Business line of credit · Pharmacy

Business line of credit for pharmacy

Pharmacy finance is lending built around PBS reimbursement timing and heavy stock holdings, covering dispensary automation, store fit-outs, inventory funding and the purchase of a pharmacy business.

How a business line of credit works for pharmacy

A revolving limit is the natural answer to the PBS gap. Draw to settle the wholesaler account, repay as retail takings and PBS reimbursements land, and keep the headroom for the next cycle. Because the balance moves constantly, paying interest only on what is drawn matters more here than in most industries. Lenders will size the limit against your wholesaler spend and PBS claim history. It also gives you the capacity to buy well on a deal without waiting for the reimbursement cycle.

The cash-flow pattern we plan around

Daily retail and dispensing income against short wholesaler payment terms, with PBS reimbursement arriving on a set claim cycle after the medicine has been supplied.

What pharmacy typically fund

  • Dispensary automation and robotic dispensing
  • Store fit-out, shelving and refrigeration
  • Inventory and wholesaler account funding
  • Buying a pharmacy or a partnership share
  • Point-of-sale and dispensing software

Business line of credit for pharmacy: the numbers

Typical amounts$10,000 – $500,000
Term624 months
Indicative rates11.5% – 24% p.a.
RepaymentsWeekly or monthly minimums on the drawn balance
Speed1–3 business days
Documents pharmacy usually needABN, pharmacist registration and pharmacy approval number · Two years of financials and script volume data · Equipment or fit-out quote, or contract of sale

Rates shown are indicative ranges observed across our lender panel for the period stated. They are not an offer or quote. Your rate depends on your business, the lender, the amount, the term and the security offered. The lender makes the final credit decision.

Key terms

Pharmacy business finance

Pharmacy business finance is lending to a registered-pharmacist-owned pharmacy, assessed on script volumes, PBS claim history and retail turnover, and used for acquisitions, fit-outs, automation and inventory.

PBS reimbursement gap

The PBS reimbursement gap is the period between supplying a subsidised medicine and receiving the Commonwealth subsidy, during which the pharmacy has already paid its wholesaler for the stock.

What is a business line of credit?

A business line of credit is a revolving facility with a pre-approved limit. You borrow only what you need, pay interest only on the drawn balance and can redraw repaid funds without reapplying.

Line of credit vs business loan

A business loan pays a lump sum repaid on a fixed schedule; a line of credit is a flexible limit drawn as needed. Loans suit one-off purchases, lines of credit suit fluctuating working-capital needs.

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