Vendor Referral Programs
A vendor financing referral program allows equipment vendors, software vendors, and other professionals who sell to businesses to refer customers who need financing to a financing partner. When a referred transaction successfully funds, the vendor may receive revenue share under the terms of a signed referral agreement.
Vendors routinely encounter customers who need financing to complete purchases. In-house or captive programs cannot approve every deal—credit limits, industry restrictions, and program guidelines create declines. Without a referral path, those deals and relationships may be lost.
A vendor financing referral program gives vendors a way to help customers who fall outside in-house guidelines while earning revenue share when deals close. The vendor introduces the opportunity; the financing partner evaluates it. This creates value for the customer, the vendor, and the financing partner. Learn more about how vendors get paid for referring financing and the referral partner model.
Situations where vendor financing referral programs are often used:
Vendors with a signed referral agreement identify customers who need financing and refer them to the financing partner. The vendor does not broker the loan—they introduce the opportunity. The financing partner evaluates the deal and, if appropriate, matches it to a lender in their network. When the transaction closes, the vendor may receive revenue share per the agreement.
Deals are evaluated based on multiple factors: credit profile, revenue, time in business, collateral, industry, and structure. Opportunities may qualify depending on how these factors align with lender appetites. No approval is promised—each deal is evaluated on its merits. Vendors can also send declined business loans for second look review when in-house programs say no.
Equipment vendor—machinery declined. A manufacturer needs a new CNC machine. The vendor's in-house program declined due to credit. The vendor refers the deal to a referral partner. An alternative lender with equipment-backed financing may consider the deal depending on structure and collateral.
Software vendor—SaaS financing. A company needs to finance a multi-year software license. The vendor has no in-house program for software. They refer the customer to a financing partner that offers technology and software financing. The deal may qualify depending on revenue and structure.
Medical equipment—industry restrictions. A healthcare practice needs imaging equipment. The vendor's captive program has industry or exposure limits. The vendor refers the deal for second look. Alternative lenders may consider healthcare deals depending on structure and credit.
Vendors use referral programs when in-house financing declines a buyer, when customers need structures outside program limits, or when they want to offer additional financing options. The common thread: a need for alternatives beyond the vendor's primary financing channel.
Referral programs are not a guarantee of approval. They are an additional path to explore. Send declined business loans and opportunities for review through the referral partner process. Review the referral agreement before submitting. See can vendors get paid for referring financing for more on compensation.
Submit borrower and request details by email.
We evaluate the opportunity and identify possible funding paths based on multiple factors.
Partners stay informed throughout the process.
When a deal closes, partners may receive 35% revenue share per the agreement.
FAQ
A vendor financing referral program allows equipment, software, and other vendors to refer customers who need financing to a financing partner. When a referred transaction successfully funds, the vendor may receive revenue share per the referral agreement. The vendor introduces the opportunity; the financing partner evaluates and funds it.
Yes. Equipment vendors who have a signed referral agreement with a financing partner may receive revenue share when referred deals close. Compensation is based on successful placements, not introductions alone. See can vendors get paid for referring financing for details.
The vendor identifies a customer who needs financing, refers them to the financing partner under a signed agreement, and the partner evaluates the opportunity. If the deal funds, the vendor may receive revenue share. The vendor does not broker the loan—they introduce the opportunity.
Yes. Vendors must review and sign the referral agreement before submitting any deals. The agreement defines compensation, protects both parties, and establishes the process.
When in-house or captive financing declines a buyer, vendors can refer the deal to a referral partner for second look review. Alternative lenders may consider deals that fall outside in-house program guidelines. No approval is guaranteed—each deal is evaluated on its merits.
Compensation varies by agreement. Some programs offer revenue share—often around 35%—when a deal closes. Payment is typically issued within 30 days of funds received. Check the specific referral agreement for terms.
Equipment or software vendor?
Review the referral agreement, sign it, and submit opportunities for evaluation.
