther.

What Is Inventory Crowdfunding? How Does Inventory Crowdfunding Work?

But first, what exactly is inventory crowdfunding? Inventory crowdfunding means exactly how it sounds. Businesses offer various consignment opportunities to individual investors and earn a profit when the inventory is sold. Inventory crowdfunding provides another channel where startups can raise money after getting rejected by banks and credit unions. If you’d rather pay your community of supporters rather than traditional financial institutions, then inventory crowdfunding may be the right funding option for you.

How Can Kickfurther Help Your Business?

Kickfurther is the world’s first online inventory financing platform that enables companies to access funds that they are unable to acquire through traditional sources. We connect brands to a community of eager buyers who help fund the inventory on consignment and give brands the flexibility to pay that back as they receive cash from their sales. This alleviates the cash-flow pinch that lenders can cause without customized repayment schedules allowing your brand to scale quickly without impeding your ability to maintain inventory. 

 How Does Kickfurther Work?

  • Businesses are required to prove their strong sales performance before they can initiate a Kickfurther crowdfunding campaign. Investments, as mentioned, typically come in the form of consignment opportunities. After the strict vetting process, businesses can then start a crowdfunding campaign.
  • Once the monetary goal has been reached, Kickfurther buys the inventory for the businesses. Before receiving the inventory, businesses are required to specify a production time frame, a rate of return, as well as payout dates.
  • After the inventory has been sold, investors earn payments.

Inventory Crowdfunding vs Traditional Loans: Which One to Use?

The great thing about inventory crowdfunding is that businesses can easily gauge the success of their crowdfunding campaign based on how much buzz they generate and their own sales performance. On the other hand, traditional loans have a time-consuming due diligence process and may come with a lot of extra costs and fees. Another downside to traditional fundraising activities is that it requires you to put a lot of time and effort to convince your target investors why you need additional funding and why they should support your cause. At the end of the day, it’s ultimately up to you to determine which type of financing option best meets your funding needs.

Are there alternatives to inventory crowdfunding?

Since we’re comparing these alternative financing options with crowdfunding, we’re going to veer away from traditional financing options that can prove to be difficult to acquire. Check out some of the easiest to obtain alternative financing options below!

  • Online loans – This alternative to traditional lending usually comes in the form of unsecured loans. Generally, online loans are easier to obtain because of lower credit requirements. The downside is that payment terms are usually shorter and include a higher interest rate.
  • Angel investors – An angel investor is a high-income individual who invests in a startup or a small business venture. These individuals with a significant amount of disposable income provide the necessary funding for businesses in exchange for an equity position in the company.
  • Family and friends – This is probably our least favorite alternative but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do, right? Borrowing from family and friends is risky since it might affect your personal relationship with them in case you become unable to pay back what you owe. Please consider this type of financing carefully.
  • Merchant cash advances – If all else fails, you can always apply for a merchant cash advance. A merchant cash advance is a financing option that involves lenders granting cash advances to businesses in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of future debit or credit card sales.

Can You Finance Your Inventory With Crowdfunding?

If you’ve reached this part of the article, then you know that the answer is yes! Crowdfunding is a great financing option to scale your inventory needs without the binding commitment of a traditional loan. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay back what you owe! As mentioned above, businesses that use crowdfunding could either offer a reward or equity to the people that donated money to their campaign. It is also important to note that a majority of crowdfunding platforms charge a fee for hosting your crowdfunding campaign.

Key Takeaways

  • Crowdfunding is when individual backers fund a new business venture, expand a brand’s product line, or raise money for a charitable cause.
  • Inventory crowdfunding is a type of crowdfunding strategy that links businesses with individual investors to fund consignment opportunities and make a profit when inventory is sold.
  • Kickfurther, an inventory crowdfunding platform, enables businesses to fund their inventory purchases by asking backers to donate small amounts of money to meet a funding goal. Once the funding goal is met, Kickfurther buys the inventory for the business and, when the inventory is sold, backers will receive a percentage of profits depending on the amount of inventory sold.

