Case Study: Why an $80M Business Used a Broker Instead of Its Existing Bank
When a business is turning over around $80 million per year, is highly profitable, and already has an established banking relationship, it’s easy to assume the existing bank will always be the best option.
But for one fast-growing Australian company, working with Business Loans Finance broker Tammy Haug created real value in three practical areas: time, pricing, and credit management.
The Problem
The company had three directors running at full pace to continue building an exceptionally profitable business. Debt levels were low, around $800,000 in existing equipment and vehicle finance, and when purchases came up, directors had historically used either their existing bank or dealership finance. Not because those options were always best, but because time was limited and transactions needed to move quickly. Over time, three issues became clear.
First, the existing bank required multiple phone calls for basic requests — payout figures, statements, amortisation schedules. For directors with no spare time, this was genuinely frustrating. Second, dealership finance was running around 1% to 1.5% higher than the rates the business should have been accessing. Third, each new finance application was adding another credit enquiry against the directors’ personal credit files. With more vehicle and equipment purchases planned, this was not a sustainable approach.
What We Found
The eCarz Group car brokerage team had sourced five new vehicles for the business, and Business Loans Finance was brought in to arrange funding quickly. Several low-doc finance options were available that could have settled fast. But the easiest option is not always the best option.
Tammy Haug took the time to understand the company’s broader financial position. She identified that the business was planning further purchases, and that continuing to run individual applications would keep creating unnecessary administration, pricing inefficiency, and credit file exposure.
The better solution was a master finance limit with a lender — a single pre-approved facility that could be drawn on for current and future purchases, without repeating the full application process each time.
The Solution
The company now has a finance limit in place with a lender separate to its existing business bank.
This gives the directors access to vehicle and business asset funding on an ongoing basis, with capacity to explore other facilities as the business grows — including bank guarantees and insurance premium funding.
Equally important is the ongoing support. Business Loans Finance now manages the administration side – payout figures, amortisation schedules, statements, lender communication. The directors no longer need to chase different departments, wait on hold, or navigate whoever the current relationship manager happens to be.
The Outcome
By working with Business Loans Finance broker Tammy Haug, the business achieved three key outcomes:
1. Time saved
Directors no longer manage repeated finance applications or chase routine lender requests themselves.
2. Better pricing
The business avoided dealership finance rates that were running 1% to 1.5% higher than necessary.
3. Better credit management
A master finance limit reduced the need for repeated individual credit enquiries against the directors’ personal files.
The Takeaway
A strong bank relationship is valuable — but it doesn’t always mean the business is getting the most efficient finance outcome.
In this case, the right broker didn’t replace the bank relationship. Business Loans Finance added structure, service, lender access, and commercial insight that the existing bank simply wasn’t providing.
Bank-style rates with small-business service. That was the real solution.
Could Your Business Be Getting a Better Deal?
Whether you have an existing bank relationship or have been relying on dealership finance, Business Loans Finance can help you understand whether you’re accessing the best rates, the right structure, and the level of service your business deserves.
Get in touch with Business Loans Finance today to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a profitable business use a broker if it already has a bank?
A broker can compare pricing across multiple lenders, structure facilities more efficiently, reduce administration, and access options outside the business’s existing banking relationship. In some cases, this results in better rates, less paperwork, and improved credit management.
Can a broker help reduce credit enquiries?
Yes. In some cases, a broker may recommend a master finance limit or pre-approved facility, which can reduce the need for repeated individual applications and the credit enquiries that come with them.
Is dealership finance always more expensive?
Not always — but in this case, dealership finance was around 1% to 1.5% higher than the rate the business could access through a better-structured solution. For a business making multiple purchases each year, that difference adds up.
Does using a broker mean leaving your existing bank?
No. A broker works alongside your existing bank relationship and helps determine whether another lender or structure is more suitable for specific transactions. Many businesses use both.
The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. We recommend speaking with a qualified finance professional about your specific circumstances.