Hypothetical example: truckload landed-cost worksheet, 24 pallets
| Line | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lot price | Seller's quote | $18,500 |
| Freight | Carrier estimate | $2,600 |
| Unloading labor | Crew for one day | $650 |
| Funding requested | $18,500 + $2,600 + $650 | $21,750 |
| Storage, first two months | Paid from cash | $400 |
| Hypothetical funding cost | 4 payments of $5,900 = $23,600, minus $21,750 | $1,850 |
| Total cost | $21,750 + $400 + $1,850 | $24,000 |
| Expected resale value | If everything sold | $52,000 |
| Damage allowance | 10% of $52,000 | -$5,200 |
| Selling fees | 12% of $46,800 | -$5,616 |
| Net after all costs | $41,184 minus $24,000 | $17,184 |
All figures are hypothetical, including the funding cost, which you would replace with the total repayment in your written offer minus the cash received.
What does the lot price really include?
The lot price is the seller's number for the goods only, so confirm what it covers, who pays the buyer's fee, and whether a manifest or condition notes come with it.
Ask the seller whether the price is final or changes once the truck is loaded, whether goods are new, open box or returns, and whether pallets can be inspected. If the lot is unmanifested, your resale estimate is a guess and the damage allowance below should be larger.
Fund the lot in a way that matches your deadline: liquidation lots often go to the first buyer with payment ready. A short-term product such as working capital for inventory deals is the one most often reviewed for deals like this. Keep the seller's written quote, since funders typically ask for the deal paperwork.
How should I budget freight and unloading?
Get a written freight quote before you commit to the lot, then add unloading, because a truck that arrives with nobody to unload it adds waiting charges on top.
In the example, freight is $2,600 and unloading labor is $650, so together they add $3,250 to the $18,500 lot. Common freight add-ons to ask about:
- Liftgate or residential delivery charges.
- Appointment fees and waiting time.
- Fuel adjustments and tolls if the quote is not all-in.
- Insurance on the load while it is in transit.
Request the quote in writing and ask the funder whether freight can be included in the amount requested. In the example it is, which is why $21,750 is the funding requested rather than the $18,500 lot price alone. Our page for discount and liquidation resellers shows what funders commonly review for this kind of buyer.
How much should I set aside for damaged or unsellable goods?
Set a damage allowance as a share of expected resale value and subtract it before you judge the deal; a lot that only works if nothing is damaged is not a safe purchase.
The worksheet uses 10% of the $52,000 expected resale value, or $5,200, leaving $46,800 sellable. A more cautious buyer might test 30%: $15,600 allowance, $36,400 sellable, selling fees of $4,368 at 12%, and a net of $32,032 before the $24,000 total cost, or $8,032 after it. The deal still works in that case, but the profit is less than half.
Use the lowest damage rate you could defend as your plan, and the highest you could survive as your test. If the high case loses money, reduce the offer or skip the lot.
How does revenue timing change total cost?
Total cost is the funded amount plus the funding cost plus the cash you spend while waiting for sales, so slow-selling goods cost more than the worksheet shows.
The example repays $23,600 over four monthly payments of $5,900 against $21,750 funded, a hypothetical cost of $1,850. Add $400 of storage and the total is $24,000. If sales take longer than the schedule, the extra storage, labor to re-list items and carrying charges come out of your reserves.
Check that one month of sales can reasonably cover a $5,900 payment. With $46,800 of sellable goods, that means selling about one eighth of the stock each month, which is a pace you can test against your past sell-through. If the pace is slower, ask for a longer schedule and compare the total repayment.
When your worksheet holds up, describe your purchase and deadline on the application. Checking options does not affect your personal credit score, and a decision typically comes within 24 hours of a complete application.
Frequently asked questions
Can freight be included in the amount I request?
Often it can be requested as part of the purchase, but it depends on the funder and product. Bring the written freight quote and the seller's price so the request reflects the full landed cost.
What if the lot has no manifest?
Plan for more uncertainty: use a larger damage allowance and a lower resale estimate. Some funders may ask for more detail on how you will sell the goods. Ask the seller for photos or condition notes.
Should storage be part of the funding request?
It can be if you know the cost and it is part of the deal paperwork. Many owners pay storage from cash. Ask the funder which costs it will include and keep receipts for all of them.
How do I know if the truckload is worth buying?
Compare total cost to resale value after a damage allowance and selling fees, using both a normal and a cautious case. If the cautious case loses money, the lot may not be worth funding.
Which documents will a funder ask for?
Commonly requested items are recent business bank statements, government-issued ID, a voided business check, and the seller's quote or invoice. Larger requests may add tax returns or financial statements.
Describe your purchase and deadline
Share the lot price, freight quote and deadline, and see what funders offer.
Updated October 17, 2026 · Prime Funding Now Funding Team