Inventory and marketing are the twin engines of eCommerce growth. Whether you’re running ads to drive new traffic or scaling inventory ahead of peak season, having enough capital on hand makes all the difference. But traditional loans often don’t fit the unique needs of online sellers, pushing more brands to explore funding that’s fast, flexible, and tied to their actual sales.
Here’s a look at the best funding options to help eCommerce businesses scale both inventory and marketing, plus how each works.
Revenue-Based Financing (RBF)
Revenue-based financing gives eCommerce sellers upfront capital in exchange for a fixed percentage of future sales. This allows repayment to scale with your business — so you pay more when sales are up, and less during slower months.
Pros:
- No credit check required
- Repayment automatically adjusts to daily or weekly sales
- Ideal for funding both inventory and advertising at once
- Fast approvals (often <24 hours) and simple process
Cons:
- Not suited for very new businesses with no sales data
- Funding amount depends on current revenue performance
Best For:
Brands preparing for major restocks, new product launches, or aggressive ad campaigns.
Inventory Financing
Inventory financing gives you capital specifically to purchase more stock, with repayment tied to how that inventory sells. It’s perfect when your main constraint is buying enough units to meet demand.
Pros:
- Keeps cash available for ads or operations
- Often aligned with supplier payment timelines
- Can scale with large purchase orders
Cons:
- Restricted to inventory use only
- Requires proof of strong SKU or seasonal performance
Best For:
Sellers stocking up before Q4 or expanding into new markets with established products.
Cash Advance & Daily Payout Platforms
Platforms like Payability turn your marketplace payouts into daily deposits, or provide lump-sum cash advances against future sales. This instantly frees up cash for ad budgets or urgent inventory buys.
Pros:
- Same-day funding
- No personal credit checks
- Great for smoothing Amazon or Walmart payout cycles
Cons:
- Daily repayments may squeeze short-term cash
- Fees can be higher over time compared to flat-fee RBF
Best For:
High-volume sellers who want to run ads continuously without waiting for platform payouts.
Ad-Focused Growth Capital
Some providers specialize in funding specifically tied to your marketing metrics, like past ROAS and customer acquisition costs. This is common with platforms like Wayflyer and Clearco.
Pros:
- Tailored for aggressive scaling through digital ads
- Often includes marketing analytics dashboards
- Fast approvals based on ad account performance
Cons:
- Repayment starts immediately, even if product sell-through lags
- Designed for brands already investing heavily in paid media
Best For:
DTC brands or marketplace sellers running significant PPC, Meta, or influencer campaigns.
FAQ: Funding Inventory and Marketing for eCommerce Growth
What’s the most flexible option for funding both inventory and ads?
Revenue-based financing (RBF) is typically the best fit. It allows you to use capital for any business need — inventory, marketing, or fulfillment — and repayment flexes with your sales.
Can I get funding without a credit check?
Yes. Platforms like Onramp Funds, Payability, and Wayflyer approve based on your store’s sales data, not your credit score.
Which funding is best if I only need help with inventory?
Inventory financing or milestone-based providers like Kickfurther let you scale stock without tying up working capital.
What if I’m preparing for Q4 or Prime Day?
You’ll likely want revenue-based financing that can be used for both restocking and amping up ads at the same time, ensuring you’re not forced to choose one over the other.
How fast can I get funded?
RBF and daily payout platforms often approve and fund in under 24 hours, making them ideal for urgent inventory orders or time-sensitive ad opportunities.
Want capital that grows with your store and fuels both inventory and marketing?
Apply with Onramp Funds and get flexible, sales-based funding — no credit checks, no rigid payback, just growth.
