Surfing to Success: Fast-Growing Wholesaler of Watersports Goods Catches a $60MM+ Wave

Selling consumer goods at retail requires navigating an ocean of ever-changing, volatile, and often unforgiving surf. Our client joined us as a footwear venture in 2014, doing just over $7MM in annual revenue. Over the next 9 years, they transformed into a $65MM+ outdoor licensed product behemoth. Catching that perfect wave requires more than just great products; it takes strategy and funding. This is the story of how a savvy client learned to ride the waves and smooth out financial turbulence by using Express’ solid balsawood financing facilities as their surfboard to success.

The Challenge:
In 2014, our client set out to make waves by supplying premium retailers with top-notch licensed footwear. He soon added inflatable surf and paddle boards, and their sales took off. Their products were a hit, but the challenge was to keep up with surging demand and demanding terms from discerning retailers.

The Solution:
To keep the client afloat, Express Trade provided flexible factoring facilities and aggressive purchase order funding programs designed to scale at speed. Just like a surfer waiting for a perfect wave to collide with the right board and honed technique, our client found the right mix of opportunity and a financial partner with the tools and know-how to ride the waves of growth.

Making Waves with the Right Partner:
To take on the tsunami of sales, ETC’s flexible facilities provided the financial agility our client needed. Instead of waiting ~90 days for payment, ETC reduced it to 1-2 days, even as the receivables volume doubled, tripled, and beyond in quick succession. In addition to factoring, Express also funded production, which required financing 3-4 months before the delivery of goods could generate receivables for factoring. This kept their production pipeline flowing smoothly, helping them seize new opportunities.

Like the perfect swell propelling our client forward, the client’s ability to fund big orders from premium retailers boosted their reputation as a dependable, capable supplier which won them more business. Though ETC gets credit for giving credit, it takes both partners to make a huge success: Express provided the surfboard, but the client delivered excellent quality, deep value, and tubular, gnarly products!

The Results:
Flash forward to 2023, and our client’s success is making waves of its own. With $60MM+ in annual sales, they carved a groovy niche in US retail and beyond, reaching shores around the globe. They continue to expand into new product categories, securing more top licenses while developing in-house brands.

Riding into the Future:
As our client continues to ride the wave of success, Express Trade remains their trusty surfboard guru, ready to provide the financial solutions they need to conquer new heights. We’re stoked to be part of their journey and excited to see what epic rides lie ahead.

In the world of retail, it’s all about catching the right wave. With dedication, innovation, and a partner like Express Trade, you can ride it to 10X and beyond. Congratulations to our client for doing just that!