| ✅ Key Point | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| 💼 Lender Type | Alternative finance company in Piscataway, NJ, offering merchant cash advances, equipment leasing, business lines of credit, and fix-and-flip loans. |
| ⚡ Funding Speed | Fast approvals and funding—businesses can often receive capital within 24–48 hours. |
| 💳 Loan Amounts | Typically, it ranges from $5,000 to $500,000, depending on business performance and program type. |
| 🧾 Minimum Requirements | Around 500+ credit score, 6+ months in business, and $10,000+ monthly revenue, though criteria vary by program. |
| 🔁 Repayment Structure | Daily payments or percentage-based holdbacks from credit/debit card sales; flexible during slow revenue periods. |
| 💰 Costs & Fees | Factor rate pricing rather than interest rates; total repayment can equal a high effective APR (up to 200%). |
| 🦈 Special Feature | Featured on Shark Tank, securing an investment deal with Kevin O’Leary, which boosted its brand recognition. |
| ⭐ UCS Rating | 3.7 out of 5 – Solid option for fast working capital, but limited transparency on pricing remains a concern. |
Access to working capital can make or break a small business looking to expand. Unfortunately, many business owners struggle to qualify for traditional loans due to factors like limited credit history, low FICO scores, or operating in industries considered “high risk” by banks. That’s where alternative business funding providers step in—offering faster, more flexible financing options to help entrepreneurs keep operations running and seize new growth opportunities.
Total Merchant Resources (TMR) is one such funding platform, known for helping small businesses that traditional lenders might otherwise overlook. However, as with any financing decision, it’s essential to understand precisely how the process works, what it costs, and whether it’s the right fit for your business.
In this review, we’ll explore what you must know about Total Merchant Resources to help you decide if it meets your needs. Specifically, we’ll answer these questions and more:
Total Merchant Resources (TMR) is an alternative finance company headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey. Founded in 2008, Total Merchant Resources has been in business for over 15 years, demonstrating its experience and stability in the industry. The company’s mission is to help small businesses access the funding they need to sustain cash flow and expand, particularly when banks are unwilling to extend credit. The company provides various working capital solutions, including merchant cash advances, equipment leasing, business lines of credit, and fix-and-flip loans for real estate investors.
Over the years, TMR has built long-term relationships with clients, with some partnerships lasting over 5 years, reflecting the trust and ongoing support the company provides. The president of Total Merchant Resources leads the company with a commitment to reliability and client success.
Total Merchant Resources conducts its business with some clients who initially have difficulty obtaining funding from traditional banks. It positions itself as a bridge between small businesses and accessible capital, prioritizing flexibility, speed, and service over the rigid underwriting standards found in conventional lending.
Total Merchant Resources is known for fast business funding, often approving and disbursing funds much more quickly than traditional lenders. The company also markets additional web-based business support services to help small business owners grow their online presence.
Total Merchant Resources has been featured on the show Shark Tank. The company’s founders, Jason and Val Pinkus, appeared on Shark Tank in 2013 and struck a deal with investor Kevin O’Leary. This appearance gave TMR national recognition and has since become a cornerstone of its marketing and brand credibility. The “Shark Tank effect” helped position TMR as an early pioneer in the revenue-based financing space.
TMR operates as a non-bank funding platform that provides working capital through a streamlined online process. Instead of focusing heavily on credit scores or collateral, TMR evaluates a business’s cash flow, revenue trends, and overall financial health to determine eligibility.
Before applying, applicants should check all application details and documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness. If any problem arises during the application or funding process, business owners are encouraged to reach out to TMR management for resolution.
Once approved, business owners can access various business loan options based on their needs. Business needs and financial situations can change, so it’s essential to regularly review funding options.
Here’s a closer look at the main programs TMR offers:
Although TMR refers to this program as a “small business loan,” it’s technically a merchant cash advance (MCA). With an MCA loan, the company provides an upfront lump sum of capital in exchange for a percentage of the business’s future receivables. Repayment for merchant cash advances is based on a percentage of daily credit or debit card sales, allowing for lower payments during slow business periods.
This type of funding is ideal for businesses with consistent card sales but limited credit history. MCAs are often used to cover payroll, purchase inventory, or manage seasonal cash flow gaps. Access to money through a merchant cash advance can help businesses address immediate financial needs and support growth. While they’re easy to qualify for and can be funded quickly, they typically come with higher costs than traditional loans.
