How to Choose the Best Business Loan for Amazon Sellers
When comparing small business financing options, pay attention to the following features, which our experts use to rank lenders:
- Loan Features: Look for lenders with flexible terms and options for repayment, and narrow down your options to lenders that offer the amount you need.
- Application process: Consider whether you want a fully-digital application or support from a human, and make sure you can check your rate with a soft credit pull.
- Interest rates and fees: Compare not only the interest rate charged by each lender, but also any origination fees.
- Qualification process: Check to see if you meet the lender’s requirements for minimum credit score, time in business, and annual revenue.
- Customer support: Consider how convenient it will be to get in touch with customer service when you need to. Does the company offer live chat and extended hours?
- Online user reviews: Look at customer reviews on third-party sites like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs. While some negative reviews are to be expected, patterns of significant complaints should raise a red flag.
- Perks and Bonuses: Look for features that make the company stand out, like payment flexibility and free digital tools.
Types of Business Loans for Amazon Sellers
While Amazon sellers may face issues getting financing from a traditional bank, there are other options available, including:
- Amazon Lending: The Amazon Lending program is an invite-only program for Amazon sellers that offers funding up to $2 million with a quick application. Amazon Lending offers term loans and interest-only loans, along with lines of credit and merchant cash advances through partner lenders.
- Term Loans: Many online lenders offer short-term and long-term business loans, which are received in a lump sum and repaid in fixed payments of principal and interest over a period of time. You can typically use these loans for any business need.
- Business Line of Credit: A business line of credit from an online lender allows you to draw against a revolving credit line as needed and only pay interest on what you borrow. It’s great for Amazon sellers who have ongoing financing needs.
- Merchant Cash Advance/Revenue-Based Financing: For Amazon sellers with fluctuating monthly revenue, it may be helpful to repay a lump sum loan as a percentage of your actual sales. Merchant cash advances or revenue-based financing make this possible.
How to Get a Business Loan for Amazon Sellers
The application process for an FBA small business loan varies by lender, but these are the general steps for getting Amazon business financing:
- Decide how much funding you need and the loan type you want, and narrow down your options to lenders you are eligible for
- Check your rate with a handful of lenders, ensuring they use a soft credit pull
- Accept the financing offer that best meets your needs, and upload additional documentation as necessary
- Speak with a funding specialist, if necessary, before final approval
- Read the find print and sign your loan documents
- Wait for the money to be transferred to your bank account
- Begin repayment (Tip: Set up automatic payments so you don’t fall behind)
Pros and Cons of Selling on Amazon
Amazon Business Benefits
- Allows you to reach more than 3 million customers
- Helps build brand awareness and trust
- Amazon FBA can handle the logistics for you, so you don’t need to worry about storage or shipping
- No need to host your own website
- Low start-up costs
- Offers online marketing options
- May be eligible for funding directly from Amazon
Amazon Business Disadvantages
- Competitive market for many product categories
- Charges high referral fees that can eat into profit margins
- Leaves you susceptible to fraudsters stealing your listings
- Less control over your brand image
How to Start an Amazon FBA Business
- Pick a niche product category and conduct market research to determine a product you can profit from
- Find a supplier or manufacturer for your product
- Register as an Amazon seller and pick your selling plan. You’ll need a bank account, credit card, tax information, and your ID to get started.
- List your first product, optimizing the description for searches
- Ship your inventory to Amazon
- Market your product with pay-per-click advertisements on Amazon and social media
- Receive payment from Amazon every two weeks (minus fees)
Conclusion
When you’re ready to expand your Amazon business, whether that’s through hiring employees, purchasing more inventory, or diversifying your product offerings, you have options for Amazon business financing. Even if your bank turns you away, several online lenders offer FBA loans and Amazon business lines of credit for small business owners. Even if you’re a newer business with less-than-perfect credit, it’s possible to find an online lender willing to work with you, and this guide is a great place to start.
*The required FICO score may be higher based on your relationship with American Express, credit history, and other factors.