In this digital age, starting your online store is not that difficult as it might have been without the internet. You can set up an online shop and market your business and products through social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and many more. Yes, you start your e-commerce website without breaking your bank.
Then, you will need financing to kick-start operation if you do not have the necessary funds. You will need some capital initially or after you set up your online shop. Even if you start small, you will grow your business over time and become your own boss. Moreover, operating an e-commerce store is economical than starting a physical store with expenses like shop rent, employee salary, and overhead expenses.
According to an article published on entrepreneur.com, you will need to design and develop your e-commerce website. For this, you need some funding to hire freelance developers, designers, and copywriters to launch your new site. When your website is set up, you need to look for financing options. The question is where to look. Take some time out of your busy schedule and research on lenders who offer business loans at reasonable interest rates and terms. Fret not. Here are some smart ways to finance your e-commerce business:
Table of Contents
Crowdfunding
It is a practical way to fund your new online store. You will find two models when it comes to crowdfunding platforms. Both the methods will let you recompense for the capital raised in different ways.
If you opt for the reward-based method, it the most popular model in crowdfunding. People offer money for your business in return for some prearranged reward. When the sum of money becomes large, the prize value increases the same way. The second model is equity-based crowdfunding. It has also become popular, of late. Such platforms let investors support your business during the initial stages in return for a portion of the equity in the company.
Both the methods come with some benefits and trade-offs, affecting your e-commerce business in different ways. There are some platforms from where you may not get the funds until you realize your business goals. Besides, you will need to shell out cash for the prizes for people who donate. As far as the equity-based model is concerned, you will need to prepare the required legal papers, which is expensive and time-consuming. You need to choose the model that suits your business and budget to survive in the long-term.
Small business loan
If you need capital for your e-commerce business, loans are the best bet for you. Then, you need to be in business for some years to qualify for an e-commerce loan. The first thing to consider is where you get the funds and how. When it comes to traditional banks and lenders, you can opt for it. Then, a conventional bank or financial institution involves a lengthy application process with high processing fees and poor approval rates. If you can prove that your business is successful, then these loans are apt for you. On the contrary, if you are looking for easy business loans, you can visit websites such as NationaldebtRelief or similar ones.
You can get quick business loans and easy approval from alternative lenders. You can take out a loan from these companies at reasonable interest rates and flexible terms and conditions. The repayment terms are reasonable, fewer upfront costs, and a smooth application process. Then, some lenders may charge you a higher rate of interest. Therefore, you must shop around choose the best one that suits your e-commerce funding needs. You can also opt for a term loan to grow your business, but study the agreement before signing on the dotted line.
Business credit card
If you require a small amount of money or funding for unexpected expenses, then a business credit card is your best bet. When it comes to these cards, you will have access to a revolving credit limit that lets you meet your e-commerce business expenses. It will also give you protection from fraudulent activities and shower you with points that you can use to your advantage later. Then, there are business credit cards that help you develop your business credit if you plan to apply for a traditional loan in the future.
When applying for a business credit card, you should choose those with a zero intro APR. It will help you use the funds to meet the expenses for the first year without shelling out high-interest rates. Take some time out of your busy schedule and opt for the card that best suits your funding needs for your e-commerce business.
A business line of credit
It helps you take out money for your online store and fund the same. You will pay interest rate only for the amount you use to fund your business. Then, if you have a new business, a business line of credit is easy to obtain than a traditional loan from banks. The business line of credit is beneficial if you need the fund to promote your e-commerce business and other ongoing costs such as advertising and supplies.
The application process is easy depending on the type of lender you choose. Once the loan is approved, you can use the money from your available credit limit. You can withdraw as many times as you want. You will need to repay the principal and interest on the amount you have withdrawn.
You can apply for a business line of credit frequently as long as you repay the principal and interest on the amount you have used for funding your e-commerce store. It is a good option to fund your business to meet ongoing expenditures.
Conclusion
Whether you have an online store or planning to start one, it helps you become independent. Be your boss. It is the first step to become an entrepreneur. All you need to do is choose a high-potential product that will sell. If funding your business is the sole thing that is bothering you, there are plenty of financing options today.
