Get the Best Hardware Store Financing for Your Business
The community hardware store business is competitive with the advent of big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot. But community hardware stores have their own advantages. Small business owners can carve out a customer base for those customers looking for more personalized service from a local hardware store. But, the hardware store industry requires capital to survive and compete against the competition. Whether you go to a credit union or bank, it is tough for small business owners to get a hardware store loan or any bank loan.
Securing financing for a hardware store is crucial to support its growth, managing inventory, and meet operational expenses. Obtaining financing for a hardware store requires careful planning and preparation.
At AdvancePoint Capital, we understand the difficulties of operating a hardware store and the need for business financing to support it. Our job is to effectively provide the best business hardware store financing for your business so you can effectively compete and operate your business.
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6 Best Hardware Store Business Loans (September 2023)
Long-Term Hardware Store Loans
Hardware store owners looking to finance a large expansion or funding for new locations turn to long-term business loans because the expansion can be quite costly and the need to spread those costs over years to get affordable payments is a must. Long-term business loans for hardware stores will require additional documentation, tougher financing qualifications, and face more stringent underwriting. It's worth the effort to apply for funding as rates and terms are attractive.
Short Term Small Business Loan for Hardware Stores
A short-term unsecured small business loan is a good alternative when the hardware business does not qualify for traditional funding. Hardware store business loans that are shorter in term have a greater likelihood of getting approved due to the reduced risk.
Hardware Business Lines of Credit
A business line of credit is a revolving credit facility that allows businesses to access funds on demand via a draw against a predetermined credit limit. Hardware stores can draw then repay, then draw again up to the limit and only pay interest on a current balance. Lines of credit offer a quick solution to cover everyday expenses or purchases.
Small Business Administration [SBA] Loans for Hardware Stores
SBA loans are popular with hardware store business owners because the rates and terms are very attractive. Getting an SBA loan is not easy and will require substantial paperwork and proof of qualifications but it's worth the effort to seek SBA funding.
Merchant Cash Advance for Hardware Stores
A merchant cash advance is a future sales receivables agreement that offers to purchase future receivables based on current revenue streams. This product is popular with businesses who predominately process credit cards with there sales. Payment is made by the funder taking a split set percentage of merchant processing batches until paid back in full. This product comes with higher approval rates than traditional financing as it allows for bad credit and does not require profit & loss evaluation.
Business Credit Cards for Hardware Stores
Business credit cards are financial tool used by many small business owners in the hardware store business for everyday purchases and to pay expenses. A credit card is a revolving credit where you are issued a plastic card and can purchase items with it as well as pay bills. This product is commonly used along with other hardware store business loan options.
Benefits of Hardware Store Financing
Financing hardware store comes with a range of benefits including:
Cash Flow/Working Capital Loan
A hardware store would need working capital to maintain inventory levels and ensure a steady supply of products for customers. It helps cover operational expenses such as rent, utilities, payroll, marketing, and other day-to-day costs essential to keep the store running smoothly.
Business Facility Expansion/Renovations
The hardware store industry is competitive and you may need a loan for renovations or expansions to improve the space in the store to improve the customer experience and support purchases. Expansions and renovations cost a lot of money and most hardware stores will need to secure financing.
Advertising: Attract Customers to Your Hardware Store
A hardware store may need a loan for advertising to effectively promote its products, reach a wider customer base, and increase brand awareness. Investing in marketing and advertising campaigns can help attract new customers, retain existing ones, and generate sales, but it often requires upfront capital for various channels such as digital advertising, print media, radio, television, or online platforms.
Point of Sale Systems, Software, and Technology Upgrades
A hardware store may need a loan for Point of Sale (POS) systems to upgrade their technology infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. Investing in modern POS systems allows the store to streamline transactions, track inventory, manage customer data, and implement sales analytics, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and optimizing business operations. However, the cost of purchasing and implementing POS systems can be significant, making a loan a viable option to finance this essential upgrade.
INVENTORY FINANCING
Hardware stores need to maintain inventory to survive. If you don't have what customers want in inventory, when they want it, then they may not come back. A working capital loan, line of credit, or equipment financing is a must for businesses with inventory requirements.
Breaking Down Hardware Business Loan Offers, Terms, and Financing Options
There are a variety of loan options for hardware stores as you can see. But, you need to break down the terms and conditions of offers which best fit your need and ability to repay. Let's breakdown down offers and what to consider.
Rate
In business finance rates are either an interest rate like those provided in small business loans, business lines of credit, and SBA loans or "factor rates" that you find in cash advances, equipment leases, or invoice factoring. Interest rates charge interest based on your current outstanding balance while factor rates are a flat cost of money, regardless if you pay off early or not. Although factor rates are costs that are higher than interest rates, they may be the best for your business based on your qualifications.
Fees
Fees are charged on most business financing products. These fees are typically paid at funding out of proceeds, during repayment, or penalties for not performing on the funding as agreed. You should never have to pay any upfront fees for offers or pre-approvals. Also paying professional service fees (PSFs) outside of the funding is not necessary or common practice.
Common fees that may be charged on business funding products include, but are not limited to; origination fees, funding fees, processing fees, NSF fees, Rejected payment fees, Default fees, UCC filing fees, or prepayment penalties.
Terms
The duration of repayment or length of time to repay is a factor in your decision process. But longer terms don't mean they're necessarily better. Sometimes shorter repayment terms can offer more flexibility for future financing or offer cheaper costs. Perhaps you need the longest term possible to get your payments as low as possible for affordability. You need to balance affordability with cost when looking at terms.
Method of Repayment
Payment frequency can be either monthly, bi-monthly, weekly, or even daily Monday through Friday. Although a consideration in your decision-making, the cost and other terms should take priority.
Conditions
Always read the agreement your signing for any additional terms, conditions, responsibilities, and recourse as the borrower. Things to look for include, but are not limited to; business performance guarantee, personal guarantee, pre-payment penalties, venue for litigation, arbitration, confession of judgments, and other important conditions.
Why do Hardware Store Owners Choose Advancepoint Capital?
- Expertise: Our business finance specialists have in-depth knowledge and expertise in the field of business financing. They understand the nuances of different loan options, financial strategies, and funding sources, allowing them to provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific needs. They also know the hardware store business and have funded franchises like Ace Hardware.
- Access to Our Lender Network: This network can provide you with access to a broader range of financing options and increase your chances of securing favorable loan terms.
- Time and Effort Savings: Working with a business finance specialist can save you time and effort. They can help streamline the loan application process, gather required documentation, and negotiate on your behalf, allowing you to focus on running your hardware store.
- Customized Solutions: A business finance specialist can analyze your specific financial situation, goals, and challenges to provide customized financing solutions that align with your business needs. They can offer personalized advice and recommendations based on their expertise and understanding of your hardware store's unique requirements.
- Simple Application Process: Our lending process is fast and simple
- Free No Obligation Quotes: We have no upfront fees at advancepoint capital to get terms to consider
- Trust & Experience: We have great reviews and customer experiences for over 10 years
