How a Young Importer Turned Firm Orders into Real Growth Without Bank Backing

Summary 

A high-growth importer supplying smaller retailers had just secured firm orders from national chains. But without property assets or long trading history, the banks refused to assist. Referred by their accountant, the business turned to Lock Finance. A tailored import finance facility allowed them to meet demand, strengthen profitability, and position for trans-Tasman expansion.

The Situation: Strong Demand, No Support from the Banks

Eighteen months into operation, this New Zealand-based importer had done what many early-stage businesses struggle to achieve. They had built a growing customer base across independent retailers and proven demand for their product at attractive margins.

The next milestone came quickly: interest from national, multi-store retailers who were prepared to place firm orders. However, fulfilling those orders required significant working capital to import stock in bulk. Despite the clear demand, the company’s limited trading history and lack of property ownership made them ineligible for conventional bank finance.

The founders had bootstrapped the venture, investing their own capital from the outset. The margins were there. The orders were confirmed. The funding was not.

The Referral: When Track Record Trumps Collateral

The company’s accountant, already familiar with Lock Finance, recommended they explore options outside the traditional banking system.

Lock Finance assessed the fundamentals, which included strong product demand, confirmed purchase orders, stable gross margins, and credible operators. Notably, the facility was not underpinned by personal assets, but by commercial logic and sales momentum.

The Solution: Import Finance Facility Tailored to Growth

Lock Finance approved an Import Finance Facility, structured specifically to enable the business to fund inbound stock needed to fulfil the larger orders.

The facility provided:

• Upfront funding for inventory, allowing the business to place larger overseas orders with confidence
• Repayment aligned with receivables, ensuring cash flow remained predictable and manageable
• Capacity to scale, with the facility growing in line with purchase order volume

The Outcome: Accelerated Growth, Stronger Position

Within weeks, the business had secured the inventory required to meet the first wave of large orders.

• Stock landed in time to fulfil initial contracts with national retailers
• The business maintained cash flow control while absorbing increased order volumes
• Gross margins remained intact, supporting a pathway to sustainable profitability
• Interest from Australian distributors has opened the door to cross-border expansion

“Lock Finance understood what the banks didn’t. We had the orders, we had the margins, and we had a clear plan. They helped us turn that into real growth.” — Co-founder

Lessons for Young Importers

Banks typically see risk in short trading histories and lack of asset backing. For many early-stage importers, this creates a funding gap just as opportunities begin to materialise.

Import finance from a specialist provider can offer a way through, turning purchase orders into revenue without compromising equity or overextending personal guarantees.

Enquire

If you are an importer with strong demand but limited access to capital, speak to Lock Finance. We fund product, not just paperwork.

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