Had a $400K order from a major retailer. Needed $250K in inventory to fill it. Bank said 6 weeks. Basecamp Funding funded me in 3 days. I filled the order, kept the account, and landed a recurring contract.
— David K. . Consumer Goods Distributor . $3.2M Revenue . Atlanta, GA
Real Results
We've Funded Distributors Like You
The Inventory Gap
A consumer goods distributor in Portland landed a $200K purchase order from a regional retailer. Problem: the supplier wanted net-30 payment, but the retailer wouldn't pay for 60 days. A 90-day cash gap on a transaction that would net $48K in profit. PO financing covered the inventory purchase.
$120K PO financing → 5 days → $48K profit on the order
The Invoice Backlog
A food distributor in Chicago had $300K sitting in outstanding invoices from restaurant chains. Every one of those invoices was going to pay — but not for 45 days. Meanwhile, suppliers wanted COD. Invoice factoring through our network advanced 90% within 24 hours.
$270K advanced → 24 hours → permanent cash flow solution
The Warehouse Expansion
An electronics distributor in Dallas was renting warehouse space and paying $12K/month — money going nowhere. An SBA 504 loan for a 15,000 sq ft facility meant owning the asset, locking in lower monthly costs, and expanding capacity. 10% down instead of the 25% a conventional loan would require.
$500K SBA 504 → 10% down → $4K/month savings vs renting
The Seasonal Inventory
A holiday gift wholesaler does 70% of annual revenue between October and December. That means buying $250K in inventory starting in August — 3 months before the cash comes in. A line of credit opened in June (when financials looked strongest) funded the entire seasonal buy.
$250K LOC → drawn Aug → repaid Jan → $6K total interest
The Import Container
An importer in Houston ordered 3 containers of product from Asia — $240K total. Payment was due 2 weeks after loading, but ocean transit takes 6 weeks. The product was already pre-sold to retailers, but the cash gap was real. Working capital bridged the transit time.
$240K working capital → 3 days → goods arrived, sold, repaid
The New Product Line
An industrial supply distributor saw an opportunity — safety equipment was high-margin and their existing customers were already buying it elsewhere. A $150K initial inventory purchase plus $30K in catalog and marketing materials. Working capital covered the launch, a LOC handled ongoing reorders.
$180K total → funded in 5 days → new line profitable by month 3
Industry Data
The Numbers That Matter
Average wholesale gross margin runs 15-25% — every unfilled order is pure profit lost
— U.S. Census Bureau Annual Wholesale Trade Survey
Cash cycle for distributors runs 60-120 days: you buy before you sell, and you sell before you collect
— Distribution Strategy Group
Inventory carrying costs run 20-30% of inventory value per year — smart financing reduces the burden
— Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
See What You Qualify For
Find Out What You Qualify For in 60 Seconds
Slide the calculator to see your estimated approval range. Then answer 3 quick questions to lock it in. No documents needed. No credit impact.
See What You Could Qualify For
Slide to your average monthly bank deposits.
Estimated Approval Range
Based on 100-150% of monthly revenue
No hard credit pull · No obligation · Estimate only
Your Application Gets Matched Across 70+ Lending Partners Including
Multiple lenders compete for your business — you pick the best offer
Wholesale is a cash flow business. You buy inventory 60 days before you sell it. If you’re not using financing to bridge that gap, you’re leaving money and orders on the table.
— Bobby Friel, Basecamp Funding - Founder
Real Challenges
The Real Challenges Distributors Face (And How Funding Solves Each One)
| Challenge | What It Looks Like | What It Costs You | Funding Solution | Typical Amount | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inventory purchase gaps | Won the PO, can't buy inventory to fill it. Supplier wants payment before customer pays you | Lose the order, lose the customer, competitor fills it | PO financing or working capital | $50K–$500K | 3–5 days |
| Customer payment delays | Retailers and chains pay net-45 to net-90. You've already paid your suppliers | Cash crunch between buying and selling, can't take new orders | Invoice factoring or LOC | $50K–$5M | 1–2 days (factoring) |
| Warehouse/facility costs | Outgrowing current space, rent increasing, inefficient layout costs money | Growth capped, can't store enough inventory, fulfillment delays | SBA 504 loan | $250K–$5M | 3–4 weeks |
| Seasonal inventory cycles | 60-70% of revenue in one season but inventory must be purchased months earlier | Miss the season = miss the year, leftover inventory costs 20-30% | Line of credit | $50K–$500K | Pre-approved, draw as needed |
| Import/shipping costs | $40K-$80K per container, payment due before goods arrive, 4-8 week transit | Can't order enough, miss price breaks, competitors stock up | Working capital | $50K–$500K | 1–3 days |
| New product line investment | $100K-$300K in initial inventory plus marketing for an unproven line | Can't diversify, stuck with current margins | Working capital + LOC | $50K–$300K | 3–5 days |
| Supplier payment terms | Suppliers cutting credit or demanding COD after a slow-pay period | Lost supplier relationships, higher costs, can't order volume | Working capital | $25K–$200K | 1–3 days |
Found your scenario? See what you qualify for — 60 seconds, no credit pull.
