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If you want to run a successful eBay business, you need to source products, manage your inventory, market your store and stay competitive. To do this, you’ll need access to capital. Although traditional bank loans may be tough to come by, there’s a range of nontraditional financing options to pick from that might actually work better for your business model. This guide explores the different types of financing options and business loans for eBay sellers and what you need to apply.
Ways to finance your eBay business
There are lots of financing and business loans for eBay sellers, including:
Business line of credit
If you always need money to maintain your inventory but don’t have consistent sales, consider opening a business line of credit. It works like a credit card as you can borrow, repay and borrow again up to a set limit.
- Borrow $5,000 to $1 million
- Pay 9% to 39.99% interest only on the amount you actually use
Peer-to-peer business loans
Rather than provide funding themselves, online peer-to-peer marketplaces help connect you with individual investors willing to take on your loan.
- Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $500,000
- Interest rates range from 4.96% - 24.93%
- Common terms are from 6 months to 5 years
Merchant cash advances
Merchant cash advances can help seasoned sellers get ready for a busy season. They’ll deposit a cash advance directly into your account and then take a specific percentage of your daily or weekly sales.
- Pay a fixed fee (known as a factor rate) ranging from 1.1 to 1.5
- Receive funding within a few days
- Loan amounts range from $500 to $500,000
Microloans
These small-dollar loans are particularly useful to eBay sellers who are just getting off the ground and need a few hundred or thousand dollars to purchase a key piece of equipment or build up inventory.
- Loan amounts range from $500 to $50,000
- Interest rates range from 6.7% to 12%
Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) loan
A government-backed small business loan that offers low interest rates and long repayment terms. You can apply at your bank or financial institution, but you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Borrow up to $1,150,000 (max $150,000 for lines of credit)
- Registration fee of 2% of the loan amount
- The maximum interest rate is the lender’s prime lending rate + 3% for term loans and the lender’s prime lending rate + 5% for lines of credit
Startup loans
Loans for new businesses could be particularly useful to eBay sellers who are new to the game. The eligibility requirements are typically less strict, but just be prepared to submit a detailed business plan.
- Terms typically range from six months to five years
- Borrow $500 to $1,000,000
- Interest rates start at around 13%
Fixed-term business loans
These are more traditional business loans that are funded in one lump sum and repaid over a set period of time with interest. You can get term loans from banks, credit unions and online lenders.
- Loan terms can range from 6 months to 20 years
- Choose from fixed or variable interest rates between 4% and 39.99%
- Lenders typically offer between $500 and $500,000, but you can find term loans up to $1 million
Personal loans
Personal loans may be the way to go if you have a small one-time business expense like expanding your storefront, buying new equipment or advertising.
- Loan amounts range from $100 to $50,000
- Typical term lengths range between 6 and 60 months
- You may be able to get a lower interest rate if you have good credit, but typical rates are between 6.99% and 35%
Crowdfunding
Got a small following? Or a social network? Set up a campaign on a crowdfunding platform like Kickstarter or GoFundMe and ask your friends and fans to make small contributions.
- Crowdfunding platforms typically charge a flat fee and a payment processing fee or transaction fee
How to compare eBay business loans
Consider the following factors when comparing business loans for eBay sellers:
- Loan amounts. Do you need some money to set up a website, or are you looking for a chunk of cash to finance your inventory? Narrow down your options by looking at loans that will give you just enough—and try not to borrow more than that. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay more in interest.
- Loan terms. Can you pay your loan back over the course of a set time period, or would you like something open-ended like a line of credit? Find a lender that offers a repayment term that fits your budget.
- Your eligibility. The vast majority of business lenders have minimum revenue requirements, which will usually be around $5,000 – $10,000 monthly or $100,000 annually. Some lenders require that you own a specified percentage of your business, while others might not give you money if your business hasn’t been around for at least six months to one year. Make sure you meet the lender’s requirements before choosing a loan.
- Interest rates. Interest rates vary across lenders. The amount you want to borrow, your lender, loan term, loan type and even your personal credit score can factor into the rate you’re ultimately offered.
- Fees. Read the fine print and know the business loan costs when you apply for a loan—some come with origination, application and prepayment fees.
- Repayment costs. Avoid applying for a loan with repayments that you can’t afford—and make sure you’re clear on when they’re due before you sign your loan documents. Repayments can be monthly, weekly, bi-weekly or even come out of your sales each day, depending on what type of financing you choose.
What you’ll need to apply
The documentation you’ll need to assemble before applying for a loan will differ by lender and loan type—especially when it comes to loans for e-commerce businesses like eBay stores. Generally, you’ll need the following:
- Personal identification
- A detailed business plan
- Business and personal tax returns
- Sales and financial history
- Business information (name, licence, business number)
- Bank account details
Is a business loan the right choice for you?
When should you take out a loan?
- When you’re doing well. Do you have a consistent record of sales and want to step up your marketing game? Taking out a loan could help you meet your needs with little risk—if you’re able to make on time repayments.
- When you want to expand. If you don’t have the resources to meet high demand, a loan could be the extra boost your business needs to take it to the next level.
When should you think twice?
- When you’re suffering losses. Think hard before taking out a loan when your business is losing money each month. There’s a chance you’ll fall behind on your repayments, resulting in fees, penalties and even negative cash flow (if you’ve agreed to automatic daily repayments).
- If you want to make a larger investment. If you take out a loan for your eBay store and aren’t able to make the payments as easily as you expected, you could damage your credit score.
Can you get an eBay business loan with bad credit?
Yes, but it’ll be more difficult and expensive. You may have to pay higher interest rates or provide collateral, such as your inventory, but alternative lenders typically look at your business performance or business plan rather than your credit history.
Tips to become a successful eBay seller
If you want to become a successful eBay seller and increase your revenue, consider these tips:
- Write detailed, honest descriptions: Include dimensions, condition and flaws so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
- Take high-quality photos: Use good lighting and different angles to showcase your product.
- Offer competitive pricing: See what your competitors are charging and consider offering lower prices or deals like free shipping.
- Use relevant keywords: Include keywords that buyers are likely to search for in your item titles and descriptions.
- Be responsive and polite: Answer buyer questions quickly and professionally to build trust and earn positive feedback.
Bottom line
Taking out a loan can be a solid way to boost your eBay presence and better compete in the e-commerce world. Comparing your business loan options and choosing the financing that best fits your needs is the best way to ensure the long-term success of your online business.
Frequently asked questions
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