Key highlights
- Cover deposits, freight and duties while stock is in transit
- One application compares more than 80 bank and non-bank lenders
- Trade finance, overdraft or invoice finance matched to your cycle
- Fast pre-approval and funding may suit eligible traders
- Draw and repay as shipments sell and customers pay
Import and export businesses can use cash flow finance to cover supplier deposits, freight and duties while goods are in transit and customers pay later on terms. Overdrive Business Loans works with ABN holders across importing, exporting and distribution Australia-wide, and dedicated broker Simon Kendrick compares more than 80 banks and non-bank lenders on one application. You get a single conversation, one set of documents, and a facility sized to your turnover and the long gap between paying overseas suppliers and collecting from your customers.
The long trade cycle
Few businesses carry a longer cash cycle than import and export, and that is where cash flow finance proves its worth. You pay overseas suppliers, often upfront, then fund freight, clearance and duties before goods even reach your warehouse, and only after selling do you collect from customers who pay on terms. Weeks or months can pass between the first dollar out and the first dollar in, tying up capital and limiting how much you can order. Cash flow finance bridges that stretch so you keep trading at scale. Simon Kendrick maps your supplier and customer terms first, then matches a facility you can draw on during transit and repay as sales convert to cash.
Options worth comparing
Cash flow finance is not one product, which is why comparing lenders matters. Trade finance can fund the purchase and shipment of goods against orders or documents. A business overdraft or revolving line of credit lets you draw and repay flexibly, paying only for what you use. Invoice finance advances a portion of unpaid customer invoices, releasing cash held in accounts on terms. A short-term business loan delivers a defined lump sum for a specific shipment. Unsecured facilities are typically available up to around $500,000 depending on the lender, while secured options can go higher, always subject to lender criteria and your trading profile.
Pricing and speed
Cash flow pricing is indicative and set by each lender after assessment, so we never quote a single guaranteed rate. Time in business, monthly turnover, credit history, security and the length of your trade cycle all shape it. Strong, well-secured traders are generally priced more keenly, while short-term or higher-risk facilities cost more to reflect their flexibility and speed. For eligible applicants, same-day pre-approval and funding within 24 to 48 hours may be possible once documents are ready. Simon lays out the full cost of each option in plain terms so you can weigh speed against price before committing.
What lenders want to see
Most lenders look for a registered ABN, a reasonable trading history, and recent bank statements or accounting data showing money moving through the business. Established supplier and customer relationships, clear shipping or order documentation, and a manageable existing debt load strengthen your case. Newer operators can still find options, usually with tighter limits. Because Overdrive lodges one application across the panel, you avoid repeated credit enquiries and duplicated forms. Simon flags which lenders are comfortable with cross-border trade, so you apply where approval is genuinely likely rather than testing several banks.
If deposits and freight are due long before your customers pay, a short conversation can map your options quickly. Request a free quote and Simon Kendrick will compare suitable lenders for your import or export business, explain the numbers clearly, and help you choose a facility that fits your trade cycle. There is no obligation and no wasted enquiries on your credit file.
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