Every week without funding in place is a week you're exposed. The next equipment failure, the next cash flow gap, the next opportunity you can't move fast enough on — you want capital ready before you need it. Pre-qualifying takes 60 seconds and doesn't affect your credit.
Check My OptionsNo hard credit pull · No obligation · 60 seconds
Had a $200K PO I couldn't fill. Needed $120K in inventory. Bank said 6 weeks. Basecamp's PO financing had it funded in 5 days. Kept the account.
Why Us
Why Wholesale & Distribution Companies Choose Us Over Banks
We built our process around the way wholesale & distribution companies actually operate — not the way banks wish you did.
We Understand the Buy-Sell Gap
You pay suppliers in 30 days but customers pay you in 60-90. Banks call that risk. Our lenders call it wholesale and fund through the entire cash conversion cycle.
Large Orders Don't Require a Business Plan
A $400K purchase order from a major retailer needs capital today, not a 50-page proposal. Our lenders evaluate your deposit history and fill the gap fast.
Import Timelines Don't Scare Us
Container ships take 4-6 weeks. You pay before goods arrive. Banks see cash leaving with nothing to show. Our lenders understand import cycles and fund through transit.
We Help You Capture Supplier Discounts
Suppliers offer 2-5% for early payment, but you can't pay early if your cash is tied up. Our lenders fund fast enough to turn financing cost into net savings.
Seasonal Inventory Buildup Is Normal
Stocking up in September for holiday orders means heavy spend before any revenue. Banks flag the cash burn. Our lenders see a seasonal business doing it right.
We Replace Expensive Factoring
Factoring companies take 2-10% of every invoice. Our lenders offer fixed-term products so you keep 100% of your receivables and stop bleeding margin.
Free Tool
What Can Your Wholesale & Distribution Company Qualify For?
Enter your monthly revenue, time in business, and industry to see your estimated approval range and recommended products. No credit pull.
Avoid These
5 Funding Mistakes That Cost Distributors the Most
"Not financing inventory purchases"
Buying $100K in inventory on a credit card at 22% costs $22K/year. Inventory financing or a line of credit at 12% costs $12K. That's $10K/year straight to your bottom line.
"Turning down large orders"
A $300K order at 25% margin is $75K in gross profit. If you can't fill it because you lack $150K in inventory capital, you're not just losing $75K — you're losing the account.
"Ignoring invoice financing"
Waiting 60 days for $200K in receivables is $200K in trapped capital. Invoice financing at 2% per 30 days unlocks 90% of that in 24-48 hours.
"Over-relying on one credit line"
A single $200K line of credit runs out fast during peak season. Having 2-3 funding sources means you never turn down an order because of capital.
"Not planning for seasonal ramps"
If Q4 is 40% of your annual revenue, you need Q4 inventory capital by Q3. Applying in September for October inventory is too late. Apply in July.
We factor our invoices through a lender Basecamp matched us with. Instead of waiting 60 days for payment, we get 90% in 24 hours. Transformed our cash flow.