Amazon FBA: What is it & How does it work?

If you’re wondering how to start an Amazon FBA business, you’re not alone. While it’s true that all the information is readily available online, the amount of time you have to put in to learn the ins and outs of Amazon selling may easily scare you. The good news is that we did the heavy lifting and compiled all the information you need to kickstart your Amazon journey. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Amazon FBA. Read on to find out more!

What is Amazon FBA?

If you’re new to eCommerce selling, the “FBA” in Amazon FBA means Fulfilled by Amazon. What this means is that you send your products to an Amazon FBA warehouse and Amazon stores your inventory for you. And, whenever you receive an order, Amazon processes it and handles the packaging and shipping. Using Amazon FBA not only lets you take advantage of Amazon’s amazing customer service, but you’ll also save a lot of money on storage fees.

How does Amazon FBA work?

This type of business model offers a straightforward method for online retailers to take advantage of Amazon’s fulfillment solution without having to worry about complex logistics processes. Amazon FBA is a cost-efficient way to make your operations leaner. Amazon will even handle the customer side of things for you too! The only downside? You have to forecast the demand for your products accurately and then buy the inventory long before you sell it since you still have to ship it to Amazon’s warehouses.

How do you make money using Amazon FBA?

Can you really make money selling on Amazon? The simple answer is yes, you can! However, it is important to note that making money on Amazon depends on a lot of factors.

  • What items are you planning to sell? As with any business, your profitability all boils down to determining the best items to sell. Have you done your market research? Is there enough demand for your product to be profitable? What’s the competition like? Answering these questions would not only help you identify which products to sell but also help you better understand your target market.
  • Deals, deals, and more deals! If you have a knack for deal shopping, then you have the potential to make a lot of money reselling items on Amazon. Making the most out of discounts and deals would let you maximize your profits regardless of the sourcing method you use.
  • Do your due diligence. In any business undertaking, going in blind is a surefire way to lose money. Researching your target market, determining the best product to sell, mastering a sourcing method, and understanding all the fees and costs involved allows you to develop a strategy that guarantees profit and mitigates risk.

What can you sell with Amazon FBA?

Whether you’re an experienced seller or just starting out, finding the best products to sell on Amazon can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are certain guidelines that you can follow to know what to sell on Amazon FBA.

  • Choose a competitive item – We cannot reiterate this enough, choosing a competitive product to sell on Amazon means you’ll likely keep your inventory moving at a steady pace. Make sure to put in the work and determine a product that fulfills a particular need. The more in demand a product is, the easier it is to sell.
  • Choose an item that’s small and light – It should come as no surprise that the heavier and the bulkier the product, the more complicated the logistics will be. Simply put, having a larger product would mean extra storage and shipping fees charged to your Amazon business.
  • Choose an item that’s easy to source – Regardless of the sourcing method you choose, offering an item that’s easy to source means lowering instances of stockouts. In this way, you can focus less on the sourcing process and more on growing your brand.

How do you obtain inventory for Amazon FBA?

As mentioned above, one of the most important things to consider when starting an Amazon FBA business is choosing the best sourcing method. While it may seem complicated, obtaining inventory for your Amazon business is simple. The main thing to remember is that your sourcing method should align with the type of product that you are planning to sell. Here are some of the best ways to obtain inventory for your Amazon business:

  • Retail Arbitrage – Simply put, retail arbitrage means purchasing discounted products from a retail store and then reselling them at a higher price on Amazon.
  • Private Labeling – Private labeling is the practice of sourcing a product from a third-party manufacturer and then selling it under your own brand. With private labeling, you have complete control of a product’s design and specifications.
  • Dropshipping – Dropshipping is a business model that allows businesses to meet demand without having to carry inventory or ship goods. Essentially, a third-party supplier takes care of shipping the product to the customer – eliminating the need to store products in your own storage facility.
  • Online Arbitrage – Online arbitrage, much like retail arbitrage, is a sourcing method that involves businesses buying products on online marketplaces and flipping them for a profit.

What are the Amazon FBA seller fees?

