In today’s market, customers expect flexible payment options. Whether they’re buying online, in-store, or business-to-business, the purchasing journey has shifted. Just as consumers now expect payment solutions like Klarna, PayPal Pay-in-3, and Clearpay, businesses selling products and services to other businesses are experiencing the same shift.

B2B customers increasingly prefer to spread the cost of high-value purchases rather than paying everything upfront, and they reward suppliers who give them that choice.

This is where partnering with Principal Business Finance Ltd provides a major competitive advantage.

By offering finance options directly to your customers, whether you sell equipment, vehicles, machinery, technology, fit-out services, or any form of commercial solution, you not only make it easier for them to buy from you, but you also create a frictionless path to higher-value purchases, quicker conversions, and greater long-term loyalty.

This model has helped countless UK suppliers transform how they sell, grow, and retain customers.

Below is a full breakdown of how a finance partnership with Principal Business Finance can elevate your business.

Increase Sales by Making Purchases More Affordable for Your Customers

Often, the only barrier between “interested” and “committed” is cash flow.

Many customers simply cannot justify or do not want  a large upfront payment. They may need:

• To preserve working capital

• To manage seasonal fluctuations

• To keep reserves for tax payments

• To balance cash between operations and growth

• To obtain equipment before income has landed

Offering finance removes that barrier completely.

A customer who may hesitate at a £25,000 upfront purchase is usually far more comfortable with a structured monthly payment.

The result?

✔ More completed sales
✔ Higher conversion rates
✔ Faster customer decision-making

This mirrors the dramatic rise in Klarna-style checkout adoption in retail but with even stronger impact for B2B suppliers, where values are higher and cash flow pressures greater.

Increase the Average Order Value (AOV)

Once customers can spread the cost, their purchasing behaviour changes.

They shift from thinking, “What can I afford upfront?” to “What fits into my monthly budget?”

This leads to:

• Larger orders

• Premium upgrades

• More comprehensive packages

• Additional add-ons

• Longer-term contracts

For example:

A customer looking at a £17,000 machine might instead opt for the £32,000 model when offered affordable monthly finance.

Suppliers across engineering, manufacturing, retail fit-out, catering equipment, hospitality, automotive and construction regularly see AOV increases of 20–60% simply by introducing finance options.

Stand Out From Competitors Who Only Offer Upfront Payment

Many UK suppliers lose business to competitors who can offer payment flexibility.

Customers increasingly expect the option to spread the cost especially in sectors where cash flow regularly fluctuates.

If a competitor says:
“You must pay upfront.”
…but you say:
“You can spread the cost over 2, 3, 5 or even 7 years.”

Then the customer’s choice becomes easy.

Finance becomes a powerful differentiator that gives your business the edge.

Faster Deal Closure Reduce Sales Cycles Dramatically

Traditional B2B sales cycles can be slow:

• Customers speak to their bank

• Processes take weeks

• Underwriting can be restrictive

• Decisions can be slow

• Quotes go stale

• Deals get postponed or abandoned

Partnering with Principal Business Finance changes everything.

Because customers can apply directly through your finance partner, approvals are faster and more aligned with the sale.

Most deals can be approved:

• Same day

• Within 24 hours

• Or even in hours for standard assets

This dramatically shortens your sales cycle and increases the number of deals completed per month.

Improve Customer Loyalty and Lifetime Value

When you become the supplier that makes purchasing easier, customers stay loyal.

Offering finance strengthens the relationship, making you the go-to provider for:

• Repeat purchases

• Upgrades

• Replacements

• Seasonal expansion

• Multi-site rollouts

You aren’t just a supplier, you become a long-term partner in their growth.

This consistency builds trust, credibility and stronger partnerships.

Reduce Risk of Customers Delaying Purchases Due to Cash Flow Pressures

Most businesses want to purchase equipment long before they actually do because cash flow holds them back.

By offering finance, customers don’t have to wait until:

• The next VAT reclaim

• A slow-paying client settles a bill

• A seasonal peak hits

• A large contract is finalised

You allow them to move forward now, meaning your business benefits immediately.

Receive Payment in Full – While the Customer Pays Over Time

This is one of the biggest hidden advantages.

When a customer uses finance:

✔ You get paid 100% upfront
✔ The finance provider takes on the risk
✔ You remove the chance of bad debt
✔ You avoid chasing overdue payments

This improves your own business stability and cash flow all while giving the customer flexibility.

How Principal Business Finance Makes This Easy for You

We offer a complete funding solution that integrates seamlessly with your sales process.

Partner benefits include:

• A dedicated account manager to support your customers

• Quick decisions through direct underwriting channels

• Finance options for all customer types (start-ups, sole traders, established SMEs)

• Coverage for a wide range of assets (vehicles, equipment, machinery, fit-outs, tech, more)

• Co-branded finance materials for your website and quotes

• Commission/intro payments for every funded deal

• Simple referral process

• High approval rates with a broad panel of lenders

A true win-win-win:

✔ Customers get flexibility
✔ You increase sales and order value
✔ You earn introducer revenue

Partnering With Principal Business Finance: What We Provide

We can arrange:

• Equipment & Vehicle Finance

• Hire Purchase & Leasing

• Business Loans

• Invoice Finance

• Green Asset Finance

• Fit-Out Funding

• Franchise Funding

• Tax Funding

• Merchant Cash Advances

• Asset Refinance

• Secured & Unsecured Loans

No matter your industry, we can build a finance offering that transforms your sales approach. Contact us on 01604217998, email info@principalbusinessfinance.co.uk, or enquire here.