The Difference
Why Distributors Choose Basecamp Over Their Bank
| Your Bank | Basecamp Funding | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | 45 minutes + document upload | 60 seconds, minimal documents |
| Credit pull | Hard pull (hurts your score) | Soft pull (no impact) |
| Lenders reviewing your app | 1 | 70+ |
| Understands inventory cycles? | Usually no | Yes — our lenders fund distributors daily |
| Understands seasonal buying? | "Come back when your P&L looks better" | Revenue-based approval, evaluates annual cycle |
| Time to funded | 2–6 weeks | As fast as same day |
| If they say no | You're stuck | 69 other lenders still competing |
Funding by Company Size
How We Fund Distributors at Every Stage
📦Small Distributor / 1-5 Employees
Common Needs
Working capital, line of credit
24-48 hours
Harbor Supply, 3-person office supplies distributor in New Jersey — needed $35K for a bulk paper inventory purchase with 40% volume discount expiring in 10 days. Funded in 48 hours. That inventory purchase saved $28K in cost.
🏭Mid-Size Distributor / 5-30 Employees
Common Needs
Line of credit, working capital, PO financing, SBA
24-72 hours
Pacific Foods Distribution, 18-employee specialty food distributor — $300K line of credit for seasonal inventory. Their bank offered $100K. Our network approved $300K in 5 days based on purchase order pipeline.
💎Large Distributor / 30-200+ Employees
Common Needs
SBA loans, term loans, PO financing, large credit lines
1-3 weeks for complex financing
Continental Supply Group, 85 employees — $2.6M import financing for a container shipment from Asia. Letter of credit plus working capital bridge. Traditional bank wanted 4 weeks and 30% cash collateral. Funded in 11 days with 10% down.
Funding Built for Your Distribution Business
Whether you're a small supplier or a large-scale distributor, we match you with the right product and amount.
Growing Businesses
$10K – $1M
Revenue-based funding for working capital, equipment, and growth. Most fund in 1–3 days.
See What You Qualify For →Established Businesses
$1M – $5M
Structured financing with capital stacking. Dedicated commercial specialist. Multiple lenders optimized for your transaction.
Talk to a Commercial Specialist →Commercial & Complex
$5M – $10M+
Complex transactions. Multi-lender capital stacks. Acquisitions, commercial real estate, fleet buildouts. Dedicated commercial team.
Request a Financing Review →Pricing Transparency
What Wholesale Funding Actually Costs
Most lenders hide the real cost behind jargon. Here's what businesses actually pay.
| Product | Typical Amount | Term | Cost Range | Speed to Fund | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working Capital | $10K-$500K | 3-18 months | 1.1-1.4 factor rate | 1-3 days | Inventory, shipping, payroll |
| Business Line of Credit | $10K-$5M | Revolving | 8-22% APR | 1-5 days | Rolling inventory purchases |
| Invoice Factoring | $10K-$5M | Per invoice | 1-3% per 30 days | 1-2 days | Net-30/60/90 receivables |
| PO Financing | $25K-$5M | Per order | 1-4% per 30 days | 3-7 days | Large purchase order fulfillment |
| SBA Loan | $50K-$5M | 5-25 years | 6-10% APR | 30-60 days | Warehouse purchase, acquisition |
| Term Loan | $50K-$2M | 6 mo - 10 yrs | 7-25% APR | 2-7 days | Expansion, equipment, fleet |
Rates and terms vary by credit profile, revenue, and time in business. These are typical ranges for wholesale distributors in our network.
Real Numbers
What Wholesale Funding Actually Costs
| Scenario | Product | Amount | Rate | Term | Monthly Payment | Total Cost | Net Cost After §179 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO fulfillment | PO financing | $120,000 | 2% per 30 days | 90 days | N/A (repaid on delivery) | $127,200 | N/A |
| Invoice factoring | Invoice factoring | $300,000 | 1.5% per 30 days | Per invoice (avg 45 days) | N/A | ~$306,750 | N/A |
| Warehouse purchase | SBA 504 | $500,000 | 6.5% APR | 25 years | $3,378 | $1,013,400 | N/A |
| Seasonal inventory | Line of credit | $250,000 drawn | 12% APR | 5 months used | Interest only: $2,500/mo | ~$12,500 | N/A |
| Import containers | Working capital | $240,000 | 15% APR | 6 months | $41,776/mo | $250,656 | N/A |
| New product line launch | Working capital | $180,000 | 14% APR | 12 months | $16,183 | $194,196 | N/A |
These are real numbers from real funding scenarios in our network. Your rate depends on your credit profile, revenue, and time in business.