TMR’s equipment leasing program allows small businesses to obtain new or used equipment without significant upfront costs. Instead of purchasing equipment outright, business owners make monthly payments over a set term. At the end of the lease, they may have the option to buy the equipment, upgrade it, or return it.
Equipment financing is particularly valuable for industries like construction, manufacturing, and restaurants — where access to the latest equipment can be critical for growth but capital-intensive to acquire outright.
The TMR business line of credit offers revolving access to working capital. Once approved, business owners can draw funds as needed and pay interest only on the amount they use. As the balance is repaid, funds become available again, providing flexibility for recurring expenses or unexpected opportunities. Lines of credit are typically best suited for businesses that need ongoing access to working capital rather than a one-time lump sum.
For real estate investors, TMR offers fix-and-flip financing to purchase, renovate, and resell residential or commercial properties. Loan amounts depend on the property’s value and the borrower’s experience in real estate investment. These short-term loans are designed for quick turnaround projects that require immediate capital. These are among the most common rehab loan options for investors.
In addition to funding, TMR provides web services to help small businesses establish and grow their digital presence. This includes website development, hosting, and marketing solutions designed to improve visibility and customer engagement. The idea is to offer an end-to-end solution — helping small business owners secure capital and the digital tools to drive growth.
Qualification requirements vary depending on the funding product. Here’s a general comparison of what businesses need to qualify:
| Program | Minimum Time in Business | Monthly Revenue | Credit Score | Funding Amounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merchant Cash Advance | 6+ months | $10,000+ | 500+ | $5,000 – $500,000 |
| Equipment Leasing | 1+ year | $15,000+ | 550+ | Varies by equipment type |
| Business Line of Credit | 1+ year | $20,000+ | 600+ | Up to $250,000 |
| Fix-and-Flip Loans | 1+ year investing experience | N/A | 600+ | Based on property value |
While credit history plays a role, TMR places more weight on consistent revenue and business performance. Meeting these minimum requirements does not obligate the business to accept an offer from TMR.
TMR primarily evaluates cash flow rather than relying solely on credit scores. The company states that applying won’t impact credit scores, implying it only conducts a soft credit pull. Hard inquiries can temporarily lower a credit score, while soft pulls do not. However, TMR does not specify whether it reports payment activity to major credit bureaus — a lack of transparency that small business owners should consider when comparing funding options.
On a positive note, the company advertises flexible capital allocation, meaning you can allocate capital to various business needs, such as payroll, equipment, marketing, or business expansion. TMR also distinguishes itself by stating that it’s one of the few MCA companies that does not include liens, judgments, or personal guarantees, which reduces personal liability if the business struggles to repay the advance.
However, it’s important to remember that merchant cash advances can be among the most expensive forms of financing. A factor rate determines the payback amount—not an interest rate—meaning you’ll repay a fixed multiple of the borrowed amount. The payback amount for merchant cash advances can correspond to a very high annual percentage rate (APR), sometimes as high as 200%.
Transparency is another concern. TMR’s website provides limited detail about fees, factor rates, or specific repayment terms. Before proceeding, it’s advisable to check the company’s BBB profile to review its reputation, complaints, and any negative reviews.
It’s crucial not to confuse Total Merchant Resources with Total Merchant Services, as the latter has faced multiple lawsuits and extensive customer complaints about deceptive practices. Total Merchant Services was a credit card processing company acquired by North American Bancard in 2017, and online information — including Google AI overviews — often mistakenly combines data from both companies.
Total Merchant Resources does not publish any information about a business loan affiliate program on its website. ISOs and business loan brokers can contact the company directly for more details, but it appears it doesn’t offer a partner program.
TMR’s online small business loan application is designed for simplicity and speed. Business owners can complete the process in minutes, and funding decisions are often made within 24–48 hours.
Go to the company’s website and select the type of funding you’re interested in. Click “Apply Now” to begin.
Provide basic business and personal details, including monthly revenue, time in business, and desired funding amount.
Upload recent bank statements or sales reports to help TMR assess your business’s cash flow and repayment ability.
If approved, TMR will contact you with your offer, including the total repayment amount and terms. After reviewing your options, choose the funding solution that best fits your business needs.
Review and electronically sign your funding contract. Always read the fine print to understand fees, repayment methods, and any potential obligations.
Approved funds are typically deposited into your business account within one to two business days.
Once funded, TMR collects payments either through daily ACH withdrawals from your business bank account or via a credit card split, in which your processor automatically forwards a set percentage of each day’s sales.
