Why retailers partner with Fast Business Loans

Retail businesses face tight margins, seasonal swings and the constant need to manage stock and supplier terms. Fast Business Loans is a specialist introducer that saves you time by matching your business to lenders and brokers who know retail. We do not lend or give regulated advice — we simply introduce you to the providers most likely to help.

• Sector‑matched lenders and brokers who understand retail trading cycles
• Fast matching — complete a Free Eligibility Check in minutes
• No obligation: you decide whether to proceed after getting lender quotes
• Initial enquiries do not affect your credit score

How it works in brief: Enquire → We match → Lenders contact you → You compare and decide. If you’re ready, Get Started Free Eligibility Check.

Common funding needs across retail

Retailers and shop operators typically need finance for a predictable set of reasons. Below are the most common use cases we match lenders to:

Working capital for stock & seasonality

Funds to buy seasonal range, bulk orders, or to cover slower trading months.

Shop fit‑outs, refurbishments & new premises

Costs for refitting a high street store, improving display, or preparing a new site for opening.

E‑commerce & omnichannel expansion

Investment in platforms, stock for online marketplaces, or marketing to scale digital sales.

Equipment, vehicles & POS systems

Asset finance for tills, racking, delivery vans or warehouse equipment.

Managing supplier payment terms & cashflow

Short‑term solutions such as invoice finance or revolving facilities to smooth cashflow.

For sector specific guidance, see our page on retailers shop business loans.

Finance options available for retailers

The right product depends on the purpose, amount needed and your trading profile. We introduce you to brokers and lenders who specialise in these common products:

Unsecured business loans

• Quick funds for working capital or fit‑outs.
• Typically from £10,000 upwards depending on provider.
• Good for businesses with a clean credit history and steady trading.

Merchant cash advance / card revenue funding

• Repayment linked to future card takings; useful for seasonal retailers.
• Fast access but can be costlier — suitable for short‑term needs.

Revolving credit facilities & overdraft alternatives

• Flexible access to cash to handle peaks in stock purchasing.

Invoice finance

• Unlock funds tied up in unpaid invoices — useful if you supply other businesses.

Asset & equipment finance

• Spread the cost of tills, refrigeration, vehicles or racking over fixed terms.

Commercial mortgages & property loans

• For larger retailers buying or refinancing premises.

Each option carries trade‑offs on cost, speed and security. Our matching service is designed to surface the most suitable providers so you can compare offers quickly. Ready to compare? Get Quote Now.

How retail finance eligibility is assessed

Different lenders emphasise different criteria. Typical factors include:

• Trading history & turnover: Many lenders look for at least 12 months trading, but some brokers can help newer retailers.
• Card revenue consistency: E‑commerce and high card takings can be attractive for merchant finance products.
• Profitability & cashflow: Demonstrating stable margins improves terms.
• Credit profile: Business and director credit checks may be required later in the process.
• Security/collateral: Secured loans and property finance require collateral; unsecured options may be available from £10k+

Information to have ready for an enquiry: recent bank statements, sales reports (POS or marketplace), management accounts and details of existing debts. To check quickly, Check Your Eligibility in Minutes.

Step‑by‑step: Fast Business Loans enquiry journey

1. Complete a short enquiry — business details, amount needed (from £10k), purpose and contact info.
2. We match you — your request is sent to a small group of lenders/brokers who best fit your profile.
3. Providers contact you — expect calls or emails to discuss terms and required documents.
4. Compare and decide — review offers and choose the best fit. There’s no obligation.

Initial enquiries do not trigger a credit search. Lenders may request checks only if you proceed. Get started with a Free Eligibility Check.

Preparing your retail finance application

Documents & data to gather

• Business bank statements (usually last 3–6 months)
• Management accounts or profit & loss
• VAT returns where applicable
• Sales reports (EPOS, marketplace or takings reports)
• Details of outstanding loans and liabilities

Tips to strengthen your case

• Prepare a simple cashflow forecast showing how funds will be used and repaid.
• Document seasonal peaks and show how finance smooths cashflow.
• Show supplier agreements or purchase orders for larger stock financing.

Once you have these ready, submit a short enquiry and we’ll match you with the right brokers or lenders. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Realistic costs, rates & repayment scenarios

Costs vary widely by product, lender credit risk, term and security. Never assume one rate fits all — compare offers. Below is an illustrative example only.

Important: figures are for illustration only — actual rates and fees depend on lender assessment. We encourage you to compare provider quotes before deciding. Get Matched with Lenders Now.

When speed matters — urgent funding for retailers

Need funds fast for a critical stock order or equipment repair? Some providers on our panel offer rapid decisions and same‑day funding in the right circumstances. Typical urgent use cases:

• Unexpected stock opportunities with limited lead times
• Equipment failure requiring immediate replacement
• Short-term cashflow gaps before a peak trading period

While same‑day funding is possible, it depends on completeness of documentation and the chosen product. If you need a quick response, indicate urgent in your enquiry and Request a Quick Retail Funding Call.

Retail finance FAQs

Can I apply if I’ve traded for under 12 months?

Some lenders and brokers consider newer retailers. Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with partners that take early trading into account.

Will my credit score be affected by an enquiry?

No — submitting an enquiry to Fast Business Loans does not trigger a credit check. Lenders may carry out checks later with your consent.

Can you help if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Possibly. We work with a broad panel and may be able to introduce brokers who specialise in higher‑risk or specialist lending markets.

How fast can funds arrive?

Times vary: many partners can give initial decisions within 24–72 hours; funding speed depends on product and documentation.

Do you support online‑only retailers?

Yes — we work with brokers and lenders experienced in e‑commerce, marketplaces and omnichannel models.

What loan amounts can retailers access?

We introduce businesses to providers offering from around £10,000 upwards depending on product and circumstances.

Are there fees for using Fast Business Loans?

Our matching service is free for business owners. Any lender or broker fees will be disclosed by the provider when they present an offer.

How secure is my data?

Your details are shared only with selected partners relevant to your enquiry and handled according to our privacy terms.

Start your retail finance enquiry

Fast Business Loans makes it simple to explore your options without obligation. We match you to the right lenders and brokers so you can compare quotes and move forward with confidence.

• Free, no‑obligation enquiries
• Matches to sector‑experienced lenders/brokers
• No initial credit check

Ready to get matched? Get Your Retail Finance Quote — it takes under 2 minutes.

Responsible lending & transparency statement

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer only. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We aim to be clear, fair and not misleading in the information we provide. Any lending terms, interest rates, fees or decisions are determined by the lender or broker you are introduced to.

There is no guarantee of acceptance — eligibility depends on lender criteria. Where lenders require a credit check, this will occur only with your consent. For privacy details, see our privacy policy on the site.