Tax Strategy
Section 179: The Tax Deduction Every Distributor Should Know
Section 179 lets you deduct the FULL purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year you buy it. Forklifts, pallet jacks, delivery trucks, warehouse racking — all qualify.
2026 limit: over $1.16 million.
Here's what that means in real dollars:
| Equipment | Cost | Your Tax Rate | Section 179 Deduction | Tax Savings | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forklift | $35,000 | 40% | $35,000 | $14,000 | $21,000 |
| Delivery truck | $65,000 | 35% | $65,000 | $22,750 | $42,250 |
| Warehouse racking system | $45,000 | 40% | $45,000 | $18,000 | $27,000 |
| Pallet jack fleet (4) | $20,000 | 35% | $20,000 | $7,000 | $13,000 |
| Inventory management system | $30,000 | 40% | $30,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
Finance the equipment. Keep your cash. Take the deduction. Your $120K excavator costs you $72K after taxes and you never touched your reserves.
Bobby's take: If you're paying cash for warehouse equipment over $25K, run the Section 179 numbers first. Finance it, deduct it, keep your cash for inventory.
How It Works
From Application to Funded in 5 Steps
No paperwork avalanche. No bank lobby. No guessing.
60-Second Application
Answer a few quick questions about your business. No documents needed yet.
Soft Credit Check
We check your options with zero impact on your FICO. Your score stays untouched.
Lenders Compete Behind the Scenes
Your profile is matched to 70+ lending partners. They compete - you never hear from them directly.
One Specialist, Multiple Offers
Your funding specialist presents your best options. No spam calls. No runaround.
Pick Your Offer & Get Funded
Choose the rate and terms that fit. Sign digitally. Funds hit your account - same day available.
Use Your Capital For
How Wholesale & Distribution Companies Use Basecamp Funding
Working Capital & Cash Flow
Bridge the gap between paying suppliers and collecting from customers. Keep operations running.
Inventory & Purchase Orders
Fund large inventory buys. Fill purchase orders without draining your cash reserves.
Warehouse & Facility
Expand warehouse space, add racking, or purchase a facility with SBA financing.
Fleet & Delivery
Finance delivery trucks, vans, and logistics equipment to expand your delivery radius.
Invoice Factoring
Convert net-30/60/90 receivables into cash in 24 hours. Stop waiting on slow-paying customers.
Import & Export
Bridge ocean transit cash gaps. Finance containers, customs bonds, and international freight.
Growth & Expansion
Add product lines, enter new markets, or acquire a competitor. Scale without limits.
Debt Consolidation
Consolidate high-cost MCAs or credit cards into one manageable payment with better terms.
Technology & Systems
Inventory management, warehouse automation, ERP systems, and barcode infrastructure.
SBA 504 for our warehouse — 10% down instead of 25%. Monthly payment is $4K less than what we were paying in rent. Should have done this years ago.
Full Transparency
What Kills Your Qualification (And What Doesn't)
Most lenders won't tell you this upfront. We will.
These Won't Stop You
These Can Be Deal-Breakers
Before You Apply
What to Have Ready
Having these speeds up your approval. Don't have everything? Start anyway — we'll guide you.
4 months of bank statements
PDF download or online banking credentials
Business checking account
Must be a dedicated business account
Valid business license or EIN
Proof your business is registered
Government-issued ID
Driver's license or passport
Outstanding debt details
Existing loans, MCAs, or credit lines
Approximate monthly revenue
Doesn't need to be exact
See What You Qualify For
See What You Qualify For. No Credit Impact. No Obligation.
Slide the calculator, answer 3 questions, and a specialist pulls your options within the hour.
See What You Could Qualify For
Slide to your average monthly bank deposits.
Estimated Approval Range
Based on 100-150% of monthly revenue
No hard credit pull · No obligation · Estimate only
Recommended Products
Recommended Loan Products for Wholesale & Distribution Companies
The most popular funding types for wholesale & distribution companies businesses. Each links to a detailed product page.
💰Working Capital Loans
Fund inventory purchases and bridge the gap between paying suppliers and collecting from customers.
View Product Details →📄Invoice Factoring
Convert outstanding net-60/90 receivables into immediate cash for your next purchase order.
View Product Details →🏦Business Line of Credit
Draw funds to fill large purchase orders and repay as customer payments arrive.
View Product Details →Term Loans
Finance warehouse expansion, racking systems, or a new distribution facility.
