What Is Vendor Finance?

Gable Business Finance offers a Vendor Finance Programme designed for UK equipment suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers who want to provide their customers with convenient finance options directly at the point of sale. This arrangement enables vendors to secure more sales, get paid upfront, and leave the finance management to Gable.

Rather than losing customers because of upfront cost barriers, vendors can offer finance as an integral part of their sales process. Gable handles the customer’s finance application, arranges the funding, and pays the vendor directly once approved. The result? A seamless, low-risk, and cash-positive experience for the vendor, while customers enjoy affordable, flexible payment options.

How Gable’s Vendor Finance Programme Works

1. Offer finance at point of sale: Vendors can present Gable’s finance options alongside every product quote, giving customers an immediate way to spread costs over manageable monthly repayments.
2. Customer finance handled by Gable: Gable manages the full finance process, from application to approval — ensuring compliance, clarity, and efficiency.
3. Vendor paid directly: Once finance is approved, Gable releases payment straight to the vendor for the full invoice amount, improving cash flow and eliminating the risk of late payments.
4. Focus on sales, not collections: With funds received upfront, vendors can dedicate their energy to generating more business rather than chasing invoices.

Benefits for Vendors and Equipment Suppliers

• Increased Sales Conversion: Finance removes budget barriers, helping vendors close deals that might otherwise be lost.
• Faster Payment: Receive full payment directly from Gable, rather than waiting for customer instalments.
• Improved Cash Flow: Get paid promptly, allowing you to reinvest in stock or operations.
• No Credit Risk: Gable assumes responsibility for the finance agreement — vendors are paid regardless of customer repayment terms.
• Enhanced Customer Loyalty: Offering flexible payment options can differentiate your business and strengthen customer relationships.
• Streamlined Sales Process: Gable’s support team and technology integrations make offering finance simple and compliant.

Technology Integration and Instant Quotes

Gable’s Vendor Finance Programme can integrate seamlessly with your sales process. Through modern API and widget tools, suppliers can generate instant monthly payment options for customers — directly within quotes or checkout pages.

• Embed monthly payment options on every customer quote.
• Instant finance calculations tailored to your products and pricing.
• Offer flexible terms and repayment options.
• Choose between a full API integration or a simple widget setup.
• Customer applications are handled completely by Gable, with real-time notifications for the vendor.

This streamlined process provides a seamless purchasing experience for the end customer — fast, compliant, and transparent from start to finish.

How Vendor Finance Boosts Your Business

Offering finance at the point of sale is a proven way to grow revenue. When customers are presented with a monthly payment option, they are more likely to purchase premium equipment, add-on products, or complete larger projects. For many industries, it transforms the sales conversation from price to affordability.

With Gable as your finance partner, you receive full invoice payment upon approval — meaning you maintain liquidity and eliminate bad debt risk. Meanwhile, your customers benefit from flexible repayment terms that suit their cash flow.

Industries That Benefit from Vendor Finance

Gable’s Vendor Finance Programme is suitable for a wide range of industries, including:

• Construction Equipment Suppliers: Finance for diggers, dumpers, scaffolding, or tools.
• Technology and IT Vendors: Offer leasing for servers, computers, and networking hardware.
• Manufacturing Equipment Distributors: Support sales of CNC machinery, presses, or automation equipment.
• Office Furniture & Interiors: Finance for desks, partitions, and ergonomic equipment.
• Catering & Hospitality: Fund kitchen installations, coffee machines, or refrigeration units.
• Healthcare & Dental: Provide finance for medical equipment, imaging machines, or treatment chairs.

Example: How a Vendor Benefits in Practice

Scenario: A catering equipment supplier provides ovens, fridges, and prep counters to independent restaurants. Many customers want to expand but lack capital to buy equipment outright.

By partnering with Gable, the supplier includes a monthly payment option on every quote. When a customer agrees, Gable handles the finance application and, once approved, pays the supplier in full. The restaurant begins using the equipment immediately while paying Gable in monthly instalments.

Result: The supplier boosts sales by 25%, improves cash flow, and removes credit risk entirely.

Finance Options Offered Through Gable

• Hire Purchase: Customers pay a deposit and fixed monthly instalments. Ownership transfers at the end of the term after a final option fee.
• Finance Lease: Customers rent equipment for an agreed term, with options to upgrade, continue leasing, or return the asset at the end.
• Operating Lease: Ideal for rapidly depreciating assets. Customers rent equipment for a shorter period, returning it once no longer needed.

All finance options are fully compliant with UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations and structured to fit your customers’ needs.

Support and Marketing for Suppliers

Gable provides tailored marketing and sales tools to help suppliers make the most of vendor finance. This includes:

• Custom finance handouts for your customers and staff.
• Finance information for your website and brochures.
• Training and support on using finance to increase sales conversions.
• Branded materials personalised to your business.
• Compliance-checked content that meets FCA advertising standards.

Understanding FCA Authorisation

Any business offering finance or discussing finance options with customers must comply with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations. Gable ensures all vendor partners understand their responsibilities and remain compliant.

FCA authorisation enables suppliers to introduce finance products responsibly and legally. Most equipment suppliers only need limited permission authorisation, which covers discussing and introducing business finance options to customers.

Regulated vs Non-Regulated Customers

• Regulated: Sole traders and small partnerships (fewer than four partners).
• Non-Regulated: Limited companies, LLPs, PLCs, and public sector organisations.

Gable’s compliance team helps vendors navigate these distinctions and ensure all marketing materials meet FCA standards.

Why Partner with Gable Business Finance?

• Fast and reliable customer approvals.
• Access to a wide panel of UK lenders for bespoke solutions.
• Dedicated account managers for ongoing support.
• Transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
• API technology to simplify integration with your sales process.
• Flexible repayment options for your customers.
• Full vendor payment on completion of the finance agreement.

Example Sectors Using Gable Vendor Finance

• IT & Technology: Suppliers of hardware and software solutions.
• Engineering & Manufacturing: CNC machinery, robotics, and fabrication tools.
• Office Interiors: Fit-out and furniture suppliers for growing businesses.
• Medical & Dental: Equipment providers supporting clinic refurbishments.
• Retail & EPOS Systems: Finance for tills, shelving, and POS solutions.
• Catering & Hospitality: Kitchen suppliers, coffee machine distributors, and bar fit-out companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do vendors need to be FCA authorised?

If selling to Limited Companies, LLPs then NO…..BUT…   Yes,  if suppliers who introduce or discuss finance from Sole traders and small partnerships (fewer than four partners). These suppliers must hold limited FCA authorisation. Gable can advise and assist with this process.

How quickly will I be paid?

Once the customer’s finance agreement is approved, Gable pays your invoice directly and promptly — ensuring fast cash flow.

Is there a cost to join the Vendor Finance Programme?

No, there is typically no upfront cost for vendors to participate. Gable provides full onboarding and support.

What types of assets can be financed?

Virtually all business equipment can be financed — from IT hardware and manufacturing machinery to catering equipment and office furniture.

Can customers choose their payment terms?

Yes. Customers can choose from a range of terms (typically 1–5 years), depending on asset type and credit profile.

Is this suitable for small suppliers?

Absolutely. Gable works with both small and large suppliers, offering the tools and support to scale sales effectively.