Can I apply if I trade mainly on online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay?
Short answer
Yes — if you’re an established UK limited company or LLP that trades primarily through marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Etsy or OnBuy, you can apply to be matched with suitable finance providers. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender, and we connect marketplace-first retailers with lenders and brokers who understand eCommerce cash flow. We currently do not support start-ups or sole traders.
Marketplace sellers can apply — here’s how it works
Marketplace-first businesses are eligible to enquire for a range of commercial finance solutions. Many UK lenders actively support Amazon FBA, FBM, eBay and multi-channel sellers with strong sales history and clear fulfilment processes. The key is matching your profile to providers who specialise in eCommerce trading patterns.
Best Business Loans helps you do exactly that. Our platform uses AI to assess your business profile and introduce you to lenders or brokers who are comfortable with marketplace revenues. We don’t offer loans ourselves, but we streamline the route to relevant finance specialists.
What matters most is the quality and consistency of your trading data. Lenders will typically value platform statements, payout histories, fulfilment performance and seasonality patterns. Solid, verifiable data can improve eligibility, speed and terms.
Who we can help today
- UK limited companies and LLPs with established Amazon, eBay or multi-marketplace revenue.
- Businesses with at least several months of consistent trading and banked turnover.
- Firms seeking working capital, stock funding, equipment finance or vehicle funding to grow.
Who we can’t currently support
- Start-ups and pre-revenue ventures.
- Sole traders and franchises.
- Property finance and commercial mortgages.
If you’re a retailer or eCommerce brand looking for options, explore our guidance for retail and eCommerce business finance. You’ll find sector-specific insights and next steps.
What lenders look for with Amazon, eBay and other marketplace sellers
Commercial lenders assess risk using evidence, not just projections. For marketplace sellers, that usually means platform performance metrics and payout data. Expect to share Amazon Seller Central reports, eBay transaction summaries, and payment processor statements where relevant.
Providers often review your fulfilment model too. If you use FBA, they may weigh inventory velocity, return rates and seller health. If you’re FBM or omnichannel, they’ll look at shipping SLAs, refund patterns and how you manage stock during peaks.
They will also check how sales translate into cash in your UK business bank account. Clean bank statements, clear cash flow patterns and responsible existing borrowing tend to support stronger outcomes.
Typical eligibility indicators
- UK registered limited company or LLP, trading for at least 6–12 months.
- Consistent monthly marketplace sales with verifiable payout histories.
- Up-to-date business bank statements and management information.
- Directors with a reasonable credit profile, or a clear case to explain any blips.
- No unresolved serious issues such as undisclosed CCJs or persistent arrears.
Documents and data that help
- Amazon, eBay or other marketplace performance reports and payout summaries.
- Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
- Management accounts or annual accounts if available.
- VAT returns, if registered, and evidence of inventory values or purchase orders.
- Brief use-of-funds plan showing how finance will generate ROI and resilience.
Clear, fair and not misleading information is essential. Presenting accurate numbers and realistic projections helps lenders price risk more favourably and speeds up decisions.
Funding options that fit marketplace trading models
Marketplace businesses often face stock cycles, platform fees, advertising costs and payout delays. The right funding type depends on where the pressure sits: inventory, cash flow timing, equipment needs or delivery capacity. Below are common routes our partners may consider for marketplace sellers.
Working capital solutions can smooth payouts or bridge seasonal spikes. Inventory finance can help you buy stock ahead of peak trading, while keeping cash free for ads and operations. Asset and vehicle finance can support warehouse equipment or delivery fleets.
We’ll guide you to providers who already understand eCommerce rhythms. That can reduce the time you spend explaining platform mechanics and accelerate underwriting.
Common finance types for Amazon/eBay sellers
- Revenue-based finance and MCA-style solutions leveraging card or platform sales.
- Stock and inventory finance to fund purchase orders and replenishment cycles.
- Working capital and cash flow loans for PPC, marketplace fees and growth projects.
- Asset finance for racking, packing lines, automation and warehouse equipment.
- Vehicle finance for vans and last-mile delivery capacity.
- Invoice finance if a portion of your sales are B2B outside the marketplaces.