View Product Details →Purchase Order Financing
Fund against confirmed purchase orders when inventory costs exceed your cash reserves.
View Product Details →Seasonal inventory line of credit changed everything. We buy in August, sell in Q4, repay by January. Total interest was $6K on a $250K draw. That's nothing.
Three shipping containers at $80K each. Payment due before goods arrive. Working capital bridged the gap. Product was pre-sold — pure profit on delivery.
Don't Wait Until You Need Funding to Get Funded
68% of loan denials happen because of weak financials at time of application. The best time to apply is when your business is performing — not when you're scrambling. See what you qualify for now while your numbers are strong.
No credit impact · No obligation · 60 seconds
By Trade
Wholesale Funding by Distribution Type
| Trade | Common Funding Need | Typical Amount | Why This Trade Qualifies Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverage Distribution | Cold storage, fleet, inventory, compliance | $50K–$2M | Perishable = fast turnover, steady demand |
| Industrial Supply | Bulk inventory, warehouse space, delivery fleet | $50K–$1M | Recurring B2B customers, contract revenue |
| Electronics/Technology | Fast-moving inventory, import costs, warranty reserves | $50K–$500K | High margins, strong demand cycles |
| Building Materials | Lumber, steel, concrete supply, delivery trucks | $100K–$2M | Construction demand drives consistent volume |
| Medical Supply | Compliance costs, cold chain, specialized inventory | $50K–$1M | Healthcare spending is recession-proof |
| Automotive Parts | Parts inventory, delivery network, catalog systems | $50K–$500K | Aftermarket grows as vehicle fleet ages |
| Apparel/Fashion | Seasonal inventory, import costs, showroom space | $50K–$500K | Fast turnover, brand relationships |
| Chemical Distribution | Compliance, hazmat storage, specialized handling | $100K–$1M | High barriers to entry = less competition |
| Paper/Packaging | Bulk commodity inventory, warehouse space, fleet | $50K–$500K | E-commerce growth drives packaging demand |
| Janitorial/Cleaning | Bulk consumables, route vehicles, warehouse space | $25K–$300K | Recurring orders, essential products |
| Furniture/Home Goods | Showroom space, import containers, delivery setup | $50K–$500K | High per-unit margins, growing online demand |
| Agricultural Supply | Seasonal inventory, equipment, storage facilities | $50K–$1M | Farming cycle drives predictable demand |
Financing by Distribution Type
Every wholesale specialty. Click yours for tailored options.
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FAQs
Wholesale & Distribution Business Loan FAQs
Lisa P.
Distribution Company | Portland, OR
We factor our invoices through a lender Basecamp matched us with. Instead of waiting 60 days for payment, we get cash in 24 hours. Transformed our cash flow.
Stop Losing Margin to the Gap Between Buying and Getting Paid
60 seconds. No credit impact. No obligation.
See What You Qualify ForNo hard credit pull · Free to check · Nationwide
Wholesale & Distribution Business Loans — $10K to $10M+
Look — your bank doesn't understand that you have to buy inventory 60 days before you sell it. They don't get purchase order financing, they don't understand why a $120K inventory purchase on a $200K order is a guaranteed profit, and they definitely don't get why you need $250K in August for products you won't sell until November. We do. One 60-second application. 70+ lenders see it. No hard credit pull.
I talk to distributors every single day who are leaving money on the table. They turn down $200K purchase orders because they can't fund the inventory. They watch $300K in invoices sit for 45 days while their suppliers demand COD. They pay rent on a warehouse they could own for less per month with an SBA loan. Don't be that distributor.
Food and beverage, industrial supply, electronics, building materials, medical supply, auto parts, apparel, chemical, paper and packaging, janitorial, furniture, and agricultural supply — we fund all of them. Invoice factoring that gets you 90% in 24 hours. PO financing for large orders. Lines of credit for seasonal inventory buys. SBA loans for warehouse purchases. We've funded $500K warehouse acquisitions, $300K invoice factoring facilities, and $250K seasonal inventory lines. All through our network.
If you've got a purchase order you can't fill because your cash is locked in receivables — fill out the application. If your biggest customer pays net-60 and your supplier wants COD — fill out the application. Takes 60 seconds. Most distributors hear back within hours. Same-day funding is on the table.