Short answer
Merchant Fund Express funds walk-in coolers, freezers, reach-ins, prep-table refrigeration and compressor replacements for existing franchise locations, from $5,000 to $5,000,000. Most owners use equipment financing for the unit and working capital for install, spoiled stock and overtime. Send the vendor quote, three months of business bank statements and owner ID; a complete file usually gets a decision in 2–4 hours, and same-day funding is available. 500+ FICO is accepted and no tax returns are needed to apply.
The first hour after the alarm
Refrigeration failures do not wait for a convenient week. The compressor quits on a Saturday, the tech says the unit is done, and the replacement quote is on your phone by Monday morning. That quote is the most important document in your file.
- Get the quote in writingMake, model, install cost and lead time. One page is enough.
- Apply in about 4 minutesName your brand, the location and the amount. Say it is an emergency replacement.
- Upload statements and IDThree months of business bank statements for the store's entity, plus ID for each owner.
- Decision in 2–4 hoursA specialist sizes the structure to the store's deposits and current payments.
- Funds outSame-day funding is available; funding often lands the next business day.
Which structure fits which cooler problem
| What happened | Fund it with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in or freezer needs full replacement | Equipment financing | A long-lived asset anchors the deal |
| Compressor or condenser swap only | Working capital | Smaller repair, repaid from sales |
| Unit plus spoiled inventory and overtime | Equipment financing + working capital | Split hard asset from soft costs |
| Several aging units across stores | A franchise business loan | One lump sum, one plan |
| Sales swing hard by season | Revenue-based financing | Payments track revenue |
| Need cash today, card-heavy store | Merchant cash advance | Repaid as a share of deposits |
Not sure? Leave the product blank. Merchant Fund Express matches the structure after reading the file. The side-by-side equipment vs working capital comparison shows the trade-off in one table.
Where franchise refrigeration money goes
Walk-in coolers and freezers
The backbone of sandwich, pizza, chicken and burger kitchens. See Sandwich shops and Pizza.
Reach-ins and prep tables
Line-side units that take the most abuse during the rush.
Beverage and dessert cases
Display freezers, dipping cabinets and dairy coolers at dessert and coffee stores.
Ice machines and blast chillers
Small units that stop service when they fail.
Remote condensers and refrigeration lines
The roof work behind the walk-in.
Franchisor-specified upgrades
Required replacements tied to a refresh.
Make the file fast
Speed comes from completeness. The files that move same day share three things: a written quote, statements from the account that actually receives the store's deposits, and every current funding payment listed up front. Existing advances are considered, not an automatic decline; just disclose them. If you already carry one, read Already have an advance.
A hypothetical example, not a past transaction: an owner of one quick-service location gets a $22,000 quote for a new walk-in and loses $3,000 of product. They ask for $27,000. The reviewer reads steady weekly card deposits and one existing equipment payment, places the walk-in on equipment financing and the product and overtime on a smaller working capital amount, both sized to the store's slow weeks.
What to send
Sole proprietors are eligible. Spanish-speaking support is available, and ITIN applicants are accepted. All 50 states.
What this page does not cover
Refrigeration for a store that has not opened yet is startup equipment, and Merchant Fund Express funds operating locations. If your first unit is still under construction, read existing vs new. If an open store needs coolers for your next unit, see Second location.
Owner questions, answered
How fast can I replace a failed walk-in at my franchise?
A complete file usually gets a decision from Merchant Fund Express in 2–4 hours, and same-day funding is available. Most files go from application to funds in under 72 hours.
Do I need a quote before I apply?
It is the single biggest speed factor. A written quote with make, model and install cost lets the reviewer size equipment financing right away.
Can I fund the spoiled inventory too?
Yes. Product loss, overtime and cleanup are commonly funded as working capital alongside equipment financing for the unit.
What credit score do I need?
500+ FICO is accepted. The review leans on the store's deposits and time open.
Can I use refurbished equipment?
Send the quote either way. Used units are part of many files; name the vendor and condition.
Does my franchisor need to approve the funding?
Merchant Fund Express does not require franchisor sign-off. Check your franchise agreement for any equipment specifications or financing rules.
Keep going
Merchant Fund Express is a separate company with no franchisor ties. Terms depend on the business's revenue and history.