Before wondering “how to sell on Amazon FBA,” you should first understand Amazon FBA’s seller fees. If you’re still unsure about what to sell and are selling only a few items per month, it’s best to go with the individual plan which is priced at $0.99 per item sold. On the other hand, if your Amazon business is already selling more than 40 items per month, you may want to switch to Amazon’s professional seller plan. The professional seller plan is priced at $39.99 and gives you access to Amazon’s advanced selling tools. It also enables you to qualify for top placement on top product detail pages.

Is Amazon FBA worth it?

It depends on your perspective. Individuals looking to start an online business can take advantage of the many benefits that Amazon offers. From increased online visibility to streamlined order packing and shipping, Amazon FBA enables businesses to focus more on delivering their core expertise. Check out some other Amazon FBA perks:

  • Does not need a ridiculous amount of startup capital
  • Amazon handles logistics for you
  • No need to store items in your home or a storage facility
  • Automatically offer free delivery with Amazon Prime
  • No overhead costs – run your business at home!

How can you fund your Amazon FBA business?

To kickstart your Amazon journey, you first need to raise enough capital to start your business. Fortunately, Amazon does not generally require an absurd amount of startup capital. Some of the financing options you can look into are microloans, short-term loans, lines of credit, credit cards, and crowdfunding.

  • Microloans – This type of funding option can finance your Amazon business and even scale your growth. Microloans can also be used as general working capital to cover recurring expenses, purchase additional inventory, initiate expansion, and upgrade equipment and machinery
  • Short-term loans – Often offered by traditional financial institutions, short-term loans can be easily acquired and without the need for collateral. However, note that short-term loans may not have the best interest rates and repayment terms as opposed to other types of business loans.
  • Lines of credit – A line of credit is a flexible loan provided by a financial institution that enables businesses to access a revolving line as needed. Businesses can either repay the amount they have borrowed immediately or over time.
  • Credit cards – If you need a quick funding source to pay for your Amazon inventory, credit cards can be a great option. The best thing about this funding option is that most banks offer cashback rewards that you can take advantage of as long as you pay your balance back in full and on time.
  • Funding Marketplace – Amazon FBA sellers can make use of the funding marketplace as a way to purchase their initial inventory. This method of raising capital involves the collective effort of family, friends, and individual backers online. If you’re looking for an inventory financing method such as this one, explore Kickfurther.

How can Kickfurther help your Amazon FBA business?

Kickfurther is the world’s first online inventory financing platform that enables companies to access funds that they are unable to acquire through traditional sources. We connect brands to a community of eager buyers who help fund the inventory on consignment and give brands the flexibility to pay that back as they receive cash from their sales. This alleviates the cash-flow pinch that lenders can cause without customized repayment schedules allowing your brand to scale quickly without impeding your ability to maintain inventory. 

How we work:

Connect with an Account Rep
Create your business account at kickfurther.com and meet with one of our account reps to create a potential deal. 

Link Manufacturer:
We pay your manufacturer to produce inventory. 

Establish Sales Periods:
You don’t pay until you start making sales. You’ll outline your expected sales periods for customized payment terms.

Pay as you Sell:
At the end of each of your sales periods, you’ll submit sales reports to Kickfurther. You only pay for what you’ve sold during that specific sales period you’re reporting on. 

For more information about Kickfurther, visit www.kickfurther.com.

How can an Amazon FBA business benefit from inventory financing?

You need a healthy amount of cash flow if you want your Amazon FBA business to remain competitive. If you are seriously considering inventory financing to fund your Amazon store, it’s important to take a look at some of its benefits to help you make an informed decision.

  • Prepare businesses for peak shopping seasons
  • Fund the development of a new product offering
  • Allow businesses to take advantage of bulk deals and other time-sensitive discounts
  • Fast application and review process
  • No need to pledge personal assets as collateral

Wrapping Up

So is Amazon FBA still worth it? Once you get the hang of selling as an Amazon FBA business, it becomes pretty easy. Much of the work lies in studying the best products to sell and identifying the best sourcing method that aligns with your business. The most common reason why businesses choose the FBA model is the many benefits that come with it. It’s now up to you, the business owner, to take advantage of the many great tools that come with your Amazon FBA subscription and watch as your business grows!

