- 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
WAREHOUSE
FINANCING
Warehouse inventory funding as low as 1% per month
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 business without adding debt or giving up equity.
- Often 30% lower cost than alternate lenders & factors
- Quickly fund $5,000,000+ in warehouse inventory
- Create a custom payment schedule (1-10 months)
- Fund warehouse inventory with no payments until revenue lands
Frequently asked Warehouse Financing questions
Scaling a 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. Traditionally, businesses can apply for government-provided loans such as SBA 7(a) loans and 504 loans, express loans, as well as microloans for underserved markets. Knowing why you need the money and understanding how much you can afford are both essential when facing financial hardship. The last thing you want is to get into more trouble financially, right? The good news is that businesses that have an extensive inventory can apply for another type of loan called warehouse financing.
What are the benefits of warehouse financing?
While it’s true that there are a lot of other options in the market when it comes to borrowing money, it all boils down to what you need. Here are some of the benefits of warehouse financing:
- Allows businesses to leverage existing inventory – Lenders that offer warehouse inventory financing require borrowers to use their inventory as collateral in the event that they become unable to repay their loan. However, this could also be seen as an advantage as the more valuable your inventory is, the bigger loan you might be qualified to apply for.
- Easier to get as opposed to other types of loans – As mentioned above, warehouse financing may be a bit easier to acquire compared to other loans because of the collateral involved.
- You don’t have to use all items in your inventory as collateral – Businesses are not required to use their entire inventory as collateral. As part of the lender’s due diligence process, a third-party representative may have to appraise your inventory to determine its value and identify the items stored as well as other relevant equipment that can be used as collateral.
Are there any disadvantages to warehouse financing?
One of the biggest disadvantages of warehouse inventory financing is that the lender can take over your collateral inventory and sell these items as a way to cover the loan. However, this will only happen if you become unable to fulfill your monthly payments.
Another thing to consider when applying for warehouse loans is that this type of loan usually involves a lot of money. Keep in mind that your prospective financial institution would be paying a third-party organization to perform an audit of your inventory, review your accounting process, as well as appraise the content of your collateral inventory. The costs for these types of services usually depend on the size of your warehouse as well as the number of items in your inventory. On top of that, your lender would also have to monitor your inventory on a regular basis for transparency purposes.
How does warehouse financing work?
Warehouse loans work by using your inventory as leverage to get the financing you need. If you’re a business that needs a quick cash injection, warehouse financing is an option that you can consider. Here are some steps to take note of when applying for warehouse financing:
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- Like most loans, you will have to apply for a loan with the agreement that you’ll repay what you owe over a fixed period and with interest.
<li”>Before getting approved, the lender will perform a review of your accounting system as well as an audit of the items in your inventory and other relevant equipment.
- After getting your loan approved, lenders will provide you with the funds that you can use to pay for business expenses or to purchase additional inventory.
- Depending on your loan terms, expect the lender to monitor your inventory regularly.
Additionally, don’t be surprised by the amount of involvement that a third-party organization may play in the terms of your loan as most of these functions should be performed by a neutral entity
What types of warehouse financing options are available?
If you’re unsure about applying for warehouse financing, you also have the option to consider alternative funding sources. Check out other financing options below to find out more:
CMBS Loans – CMBS loans, or commercial mortgage-backed securities, is a type of secured loan backed by mortgages on commercial properties rather than real estate. The collateral involved to secure this type of loan usually involves properties such as warehouses, retail stores, and offices.
SBA loans – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) works with lenders to provide loans to small businesses. The SBA does not lend money directly to small businesses but rather provides the guidelines for loans made by partner lenders, community development organizations, and other lending institutions. With SBA loans, warehouse-based business owners can avail of the SBA 7(a) and 504 loans which borrowers can use for pretty much a variety of business expenses. Keep in mind that the SBA is a governmental agency that might involve stricter rules and regulations.
How do you apply for warehouse financing?
Applying for warehouse financing involves a couple of processes from the borrower’s end and will vary in terms of business type and the inventory involved. Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to follow when applying for warehouse loans:
- Take a look at your financial standing – Do not be surprised when your lender asks you to provide your balance sheet, tax returns, bank statements, and other relevant financial documents.
- Determine your assets – Identifying your assets is the most important part of the process as it will influence your business’ value when applying for a loan. Lenders may take a look at your inventory list as well as machinery and equipment to determine whether these items may be used as collateral.
- Submit your application with all the relevant supporting documents – The tedious part of the process is completing your application and submitting all the relevant documents. No lender is the same so make sure to check with them directly about the requirements you would need to submit.
- Expect an audit – After completing your application, your lender may then perform their due diligence and audit your warehouse to make sure that everything is accurate.
- Wait for approval and funding – Once all the documentation is complete, you may be asked by your lender to complete some paperwork and then you’re good to go!
As with most financial decisions, it’s important for you and your business to justify the need for a loan. Loans are tricky things to navigate and could be detrimental to your business’ financial standing if you become unable to finance your monthly payments.
Closing Thoughts: Is Warehouse Financing Your Only Option?
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.
Examples of previously funded Kickfurther co-ops include:
Cece’s Warehouse
Great Scot International Inc.
Glacce
While there definitely is no guarantee that the additional inventory will be sold, this creative and innovative funding model is a great way for businesses to acquire fast funding to be able to meet market demand. With Kickfurther, businesses could expect no bureaucratic procedures and no more stockouts.
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HOW IT WORKS
- 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 repeate 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.
OTHER INDUSTRIES
See Who Else We’ve Helped
Frequently asked questions
Not seeing your questions here? Please feel free to reach out!
How does Warehouse inventory financing work with Kickfurther?
Brands can access funding for new 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 Shopify Capital funding goes directly to your manufacturer for production of goods and you make no payments until you receive and begin selling new inventory.
What is required to get funding with Kickfurther?
You must sell a physical product to get funded on Kickfurther. Your business 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 Kickfurther co-op?
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.