Short answer
Business Funding for Wholesalers: what matters first
Wholesalers and distributors 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 revenue, customer concentration, supplier terms, debtor days and bank conduct. Funding is commonly used for bulk stock, supplier deposits, import and freight costs, and working capital while customers pay on terms. Invoice finance suits wholesalers waiting on reliable trade customers, and trade finance suits paying suppliers ahead of sale.
Who it is for
This is for wholesale, distribution and supply businesses that need funding tied to inventory or debtor timing.
- Wholesalers buying stock ahead of confirmed or expected demand
- Distributors managing supplier deposits or import costs
- Businesses waiting on customer payments after delivery
- Operators needing working capital to accept larger orders
Common funding uses
Wholesale funding commonly bridges the gap between paying suppliers and collecting from customers.
- Inventory, bulk orders and supplier deposits
- Freight, customs, warehousing and logistics costs
- Working capital while invoices are outstanding
- Seasonal stock builds or new product lines
- Supplier payment catch-up or early payment discounts
What affects eligibility
Lenders will look at turnover, payment behaviour and whether the working capital request fits the trading cycle.
- Monthly revenue and concentration across customers
- Inventory cycle, supplier terms and debtor days
- Bank conduct, average balances and repayment commitments
- ATO debt, creditor pressure or recent dishonours
- Evidence that stock or debtor timing supports the funding need
What documents are needed
A wholesale request can start with bank statements, then use invoices or purchase orders to explain the working capital need.
- 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, purchase orders or import documents
- Debtor reports or customer invoices for invoice-timing requests
Frequently asked questions
Should a wholesaler use invoice finance or trade finance?
Invoice finance releases cash from invoices you have already issued. Trade finance pays suppliers for stock you have not yet sold. Some wholesalers use both at different points in the cycle.
Can funding cover import costs like freight and customs?
Often, yes, depending on the lender. Import documents and supplier invoices help show the full cost and timing.
Does having a few large customers affect eligibility?
It can. Lenders weigh customer concentration, so payment history from those customers and the contracts behind them help.
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.