Because repayment is based on sales volume, payments fluctuate with your business’s performance — lower on slow days and higher on busy days — but the holdback percentage remains consistent.
The company doesn’t publicly disclose details about early payoff discounts or prepayment penalties. However, merchant cash advances differ from loans in that they typically don’t include prepayment penalties, since the fees are fixed upfront rather than accruing as compounding interest.
Fees are typically structured into the loan or business cash advance itself, which may include origination, service/processing, and late payment penalties. TMR’s support continues every day after funding, ensuring you have assistance throughout the entire repayment period.
TMR offers a fast, convenient way for small businesses to access working capital without navigating the red tape of traditional banks. Its online process, quick approvals, and flexible repayment structure make it appealing for business owners with fluctuating sales or limited credit. The lack of personal guarantees or liens is another advantage, offering peace of mind for entrepreneurs wary of risking personal assets.
It has a long-standing history, an appearance on Shark Tank, and a focus on helping underserved businesses build brand credibility. Additionally, TMR’s ability to fund within 24–48 hours can be a lifeline for companies needing immediate capital to cover expenses or capitalize on growth opportunities. Many clients report being happy with the speed and convenience of TMR’s funding solutions.
The main drawback is cost. Merchant cash advances can carry significantly higher fees than traditional business loans, sometimes equating to triple-digit APRs. TMR’s lack of rate transparency also makes it difficult to compare its rates with those of other lenders.
Moreover, daily or weekly repayments can strain cash flow, especially for businesses with inconsistent revenue. The company’s limited public information about credit reporting, affiliate programs, or customer support availability can be frustrating for borrowers seeking more transparency. Finally, confusion with Total Merchant Services has occasionally led to misplaced negative reviews, muddying its online reputation.
Pros
Cons
Total Merchant Resources is a legitimate business funding platform. Its long history, verifiable New Jersey headquarters, and appearance on Shark Tank (with Kevin O’Leary’s investment) validate its legitimacy. Total Merchant Resources LLC is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited business with an A+ rating.
Note: The company’s website uses “Total Merchant Resources, Inc.” in its footer, but public records still show it as an LLC; the current corporate structure could not be independently verified.
However, some online sources mistakenly associate TMR with Total Merchant Services, which has been the subject of numerous complaints and lawsuits over deceptive credit card processing practices. These are two different companies, and Total Merchant Resources has not been accused of fraud or scams.
Customer reviews for TMR are relatively limited but generally positive. Many small business owners appreciate the company’s fast approvals and straightforward application process.
Many users report positive experiences with Total Merchant Resources representatives, highlighting their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. Clients often note the personal support and clear guidance provided throughout the funding process, including explanations of alternative financing options and business strategies. Reviews also frequently mention the quick disbursement of funds and the helpful, reassuring approach of TMR’s team.
Negative feedback tends to focus on high repayment costs or confusion about contract terms — common issues across the merchant cash advance industry. Some complaints appear to stem from mistaken identity with Total Merchant Services, highlighting the importance of verifying the correct company before evaluating online reviews.
Total Merchant Resources may deny an application for various reasons, such as a low credit score, lack of business bank account statements, or insufficient revenue. In addition, companies with a business model that’s not conducive to the company’s repayment structure may not qualify.
If you are denied, your application letter should explain why, include tips for improving your application, and indicate when you can reapply. If not, or if you require more information, contact the funder directly. Take time to research additional funding options and lender reviews before applying elsewhere.
Fortunately, small business owners have many business lenders to consider for their financing needs. Working with a small business loan marketplace (like UCS) lets you apply to multiple lenders with a single application, receive offers, and get guided support in choosing the best deal for your business needs.
You may be interested in one of the following small business loans:
Total Merchant Resources can be a valuable solution for small businesses needing quick access to working capital — especially those struggling to qualify for traditional financing. Its flexibility, speed, and lack of personal guarantees make it attractive for entrepreneurs who prioritize convenience and short-term funding.
However, high costs and limited transparency mean it may not be the best option for all borrowers. Businesses with stable credit and strong financials could find more affordable solutions through banks or other online lenders.
Based on the available information, we rate Total Merchant Resources 3.7 out of 5. It’s a solid merchant cash advance provider with a good reputation, but a lack of transparency is a significant concern.
Disclaimer: The Total Merchant Resources trademark is owned by Total Merchant Resources, Inc., and its use herein is for reference purposes only, and it does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement from Total Merchant Resources, Inc.
