Clearbanc vs Shopify Capital: A Comprehensive Comparison

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is Clearbanc?
  3. What is Shopify Capital?
  4. Detailed Comparison: Clearbanc vs. Shopify Capital
  5. Pros and Cons
  6. FAQs
  7. Conclusion

Introduction

Starting and scaling an online business often requires significant funding. For entrepreneurs in the eCommerce space, choosing the right funding partner can be a crucial decision. Two of the leading players in this arena are Clearbanc and Shopify Capital. But which one is the better option for your business needs? This blog post aims to provide a detailed comparison between these two funding giants. By the end, you'll understand their differences, benefits, and which might suit your business better.

What is Clearbanc?

Clearbanc, now branded as Clearco, was founded to provide non-dilutive capital to online businesses. Unlike traditional bank loans requiring collateral, Clearco offers flexible, revenue-based financing. This means businesses can obtain the needed funds without giving up equity or pledging assets.

Features of Clearbanc

  1. Wide Applicability:

    • Available for various eCommerce platforms including Shopify, Amazon, and BigCommerce.
    • Can be used for ad spend, inventory purchases, and more.
  2. Quick Turnaround:

    • Funds can be accessed within 3-5 days of application.
  3. Flexible Repayment:

    • Payments are a percentage of your daily sales, making it easier to manage during slower sales periods.
  4. No Personal Guarantee:

    • Business owners do not need to provide personal guarantees or collateral.
  5. Customized Funding:

    • Clearco offers funding based on your sales and marketing data, ensuring you get the right amount for your needs.

What is Shopify Capital?

Shopify Capital, launched in 2016, offers a streamlined funding solution specifically for Shopify merchants. It provides both loans and merchant cash advances, determined by the sales volume of the Shopify stores.

Features of Shopify Capital

  1. Platform-Specific:

    • Exclusively for Shopify store owners, ensuring streamlined integration.
  2. Quick Approval:

    • Access funding directly from your Shopify admin panel, with pre-approved amounts based on your store's performance.
  3. Flexible Options:

    • Choose between a lump-sum loan with a fixed repayment period or a merchant cash advance with flexible repayment based on daily sales.
  4. No Collateral Needed:

    • No need for collateral or personal guarantees, making it accessible for small and new businesses.

Detailed Comparison: Clearbanc vs. Shopify Capital

Ease of Application

Clearbanc:

  • Requires connecting your sales and marketing accounts.
  • Can take a few days to a week for funds to be disbursed.

Shopify Capital:

  • Integrated directly into the Shopify admin dashboard.
  • Funds can be accessed within a day or two if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Funding Amounts

Clearbanc:

  • Offers between $10K and $10M.
  • Flexible depending on your sales performance and marketing needs.

Shopify Capital:

  • Provides between $200 and $1,000,000.
  • Amounts depend on your store's sales volume and history.

Repayment Terms

Clearbanc:

  • Repayment is a percentage of daily sales.
  • No set deadline, allowing flexibility based on business performance.

Shopify Capital:

  • Loans have a 12-month repayment period with milestones every 60 days.
  • Merchant cash advances are more flexible, only debiting based on sales with no set deadline.

Use of Funds

Clearbanc:

  • Capital can be used for various business needs like inventory, ad spend, and expansion projects.

Shopify Capital:

  • Funds can be directed towards marketing, inventory, and other business growth activities.

Additional Services

Clearbanc:

  • Offers a broader range of services including growth guidance and access to a network of experts.
  • Can connect to multiple sales platforms, which is advantageous for businesses with diverse sales channels.

Shopify Capital:

  • Primarily focuses on providing funds, with customer support integrated within Shopify's existing channels.

Pros and Cons

Clearbanc

Pros:

  • Flexible funding and repayment options.
  • Customizable based on business performance.
  • Not limited to Shopify, supporting a range of eCommerce platforms.

Cons:

  • Slightly longer approval process compared to Shopify Capital.
  • Higher fees depending on what the funds are used for.

Shopify Capital

Pros:

  • Seamless integration for Shopify store owners.
  • Quick access to funds.
  • No collateral or personal guarantees needed.

Cons:

  • Limited to Shopify merchants.
  • Smaller maximum loan amounts compared to Clearbanc.

FAQs

Is Clearbanc only for large businesses?

No, Clearbanc is tailored to support businesses of all sizes, offering funding from $10K to $10M.

Can I use Shopify Capital if I'm not a Shopify merchant?

No, Shopify Capital is exclusive to Shopify store owners.

Which funding option is more flexible?

Clearbanc generally offers more flexibility with repayment terms, as they are a percentage of daily sales without a strict deadline. Shopify Capital provides flexibility through its merchant cash advance option, which also relies on daily sales for repayment.

How quickly can I access funds from Clearbanc and Shopify Capital?

Clearbanc funds are usually available within 3-5 days, while Shopify Capital funds can be accessed within a day or two if eligibility criteria are met.

Do I have to provide collateral for either Clearbanc or Shopify Capital?

No, neither Clearbanc nor Shopify Capital requires collateral or personal guarantees, making them accessible for many businesses.

Conclusion

Choosing between Clearbanc and Shopify Capital depends on your specific business needs and circumstances. Clearbanc offers broader applicability and higher funding amounts, making it ideal for businesses looking to scale significantly. Shopify Capital, on the other hand, provides a streamlined solution for Shopify merchants seeking quick and integrated funding options.

Understanding the nuances of each and aligning them with your business goals will enable you to make an informed decision that best supports your growth and operational needs.


Grow Your Shopify Store with Shop Circle Capital

Thank you for reading our latest insights on improving your Shopify store. As you consider different ways to grow, we want to introduce you to Shop Circle Capital, a great tool for flexible funding.

Shop Circle Capital provides funding that adjusts to your business’s sales. This means you don’t have to worry about fixed monthly payments. Instead, you pay more when sales are good and less when they slow down, making managing your finances easier and less stressful.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, Shop Circle Capital is here to help. Whether you need more inventory, want to spend more on marketing, or plan to enter new markets, our funding can help you get there.

Don’t delay your growth. Click here to apply for Shop Circle Capital today. Begin your application now and get funding that fits your business’s needs and pace. Discover how our flexible financial approach can help your business grow smoothly and quickly.

Act now and choose Shop Circle Capital. Let your business growth drive your funding and see how far you can go with a partner that adjusts to your needs.