How to Secure Financing With Your Inventory as Collateral

Looking for an innovative solution that allows you to use inventory as collateral? Kickfurther innovates a unique approach that allows small businesses to give individuals the chance to buy inventory on consignment. We’re a low cost and flexible solution that has helped businesses grow and survive during the toughest economic times. However, there are other options that allow businesses to use inventory as collateral.

If you have been researching inventory loans you have probably heard about unsecured and secured inventory loans. Businesses that may be considered high risk to lenders may need to use a secured inventory loan or an alternative such as Kickfurther. If your credit history is questionable or you have short or inconsistent revenues or are a new business you may be struggling to find an inventory loan. You may be starting to think you just don’t qualify for an inventory loan but we are here to reassure you that you do qualify for an inventory loan. Before applying for an inventory loan you should evaluate your business plan to make sure you need one. We don’t say this to detour you but rather to encourage business owners to think through decisions extensively.

For example, let’s say you sell trendy jeans. You are a new company that has recruited influencers to advertise your brand. Word of mouth sales are picking up and next thing you know, a celebrity is recommending your line of jeans. Your company is starting to grow and it’s your job to keep up with the increase in demand. Part of keeping up with demand is making sure you have enough inventory. You may need to place an order much larger than the previous order but you don’t have the funds to do so. An inventory loan can provide the funds you need to purchase the amount of inventory you feel necessary. This is just one example of a company that could benefit from using an inventory loan.Below we will help business owners understand how to secure an inventory loans by using inventory as collateral.

What are the types of collateral for inventory funding?

When you use a secured loan with collateral the lender or bank can take ownership of the collateral if you default on the loan. When we say default, we mean miss multiple payments. Most banks won’t just take ownership of collateral with one missed payment. However, if you miss several payments or confess you are unable to repay the loan they can take ownership of the collateral. If you plan to borrow money to buy inventory, you can use the inventory you plan to buy as the collateral. Just about any kind of inventory can be used as collateral including. . .

  • Apparel
  • Vehicles
  • Furniture
  • Appliances
  • Electronics
  • Computers
  • Office Supplies
  • Cattle
  • Shoes
  • Jewelry

Assessing your Inventory Value

When you use a secured loan or inventory loan, the lender or bank will assess the value of your collateral and or assets. The business will get a portion of the assessed value. This is known as loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. For example, if you finance a vehicle you usually use the vehicle as collateral. If the blue book value of the vehicle is $10,000 and you can finance 110% LTV you can borrow $11,000 to purchase the vehicle. If the blue book value is $10,000 and you can finance 80% LTV, you can borrow $8,000 to purchase the vehicle. Inventory loan LTV’s work the same way, but typically lenders do not allow you to borrow 100% or more than 100% LTV. Most lenders allow businesses to borrow about 50% to 80% of the determined value of the collateral. If the bank needs to sell the inventory you provided as collateral, they need to make sure they get their money back. Therefore, the bank assumes they won’t be able to sell the inventory at market value. Most lenders base loans on liquidation or wholesale values rather than retail.

Benefits of Inventory Financing

Inventory financing can be a less expensive way for businesses to receive funding. There are many benefits of inventory financing for businesses. Ensuring you have plenty of inventory can help grow your business, increase revenue, and expand customer selection. In addition, inventory financing can help companies make sure they never miss out on a sale. If you are preparing for seasonal sales you may need to stock up on inventory before the holidays or your busy season. Busy seasons can vary depending on the type of business you own. If you need to stock up on inventory but don’t have the cash available you can use an inventory loan. Inventory loans can also help improve cash flow for companies. Business owners with credit challenges may benefit from inventory financing. Since you are providing collateral and the lender knows they will get their money back whether you pay or not, your credit history should have less impact on approval decisions. For growing businesses or business owners with credit challenges, secured loans or inventory loans can help establish credit. This can open up more opportunities and more financing options in the future.