Use cases that resonate with lenders
- Buying inventory ahead of Q4 peaks or Prime events with proven sell-through.
- Funding new SKUs or categories with data-backed demand forecasts.
- Upgrading fulfilment tech to reduce returns and improve seller metrics.
- Scaling paid ads to capture Buy Box share with stock in place.
No single solution is “best” for every marketplace seller. Our goal is to introduce you to finance providers whose criteria and structures fit your trading model and growth stage.
How to check eligibility and apply via Best Business Loans
Submitting a Quick Quote takes a couple of minutes. You’ll answer concise questions about your company, trading pattern and funding goal. Our system analyses your details and introduces you to suitable lenders or brokers for your circumstances.
There’s no obligation to proceed, and you remain in control. Any credit checks will be made by the finance providers you choose to engage with, and they’ll explain whether a soft or hard search is required. We recommend asking providers about search types before authorising checks.
We’re transparent that we don’t always find the lowest rates, and we don’t guarantee approval. Our focus is helping you identify relevant options efficiently so you can make an informed decision.
Steps to get started
- Complete your Quick Quote with basic business details and funding purpose.
- Share recent bank statements and marketplace performance reports when requested.
- Review introductions to suitable lenders or brokers and compare terms.
- Choose a route that fits your cash flow, inventory plans and risk appetite.
Tips to strengthen your case
- Prepare a simple use-of-funds plan tied to sales data and replenishment cycles.
- Show how the funding will improve margins, stock availability or delivery times.
- Highlight operational improvements, such as better returns handling or QA.
- Keep explanations concise, factual and consistent across documents.
If you operate in retail or eCommerce, our sector guidance can help shape your approach. Visit our retailers and eCommerce finance page for more insights before you enquire.
FAQs, compliance and next steps
Below are concise answers to common questions from Amazon and eBay sellers. These reflect typical market practice; each provider sets its own criteria. Always read the lender’s documentation carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Best Business Loans acts as an independent introducer and does not provide financial advice. We aim to ensure our content and communications are clear, fair and not misleading, in line with UK regulatory expectations for financial promotions.
Our service is free to use, and we may receive an introducer commission from finance partners if you take out a product through an introduction we make. You are free to reject any option that does not suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if most of my turnover is from Amazon or eBay?
Yes, as long as you are an established UK limited company or LLP with consistent trading history and verifiable platform data. We currently do not support start-ups or sole traders.
What information will lenders want to see?
Expect requests for marketplace sales reports, payout histories, recent business bank statements, and basic financials. Some providers may ask for VAT returns, inventory values or purchase orders.
How quickly could I get a decision?
Simple working capital facilities can turn around quickly once documents are complete. More complex inventory or asset finance may take longer due to underwriting and valuations.
Will checking my eligibility affect my credit score?
Submitting a Quick Quote on our site does not affect your credit score. If you proceed with a provider, they will tell you if a soft or hard credit search is required and seek your consent.
What can I use the funds for?
Common uses include stock purchases, marketplace fees, advertising, equipment, vehicles and fulfilment upgrades. The lender will expect a legitimate business purpose aligned to your growth plan.
Are rates higher for marketplace sellers?
Rates depend on risk, trading stability and product type rather than the channel alone. Strong data, clear seasonality plans and responsible borrowing can support better terms.
Key takeaways
- Yes — marketplace-first companies can apply, and many lenders actively support them.
- Data is king: platform performance and payout histories drive eligibility.
- Choose funding that matches your pressure point: stock, cash flow, assets or vehicles.
- We introduce you to relevant providers; you compare and decide what fits best.
- We do not support start-ups or sole traders at this time.
Responsible information and standards
We strive to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate and useful for UK businesses. Finance products carry risks and obligations, and terms vary by provider. Always review fees, total cost of finance, security requirements and early repayment conditions.
Our communications are designed to be clear, fair and not misleading, aligning with FCA expectations for financial promotions. We also follow Google’s financial services advertising policies and UK advertising standards to support informed decision-making.
Updated October 2025. For guidance or to begin, complete a Quick Quote on our website. You can also email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai if you need help before submitting.