What is a Line of Credit(LOC)?
A line of credit (LOC) is a sum of money that can be drawn in a predetermined amount of time. Until the limit is reached, the borrower can withdraw funds as needed. Money can be acquired again when an open line of credit is being repaid.
A line of credit (LOC) is an agreement between a banking institution and a customer that specifies the utmost loan amount that the customer can obtain. The borrower can then utilize the funds from the line of credit whenever they choose, as long as they don’t exceed the maximum amount agreed upon (or credit limit).
Types of LOCs
This allows you to borrow unsecured cash, pay them back, and then borrow again. A personal line of credit normally requires a credit history with no defaults, a credit score of 670 or above, and continuous income. Although a personal LOC does not require collateral, savings and collateral in stocks or CDs can help. Personal LOCs are utilized for a variety of purposes, including emergencies, weddings, and other special occasions, travel and entertainment, overdraft protection, and to help those with irregular income smooth out the bumps.
The most used secured LOC is a HELOC. The market value of your house minus the amount due, which becomes the foundation for setting the line of credit’s size, secures a HELOC for you. Typically, the credit limit is 75 percent or 80 percent of the home’s market value, minus the outstanding mortgage balance.
HELOCs typically have a draw time (usually ten years) during which the borrower can access funds, repay them, and borrow again. The amount is due after the draw period, or a loan is extended to pay off the debt over time. 3 HELOCs usually have closing charges, which include the cost of an appraisal on the collateral property.
Companies use them to borrow on an as-needed basis rather than securing a fixed loan. Before obtaining a line of credit, the financial institution granting the LOC evaluates the company’s market value, profitability, and risk tolerance. The LOC may be secured or unsecured depending on the extent of the line of credit sought and the review results. The interest rate varies, as it is with practically all LOCs.
This type of LOC can be secured or unsecured, although not commonly used. With a demand LOC, the lender can demand the amount loaned due at any time. Interest-only or interest-plus-principal repayments are possible based on the terms of the LOC (until the loan is called). The debtor can start spending to the credit limit at any moment.
Limitations on Credit Lines
The flexibility to borrow only the amount needed and avoid paying interest on a large loan is the main benefit of a line of credit. However, while taking up a line of credit, borrowers must be mindful of potential issues.
- Unsecured LOCs charge higher interest rates and have stricter credit standards than secured LOCs.
- Lines of credit interest rates (APRs) are virtually constantly variable and fluctuate substantially from one lender to the next.
- Credit lines do not have the same level of regulatory protection as credit cards. Late payments and exceeding the LOC limit might result in harsh penalties.
- The abuse of a credit line can have a negative impact on a borrower’s credit score. Employing the services of a top credit repair company may be helpful depending on the severity of the situation.
What is Inventory LOC?
An inventory line of credit (LOC) is a type of short-term financing meant to assist small businesses in purchasing inventory as they require it. The credit line is often determined by the strength of a company’s revenues and might be anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000. A firm can request a withdrawal in as little as two or three days once it has been constituted. The company’s on-hand inventory and the acquired inventory are utilized as collateral to secure the loan.
The interest rates on this financing are often much higher than on standard loans, but businesses should only borrow sums that they plan to repay quickly. The inventory LOC is far more appealing than trying to secure a fixed, longer-term loan because it allows you to promptly control the amount borrowed and return the loan.
How to qualify for inventory LOC?
Inventory LOCs are appropriate for small businesses with a poor credit history or a limited operating history. Non-bank alternative financing providers, often known as platform lenders, provide them because they provide a completely turn-key process for applying for and securing funding on the internet. Most platform lenders assess a company’s sales history and projections first because this is how they assess risk. Companies with bad credit or no credit can still get a line of credit if they have a lot of sales. On the other hand, lenders will take the owner’s credit score into account when setting the interest rate.
Companies may also be required to demonstrate a robust inventory management basis. This could involve having a sound inventory management system, presenting correct company records and a total inventory account, and ensuring the warehouse is well-structured and maintained. Again, this should be completed in advance of an onsite audit by the lender or a third party.
When is inventory financing the best option?
Inventory financing may be the best option for developing businesses needing a steady supply of funds. However, companies with slow-moving inventory or weak sales may find an inventory LOC more of a burden if it cannot be repaid quickly, even if they require financing. On the other hand, a properly managed LOC could benefit a company with strong sales and a high turnover rate. Therefore, when a company meets the following criteria, it is a good candidate for an inventory LOC:
- The company requires funds to refill its inventory ahead of the busy holiday season.
- To smooth out cash flow and pay continuing operating expenses, the company could benefit from having a flexible form of financing accessible.
- The company is looking to make a large inventory buy at a deep discount and requires more funding.
Conclusion
Inventory finance can help small retailers, manufacturers, and distributors with high sales growth. It can make significantly more sense for a company to have just-in-time financing available for inventory needs than to acquire longer-term finance. Companies don’t have to worry about telling customers that they’re out of stock or sold out or about not being able to chase a large order or new clients because cash is always available to satisfy demand.
