What is retail financing?

Retail financing refers to a loan or credit product retailers use to stabilise cash flow. Unlike traditional loans, the terms are usually negotiated between the borrower, lender and a third party when a borrower is ‘checking out’. These loans also tend to be shorter, which could mean high-interest rates.

Why is cash flow important for retailers?

Healthy retail cash flow allows businesses to meet their financial obligations and plan for the future. Balancing the inflows and outflows of cash your business generates is essential, as it can help you better weather fluctuations in demand and plan for unexpected costs.

How can I increase cash flow in my retail business?

Every retailer is keen to increase cash flow wherever they can — and luckily, there are a few ways to do it, including: Consider leasing equipment — If you need access to specific equipment, why not consider leasing? This may be a more cost-effective solution than purchasing outright. Offer discounts to customers — One easy way to boost sales? Start offering discounts to customers for a limited time. Consider selling inventory — Overinvesting is a common reason for cash flow issues in the retail industry. Reduce your stock and increase cash flow by selling off inventory you don’t need.

Why should I choose Marmalade to help my business with cash flow problems?

For too long, retailers have let cash flow issues keep them from achieving their goals. Marmalade gives you easier and faster access to your funds with no risk or unreasonable fees. This gives you the freedom to start prioritising growth and expansion. You’ll also no longer waste time chasing clients for payment, as we absorb all payment defaults.

How do I contact Marmalade to find more information on cash flow solutions for my business?

If you want to learn more about Marmalade or have questions about our product, please contact our friendly customer service team at (03) 9917 8567 or submit an enquiry online.

Retail

Retail has steadily become one of the most booming industries over the last several years. This is likely due to the mass surge in online shopping, which has provided unmatched convenience and flexibility to consumers.

That said, seasonal changes and fluctuating demand remain challenging for many retailers. And as a result, retail cash flow may dwindle.

More than 70% of SMBs experienced cash flow issues in the first half of 2021, citing unpaid invoices as the biggest reason for cash flow difficulties.

Cash flow is the heart of every business and ensures every area runs smoothly. However, our research found that more than 70% of SMBs experienced cash flow issues in the first half of 2021, citing unpaid invoices as the biggest reason for cash flow difficulties.

Negative retail cash flow, whether from unpaid invoices or slower sales, can wreak havoc on any retailer and could even be the reason you’re forced to close your doors for good. So what kind of financing assistance is available for retailers, and more importantly, which solution can drive the results you need?

Finance for retail — what are your options?

No matter how long you’ve been in business, every retail business needs a cash boost every now and then. And if you’ve been experiencing a dip in funds, you may be considering retail cash flow alternatives, such as a small business loan or credit card.

Small businesses loan

Business loans can give retailers access to instant cash, which they can use on anything, from investing in new equipment to renovating. It’s worth noting that business loans often feature high-interest rates and large upfront or ongoing fees, which can be a massive financial stressor.

Depending on the lender you opt for, they may also ask you to offer a form of security to be used as collateral against the loan. This is to minimise their risk of non-payment.

Tighter lending restrictions have also increased the number of rejected applications. Our research found that of the 260,000 small business loan applications submitted yearly, only 182,000 are approved. Not only does this leave you with little to go on, but being rejected also means a mark on your company's credit history.

Credit cards

Like a regular credit card, business credit cards provide instant cash to their users. Many business owners opt for a business credit card to pay for unforeseen expenses or to purchase new supplies — a flexible option when you need to cover smaller expenses.

While business credit cards come with massive credit limits and small interest rates, you can get in trouble if you cannot repay the balance and be stung with late payment fees. Annual and monthly service fees are another thing to be aware of — these can seriously eat into your company's budget.

So, how can retail owners safeguard their business without taking on additional risks and expenses? Meet Marmalade.

How to improve cash flow in small businesses with Marmalade

Between high-interest rates and stricter approval criteria, many retail SMBs may hesitate to seek alternative financing to help with their cash flow. And in our experience, this forces many businesses to close down or miss out on opportunities to grow. That’s why we decided to create a cost-effective product that puts retailers back in the driver’s seat.

Marmalade is a first-of-its-kind solution to a common cash flow problem: unpaid invoices. With Marmalade, users can relearn how to manage cash flow in retail by having instant access to funds. Here’s how Marmalade works:

Sign up to Marmalade and create your account
Issue invoices with your unique Marmalade Virtual Bank Account details
Select the invoices you want to cash-in
Get paid within 24 hours
Spend that money however you wish

Marmalade is not a lender or credit provider, so we do not charge any interest for our service, plus we happily absorb the risk of non-payment — giving you added peace of mind. Other flexible features that come with being a Marmalade user include:

Seamless integration with Xero and Quickbooks
Total visibility over the status of your invoices clear indications of what invoices you can receive early payment for
No time-consuming paperwork or security needed
Transparent and honest pricing

Discover a better way to do business with Marmalade and take back control of your cash flow. Create your account and get started today.

Trusted by hundreds of Australian businesses

FAQs

: Retail financing refers to a loan or credit product retailers use to stabilise cash flow. Unlike traditional loans, the terms are usually negotiated between the borrower, lender and a third party when a borrower is ‘checking out’. These loans also tend to be shorter, which could mean high-interest rates.
: Healthy retail cash flow allows businesses to meet their financial obligations and plan for the future. Balancing the inflows and outflows of cash your business generates is essential, as it can help you better weather fluctuations in demand and plan for unexpected costs.
: Every retailer is keen to increase cash flow wherever they can — and luckily, there are a few ways to do it, including:

Consider leasing equipment — If you need access to specific equipment, why not consider leasing? This may be a more cost-effective solution than purchasing outright.
Offer discounts to customers — One easy way to boost sales? Start offering discounts to customers for a limited time.
Consider selling inventory — Overinvesting is a common reason for cash flow issues in the retail industry. Reduce your stock and increase cash flow by selling off inventory you don’t need.
: For too long, retailers have let cash flow issues keep them from achieving their goals. Marmalade gives you easier and faster access to your funds with no risk or unreasonable fees. This gives you the freedom to start prioritising growth and expansion. You’ll also no longer waste time chasing clients for payment, as we absorb all payment defaults.
: If you want to learn more about Marmalade or have questions about our product, please contact our friendly customer service team at (03) 9917 8567 or submit an enquiry online.

Speak to the Team

For more information on how Marmalade can revolutionise your retail business with instant invoice payments, please get in touch TODAY!

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Retail