Short answer
Business Funding for Retailers: what matters first
Retailers can usually access business funding from $10,000 to $500,000 with an active ABN, at least 3 months of trading and $10,000 or more in monthly revenue. Lenders look at monthly turnover, the seasonal sales pattern, card and marketplace deposits, stock turnover and existing debt. The most common use is buying stock before peak trading, followed by marketing, wages and fit-out. Trade finance or a line of credit can suit repeat stock buying, while an unsecured loan suits a single defined order.
Who it is for
This is for established retail businesses selling through physical stores, online channels or both.
- Retailers buying seasonal or fast-moving stock
- Stores preparing for promotions or peak trade
- Businesses managing supplier, rent or payroll timing
- Retailers upgrading POS, shelving, fit-out or ecommerce systems
Common funding uses
Retail funding is often tied to stock cycles, supplier terms and timing between inventory spend and customer sales.
- Inventory, seasonal ranges and supplier orders
- Marketing campaigns and promotion costs
- Rent, wages and short-term cash flow gaps
- Fit-out, displays, shelving and POS upgrades
- Bridging timing gaps between online sales and settlement
What affects eligibility
Lenders generally focus on sales consistency, gross deposits and whether inventory spend makes sense against trading history.
- Monthly turnover and seasonal sales pattern
- Card, marketplace and bank deposit activity
- Stock turnover, supplier terms and existing debt
- Recent dishonours, ATO arrears or overdraft pressure
- Whether the requested amount is aligned with sales volume
What documents are needed
Bank statements are usually the first step, with inventory or supplier evidence helpful for stock-related requests.
- Recent business bank statements, usually the last 3 to 6 months
- ABN, entity and director details
- Requested amount and a clear funding purpose
- Basic turnover, trading history and contact details
- Supplier invoices or stock purchase orders
- Sales channel or POS reports if they explain trading strength
Frequently asked questions
Can I get funding to buy stock before Christmas?
Often, yes. Lenders look at last year's seasonal pattern and current trading. Supplier invoices or purchase orders help show the amount and timing.
Do online and marketplace sales count as revenue?
Yes. Deposits from platforms such as marketplaces and payment processors show in your bank statements and form part of the turnover lenders assess.
What is better for stock, a loan or a line of credit?
A loan suits one defined order. A line of credit suits repeated buying across the year. Trade finance can suit larger supplier or import orders.
Check options
Get a practical view before you apply broadly.
Tell us the funding amount, turnover and purpose. A lending specialist will review what looks realistic and explain the next step if there is a lender fit.