How FlexiPay helps ecommerce businesses

Running an online store often means juggling inventory costs while waiting for sales to come in. It can be a cash flow tightrope that many ecommerce owners know all too well. FlexiPay gives you breathing room by letting you stock up on inventory upfront, then spread repayments. When that bestseller suddenly takes off, you’ll likely be in a better position to ship stock without feeling the financial constraints. 

Manage seasonal demands without the stress

Every ecommerce business faces peaks and valleys. Whether it’s the holiday rush or a summer slump, your cash flow rarely matches your inventory needs.

With FlexiPay from Funding Circle, you can purchase stock when prices are favourable rather than when your bank account allows. Pay suppliers in full immediately, then choose whether to repay in 1, 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Having this flexibility gives you control to match repayments with your expected sales cycles.

Say ‘yes’ to bulk discounts that would otherwise be out of reach, potentially transforming your margins on seasonal products. And with no interest (replaced by one simple flat fee per transaction), your costs stay transparent and predictable.

Keep your digital marketing consistent

Maintaining a steady online presence is non-negotiable to stay relevant but can be a tricky balancing act. Marketing costs can easily pile up when cash is tight, which is typically when you need visibility the most.

FlexiPay can help you invest in digital marketing campaigns without disrupting your day-to-day operations. From paying for social media ads and SEO services to covering website upgrades your customers have been waiting for, you can make the investment now and spread the cost over time.

You won’t have to dial back your marketing efforts during important selling periods. Your customers get a consistent experience, and your business keeps its momentum while avoiding the stop-start rhythm that affects so many online retailers.

Seize international opportunities

International expansion is a growth opportunity for many ecommerce businesses, but navigating overseas supplier terms and fluctuating currencies can complicate cash flows.

With FlexiPay, you can act quickly when attractive international deals crop up. Let’s say an overseas supplier offers better rates but wants upfront payment. FlexiPay can help you secure that deal immediately, spreading the repayment comfortably over your chosen timeframe. Your store can differentiate itself with unique products or better pricing, giving you a competitive edge.

Beyond immediate financial benefits, paying international suppliers in a timely manner can increase your reputation as a trusted partner. Suppliers often reward reliability with perks such as priority shipping or first access to exclusive products during peak demand periods, further enhancing your competitive advantage.

Streamline your fulfillment and delivery operations

The back-end of your ecommerce business can make or break customer satisfaction. From packaging materials to shipping costs, how you fulfill orders impacts both your bottom line and your reviews.

Invest in better packaging and shipping solutions

With FlexiPay, you can upgrade your packaging materials or invest in custom branded options that improve the unboxing experience. Pay for these improvements upfront while spreading the cost over time so you can create those Instagram-worthy moments that turn one-time buyers into repeat customers.

Scale your delivery capabilities during peak periods

When order volumes suddenly spike during busy periods, your delivery systems need to scale quickly to keep pace with demand. Use FlexiPay to secure additional storage space, hire temporary fulfillment staff, or integrate with premium shipping services without delay. Paying these costs upfront but spreading repayments helps you maintain quick delivery times even during your busiest selling seasons without draining your cash reserves.

Optimise your returns process

Returns are part of e-commerce life, but they don’t have to be your business’s weak spot. With FlexiPay, you can invest in proper returns management systems without the financial strain. Pay upfront for dedicated returns software or processing areas, then spread the cost over time. Shoppers who have a smooth returns experience are much more likely to buy from you again.

Expand your product range without increasing your financial risk

Testing new products is a fundamental part of e-commerce growth, but it traditionally comes with significant upfront investment. FlexiPay changes the equation, making product expansion more accessible and less risky.

Using FlexiPay, you can:

• Launch seasonal collections without waiting until you’ve accumulated enough capital
• Test new product categories with smaller initial investments
• Respond quickly to emerging market trends before your competitors
• Add complementary products that increase your average order value

The ability to pay suppliers upfront while spreading your repayments means you can be more strategic about when and how you expand your catalog. Rather than launching new products only when your bank balance allows, you can time releases to coincide with peak shopping periods or market opportunities.

Keeping your bestsellers in stock while testing new products is always a juggling act. When cash is tight, most businesses choose one or the other. With FlexiPay, you don’t have to make that choice. You can keep your reliable sellers well-stocked and still have the flexibility to try new product lines that could become tomorrow’s bestsellers.

Being flexible with your ecommerce business 

FlexiPay puts you back in charge of your business’s financial rhythm. Whether you’re stocking up for peak season, expanding internationally or upgrading your operations, you can make payments when they matter most and repay on your terms. Apply online in minutes and see how much more your business can achieve.

While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.