While inventory financing has a long list of benefits for most businesses, it’s not a perfect solution for everyone. Business owners should evaluate the benefits and drawbacks as it relates to their company. If your company is struggling to sell products now, using an inventory loan may just create more stress and problems. However, if your company is selling products but needs more inventory to grow sales, using an inventory loan may help you achieve your growth goals. Business owners should take into consideration that regardless of how you borrow money, it costs more than paying cash. If profit margins are tight, inventory financing may cause you to operate at a loss or lower profit margin which could lead to future problems. You should take extra costs into consideration and factor them into your business plan. In some cases, inventory loans may have additional fees as well. Kickfurther offers extremely low fees and is up to 30% cheaper than other options.

Requirements for obtaining a loan with collateral

Requirements for obtaining a loan with collateral can vary depending on the type of loan and the lender. Requirements can also vary depending on how much you need to borrow. Some lenders may offer a secured line of credit while others may offer an inventory loan. They are both similar but a line of credit is more like a credit card. A line of credit provides companies with a revolving line of credit that allows them to access a certain amount of capital. Kickfurther has some basic requirements and a vetting process designed to qualify candidates to help ensure they will be successful. If you do not have proven sales or at least 6 months in business, Kickfurther may not be the best option for you. Some of the general requirements for obtaining an inventory loan with Kickfurther include. . .

  • Must sell physical products
  • Operates in the US
  • Business revenue of $150,000+
  • Proven sales
  • Legal business entity
  • Decent credit score and history (co-applicants welcome)

How does Kickfurther help businesses secure financing using inventory as collateral?

Kickfurther is the world’s first online inventory financing platform that enables companies to access funds that they are unable to acquire through traditional sources. We connect brands to a community of eager buyers who help fund the inventory on consignment and give brands the flexibility to pay that back as they receive cash from their sales. This alleviates the cash-flow pinch that lenders can cause without customized repayment schedules allowing your brand to scale quickly without impeding your ability to maintain inventory.

Key Takeaway

In conclusion, inventory loans secured by collateral can benefit businesses and customers. While traditional banks and credit unions may offer inventory loans, there may be alternative options available that are more cost effective. Finding an affordable inventory loan can be a smart financing option that is usually cheaper than using a credit card. In addition, paying off a secured loan can help establish business credit, thus allowing you to qualify for an unsecured loan in the future.

Create a business account today at kickfurther.com. 

Top Ways a Small Business Can Secure Inventory Funding

Inventory financing is an essential part of most successful business plans. Maintaining a plentiful supply of inventory can increase sales and revenue, while expanding customer selection. Small businesses that are struggling to find a low cost solution for inventory financing should pay close attention. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about small business inventory and small business funding.

What is small business inventory funding?

Small business inventory financing provides funds to purchase inventory to sell. However, small business inventory funding can also be peer-to-peer lending, crowdfund, or another unique approach like Kickfurther. Whether you are a retailer or wholesaler you can use a small business inventory loan as long as you are a legal business entity. Ideally, most companies strive to find the lowest cost solution for inventory financing. As a small business you may be struggling with this. Lenders often view small business loans as higher risk causing them to offer unfavorable terms for business owners. Small businesses looking for a low cost inventory financing solution should visit Kickfurther.

What are the different types of funding options available to small businesses?

Small business owners should explore and research the various funding options available to make an educated business decision. There are a variety of factors that should be considered when selecting the best financing option. Business owners should consider how much they need to borrow, how long they need to borrow money, how much they can repay monthly, etc. Deciding important factors like these can help you narrow down options. The next thing that can help you narrow down options is to see which options you actually qualify for based on basic lending requirements. Let’s take a look at some of the best funding options for small businesses. . .

