Name: Overdrive Commercial Funding
Address: 54 Miller St, North Sydney, NSW, 2060, AU
Telephone: +61417000316
Price range: Free
Rating: 5

Question 1

What is trade finance?

Accepted Answer

Trade finance is a set of facilities that fund the gap between paying your suppliers and getting paid by your customers, whether you import, export or both. It’s usually structured around specific orders, purchase orders or contracts rather than as a fixed lump-sum loan. That makes it flexible and able to scale as your trade volume grows.

Question 2

How does import finance work?

Accepted Answer

The finance provider pays your overseas or local supplier for the goods, and you repay once the stock arrives and is sold or your customers pay you. This keeps your supply chain moving without draining your working capital upfront. The facility typically revolves, so as one drawing is repaid the credit becomes available for your next order.

Question 3

What is a letter of credit?

Accepted Answer

A letter of credit is a bank’s guarantee to pay your overseas supplier once they present compliant shipping documents proving the goods were sent as agreed. It protects both sides — the exporter is assured of payment, and you only pay when the paperwork confirms shipment. It’s long been the gold standard for securing international trade transactions.

Question 4

Can trade finance help exporters too?

Accepted Answer

Yes — export finance can advance a large portion, often up to around 80–85%, of the value of your outstanding export invoices as soon as they’re issued. That converts overseas receivables into immediate working capital while you wait to be paid. Some facilities also help manage the credit risk of your overseas buyer.

Question 5

How does the facility match my trade cycle?

Accepted Answer

Trade finance is designed to bridge the whole cycle — from paying for goods, through shipping and warehousing, to your customer settling their invoice. Repayment terms are set to line up with when you actually receive your money, easing the cash flow squeeze. Simon structures the facility around how your particular trade cycle runs.

Question 6

Do I need to provide security?

Accepted Answer

It varies by lender and deal — the goods themselves, invoices or a general business charge can often form part of the security, and some facilities need less property backing than a standard loan. The right structure depends on your trade volumes, margins and counterparties. We compare lenders to find terms that fit your business rather than forcing a rigid template.

Question 7

What does it cost to use your service?

Accepted Answer

Our service is free to you — the lender pays us a commission on settlement, not you. You get access to a wide panel of lenders and Simon’s help navigating what can be a complex area, at no direct cost. As always, we’re upfront about how we’re remunerated.

Question 8

How much does it cost to use Overdrive Funding?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. Our service is 100% free — we're paid a referral fee by the lender once your finance settles. There are no hidden fees, no application charges and no ongoing costs to you.

Trade Finance

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