One-off stock loan
A lump sum for a single big purchase, such as a pre-Christmas order or a supplier clearance deal, repaid as the stock sells.
Fund your shelves
Stock and Inventory Finance to Buy When the Deal Is On
Shelves to fill, a bulk discount expiring Friday or a peak season around the corner? Stock finance puts the cash in your hands before the sales arrive.
Cash before sales
Why do businesses need inventory finance?
Stock is the classic cash trap. You pay for it today, it sits on the shelf or in the warehouse, and the money only comes back once it sells, sometimes weeks or months later. The faster a business grows, the deeper that trap gets, because every new order needs more stock paid for upfront.
Stock and inventory finance breaks the cycle. Instead of draining your working capital or saying no to a big order, you borrow to buy the stock, sell it, and repay the loan from the proceeds. It's one of the most practical forms of business borrowing there is.
For trading businesses, unsecured or cash-flow options typically range from $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements, with same-day funding possible for smaller amounts. Larger buys can be funded against property from $20,000 to $5,000,000. If a supplier deal ends tomorrow, you could be cashed up in time.
Stock and inventory finance is a business loan or credit facility used to buy stock before you sell it. Trading businesses can typically access unsecured options from $5,000 to $500,000 based on turnover and bank statements, with same-day funding possible for smaller amounts. Larger stock purchases can be funded with property-secured loans from $20,000 to $5,000,000.
Pick your structure
Three ways to fund stock
The right fit depends on how often you buy and how big each order is.
Revolving facility
A business line of credit you draw on for each order and repay as sales come in, ready for the next one.
Property-backed loan
For very large buys or a whole new product range, using property equity for a bigger limit and longer term.
When does stock finance make the most sense?
When the numbers work. If you can buy stock with a healthy margin and sell it within a sensible time, borrowing to buy more of it can grow profit rather than eat into it. The best uses are planned, predictable sales, not a hopeful punt on a new line.
Common triggers include a seasonal peak, a supplier offering a bulk discount for early payment, a new wholesale customer placing a large order, or a price rise announced for next month that rewards buying now.
- Stocking up before Christmas, EOFY sales or a seasonal peak
- Locking in a supplier discount with a payment deadline
- Filling a large order from a new customer
- Buying ahead of an announced price increase
- Launching a new product range or second location
How fast can I get inventory finance?
Same-day funding is possible for smaller unsecured amounts when your bank statements and ID are ready. For bigger property-secured amounts, $20k to $250k can be possible the same day and up to $5m within 24 to 48 hours.
Supplier deals often have tight windows. Have a supplier quote or pro forma invoice on hand and send it with your enquiry, because it shows the lender exactly what the money is for. For more on beating the clock, read what slows down a business loan.
What do lenders look for when funding stock?
For unsecured stock finance, your bank statements tell the story. Lenders look at monthly turnover, how consistent deposits are, and whether you're managing existing repayments comfortably. A business with steady sales and a sensible purchase plan is a natural fit.
They'll also want to understand how quickly the stock turns over. A cafe supplier that sells through in weeks is a different proposition from a furniture importer holding stock for months, so be ready to explain your sales cycle.
Apply today… cashed up tomorrow!
Need the funds this week?
Start the 60-second enquiry now. When your documents are ready and the deal is straightforward, being cashed up as soon as tomorrow is possible for eligible applicants.
An example of inventory finance done well
Picture an online homewares retailer heading into the Christmas rush. The main supplier offers a solid discount if the order is paid within the week. The business has strong online sales but its cash is tied up in last month's stock. An unsecured loan funds the order, the discount covers a good part of the borrowing cost, and the stock sells through by January.
The retailer repays the loan from Christmas sales and goes into the new year with more profit than if it had bought a smaller order at full price.
Stock finance for retail, hospitality and trade businesses
Nearly every product-based business can use stock finance. Retailers fund seasonal ranges, hospitality venues buy bulk supplies and beverage stock, and trade businesses keep materials on hand so jobs don't stall. See our pages on retail business loans and hospitality business loans for industry-specific angles.
If your stock comes from overseas, the timing gets longer and more complex. Our trade finance page covers paying international suppliers before goods land.
Can I get stock finance with bad credit?
Bad credit and ATO debt are considered case by case. For unsecured lending, recent bank statements carry a lot of weight, so strong, steady trading can outweigh an older blemish. Property security can open more doors again.
Be honest about your history when you enquire. It's far quicker to deal with a known issue upfront than to have it surface at the end.
Ready to stock up?
The enquiry takes about 60 seconds and there's no credit check when you first enquire. A real person reviews your details, and we don't spray them out to a pile of lenders. Please fill it in accurately, including your turnover and the stock amount needed, so we can match you first time.
Start the 60-second enquiry and get the stock in before the deal disappears. All loans are subject to lender approval.
Trust and process
Clear, secure finance enquiries
Loanster keeps the enquiry process straightforward: no credit check to enquire, a real person looks at your situation, and your details are not sprayed out to a pile of lenders.
Secure online enquiry
Personal details are submitted through a secure form and are not sent through URL query strings.
Australian business context
Enquiries can include ABN, BAS, ATO, bank statement and asset details where relevant.
Lender criteria apply
Approval, pricing, loan amounts and funding times depend on lender assessment.
Clear next steps
Loanster helps identify what information may be needed before a lender can make a decision.
Common questions
Stock and Inventory Finance to Buy When the Deal Is On FAQs
What is inventory finance?
Inventory finance is borrowing used to buy stock that you will sell later. It can be a one-off loan, a revolving facility or a property-secured loan for larger purchases.
Can I get stock finance without property?
Yes. Unsecured and cash-flow options for trading businesses typically range from $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements.
Can a new business get stock finance?
It's harder without trading history, as unsecured lenders rely on bank statements. Property-secured options or our startup business funding page may be a better starting point.
How long should a stock loan run for?
Ideally no longer than it takes to sell the stock and collect the money. Matching the term to your sales cycle keeps costs down.
Can I use stock finance to pay an overseas supplier?
Yes, for business purposes. For imports with long shipping times, read our trade finance page to plan the timing.
Is stock finance the same as a line of credit?
Not exactly. A line of credit is one way to fund stock, but stock can also be funded with a one-off loan or property-secured borrowing.
Related finance options
Explore connected Loanster pages
Trade Finance for Australian Importers and Wholesalers
Your supplier wants a deposit before production and the balance before shipping. Trade finance covers both, so your goods leave port on time.
Business Line of Credit
Explore a business line of credit for flexible access to funds when cash flow timing matters.
Retail Business Loans for Shops and Online Stores
A supplier deal that closes Friday, a shopfit before the lease starts or a slow quarter to ride out. Retail finance that keeps your shelves full.
Seasonal Business Loans for Peaks, Troughs and Everything Between
Busy summers, dead winters, a Christmas rush that needs stock in October. Seasonal finance smooths out the year so the quiet months do not sink you.
All business loan options
See every business loan page on Loanster in one place.
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Tell Loanster what kind of finance you are looking for and the team will guide you through the next step. Please fill in the form accurately so we can match you first time. Finance is subject to lender approval, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions.
Prefer to talk? Call 03 9999 7370.
Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
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