You Just Landed a Huge Order. Now What?
A big first order from a national distributor, OEM, or retailer is the best problem and the fastest way to blow up cash flow. Here's how we structure funding when a shop calls with 'we just won something we can't afford to deliver.'
Confirm the order economics before anything else
Gross margin, delivery schedule, payment terms, freight terms, and any chargeback/markdown provisions. A 22% margin on paper often becomes 12% after retailer chargebacks—know that before you commit funding.
Fund the materials
PO financing pays your suppliers directly against the confirmed order. Requires 20%+ gross margin and a creditworthy end buyer. Closes in 2–3 weeks.
Fund the production ramp
Working capital or a factoring facility on your existing book covers labor, overhead, and any material gaps not covered by the PO facility.
Fund the receivable
The moment you ship and invoice, factor the invoice for 85–90% advance. Factoring proceeds pay off the PO facility at delivery. You keep the margin.
Plan the second order
The moment you deliver the first order, the second one is coming. Structure the facilities for repeatable capacity, not just this one deal.