#1. Small Business Loan (SBA)

The SBA is an independent agency of the federal government that was created in 1953. Their purpose is to aid, protect, counsel, and assist the interest of small business concerns. The SBA also strives to help strengthen our overall economy by helping small businesses. If you can qualify for an SBA loan it can be a good funding option. However, SBA loans may be difficult to qualify for with a lengthy and time consuming application process. Before applying for an SBA loan you should make sure you can meet the minimum qualifications. For more information on program eligibility you can visit the SBA’s website. If you qualify for an SBA loan you’ll need to apply using an SBA approved lender.  In the event a small business defaults on an SBA loan, the government guarantees the commercial lender will be repaid up to 85% of any loss. This reduces the risk to the lender and allows small businesses to take advantage of lower rates and competitive terms.

#2. Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit is a revolving line of credit that provides business owners access to capital. Most lenders require businesses to have at least 6 months in business and $25,000 in annual revenue to qualify for a business line of credit. In addition, you’ll most likely need to provide collateral and a good credit score for approval. Business owners can use a line of credit to cover pretty much any business related expenses. In addition, you should only be charged interest on the amount you use. A business line of credit is usually used for short-term funding making it a good option for inventory financing. If you use an unsecured line of credit it may have a variable interest rate and approval amount up to $100,000. In most cases, interest rates are lower for a business line of credit than a business credit card. Different lenders can have different qualifications for approval.

#3. Kickfurther

Kickfurther is the world’s first online inventory financing platform that enables companies to access funds that they are unable to acquire through traditional sources. We connect brands to a community of eager buyers who help fund the inventory on consignment and give brands the flexibility to pay that back as they receive cash from their sales. This alleviates the cash-flow pinch that lenders can cause without customized repayment schedules allowing your brand to scale quickly without impeding your ability to maintain inventory.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Small Business Inventory Funding

Part of making sound business decisions is considering benefits and drawbacks. It may be tempting to jump into applying for a small business inventory loan but we encourage business owners to slow down and enjoy the process. Clearly thinking through decisions can help produce positive results.  In most cases, small business inventory loans are a good thing that can help a business grow. However, for some businesses small business inventory loans may not fix your problems and may just cause more debt. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of small business inventory funding. . .

Benefits:

  • Increase revenue
  • Attract more customers
  • Improve customer retention
  • Expand customer selection
  • Smoother daily operations
  • Avoid running out of inventory
  • Deliver better customer service
  • Competitive advantage

Drawbacks:

  • Taking on debt
  • Increased inventory costs
  • Risk of damaging credit
  • Relatively short term loans
  • Some inventory loans can’t be used for other financing needs

Most Common Ways a Small Business Can Secure Inventory Funding

Earlier we discussed some of the most common ways small businesses secure inventory funding. To recap, most small businesses use an SBA loan, business line of credit, or Kickfurther. Regardless of which funding option you select, you should make sure you are well prepared before applying. Most lenders will want to see a solid business plan, consistent or increasing sales, profit and loss statements, and more. In most cases, you can access things a lender may request prior to submitting an application. If you can’t locate the information online you should call the lender. Having your documents prepared ahead of time can result in a smoother funding process for the business owner and lender.

Is inventory funding right for your small business?

Most likely, yes. Inventory funding can provide the funds your business needs to increase revenue and grow. However, if you are struggling with sales or fear being unable to repay loans or investors inventory financing may not help. Before taking an inventory loan it’s important to properly assess your business to identify problems and appropriate solutions.

Why Kickfurther?

30% lower costs:

When you compare our rates to other forms of funding, you’ll often see you’re saving. Companies returning to fund additional deals often see their rates fall each time.

Higher funding opportunities:

We have an average funding of $78,000 but can fund up to $1MM to manufacture new inventory or get reimbursed for current stock and reinvest in where your business needs it most.

Funded in Minutes:

Once approved, our community of backers fund most deals within a day, often within minutes to hours.

Custom Payment Terms:

You don’t pay back until you start making sales. This alleviates the cash-flow pinch lenders cause without customized repayment schedules.

Key Takeaway

Alternative options like us are designed to help small businesses achieve success. Small businesses deserve an affordable inventory financing solution. We can provide small businesses with the inventory financing they need with flexible terms.