Nearly all companies, regardless of size, want to grow their business. Accepting orders can help you grow your business. However, if you lack the capital to fulfill the order, this can be problematic. At a minimum, large orders require an expenditure of capital to purchase supplies. Large orders may require a business to hire new staff members or purchase equipment, often an issue. What many business owners overlook is the potential to access the capital they need through purchase order financing.
What is Purchase Order Financing?
Purchase order financing or funding is a commercial loan option that some businesses turn to for necessary capital while growing. Generally, this type of financing is considered short-term and does not have a negative impact on the balance sheet of a company.
Companies typically use purchase order funding in specific business categories including:
- Distribution Businesses
- Import and Export Businesses
- Manufacturing Businesses
- Wholesale and Reseller Businesses
Other businesses may overlook PO financing, including concrete, landscaping, HVAC, and plumbing contractors that may be eligible. Staffing agencies may also find that the new purchase order they are considering is eligible for PO funding. Anyone who is considering providing any type of deliverable, with a pay period of 60 to 90 days, may have the option of using PO funding.
The basis for this type of innovative financing is that once a business has a qualified purchase order, it can borrow money against the terms of the PO. It can then use those funds to provide upfront payments to suppliers, ramp up production schedules, or meet other financial needs.
Advantages of PO Financing
Business owners who are interested in growth must be able to bid on larger orders and have the means of fulfilling those orders. PO funding means a company can get the working capital it needs to support increased sales efforts. This increases product availability and provides more favorable credit terms to its customers.
Another distinct advantage of having the ability to borrow money against a large purchase order is you can more effectively compete with other businesses in the same field, regardless of size. For small businesses that are seeking ways to “stand out” from the competition, the ability to bid on large orders can make a big difference.
Effectiveness of Purchase Order Financing
Too often, a small but growing business lacks the necessary capital to take on large orders because it does not have the required cash flow to meet the customer’s terms. This can stifle growth. Unfortunately, these same businesses may not have access to lines of credit or have the ability to borrow money through their bank.
Purchase order funding allows a company to take on a larger contract because it does not have to borrow money. Instead, it is getting the financial benefits of the new agreement.
Time from Application to Funding POs
Unlike traditional bank loans, companies can obtain purchase order financing in a relatively short period of time. Capstone’s process for PO funding means your request could be approved in just a few business days. Once approved, the time to wait for financing could be as little as three business days. This is a far different timetable than banks where funding your loan application could take weeks or months.
As a small or mid-sized business, you often do not have the required capital on hand. You don’t always have access to the capital you need to bid on larger contracts or to take on large orders. Because of this lack of funding, you could lose your competitive edge. Rather than bypassing growth opportunities, contact Capstone by email at or call us at (212) 755-3636. Let us help you take advantage of larger orders, which can help you accelerate your company growth.
