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Exactly What is Business Equipment Financing?
Equipment financing is a type of small business loan used primarily to purchase business equipment like computers, machinery, vehicles or most any business equipment. Business owners may use the new equipment as collateral for the loan, making equipment financing a smart way to preserve on-hand cash.
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What Are Qualifications For Loan to Finance Equipment?
Qualifications are generally similar for equipment financing as for many other types of small business loans. Lenders will consider the business owner's personal credit score, length of time in business, repayment history and company cash-flow.
However, one of the advantages of equipment financing is that you get to use the equipment that you are financing as collateral. This way you do not tie-up other collateral or free cash flow to make needed equipment purchases.
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How Does Equipment Financing Work?
For many small businesses, you may finance equipment up to 100% of the value of the equipment. Most lenders will set the term of the loan equal to the expected useful life of the equipment. For example, most computers and software have an expected useful life of 3-5 years, according to actuarial website AssetWorks.
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Interest Rates for Equipment Financing
Like other loans, interest rates will be determined primarily by the credit worthiness of the individual owner, the asset being purchased and the health of the business. Interest rates can vary greatly, anywhere between 8-30%, so it is very important to shop around and get several quotes.
The Strengths and Weaknesses to Consider when Considering Equipment Financing
Strengths
- Fast Turnaround time to get approved
- Simple application process
- Conserves free cash-flow
- Equipment serves as collateral
Weaknesses
- Loan term may outlive the equipment useful life
- May have unfavorable tax consequences via limited deductibility
More Detail on the Benefits of Equipment Financing
Equipment financing is one of the most popular loan options. It is used by many small businesses as well as Fortune 500 Companies. Let's take a closer look at why equipment financing is so popular:
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Get up to 100% financing with no down payment
Unlike most traditional loan types and financial institutions, you may be able to arrange 100 percent financing of your new equipment (no down payment).
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Maintain State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Equipment financing often enables you to acquire more and better equipment than you could have without financing. Certain financing programs can also allow for technology upgrades and/or replacements within the term of the lease or financing term.
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Repairs may be covered
Having new equipment generally means a fresh warranty and service contract. New equipment can also save your company thousands in costly repair bills.
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More efficient operations
When done correctly over the proper term, equipment financing can help your company run more efficiently with less down-time due to old or out-dated equipment.
Get the Equipment Financing you Need - The Biz2Credit Solution
Is your business struggling with limited cash flow at a time when you really need to invest in some new or used equipment? Or maybe you have money tied up in valuable equipment - money you'd like to access for immediate expenses?
Improve your cash flow. With Biz2Credit's help, you can easily gain access to equipment financing services and maximize your competitiveness in the following sectors:
- Construction Equipment Financing Services
- Office & Computer Equipment Financing Services
- Landscaping Equipment Finance Services
- Recreational / Seasonal Equipment Finance Services
- Industrial Equipment Financing Services
- Restaurant Equipment Finance Services
- Transportation Finance Services
- Used Equipment Finance Services
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Entrepreneurs and new business owners often make the mistake of using their own money to purchase expensive equipment. They might not realize that there is a more efficient way to get the equipment they need without decreasing critical business capital. Equipment leasing and equipment financing is a much cheaper and easier alternative for financing equipment purchases. Any business that utilizes equipment can take advantage of this product.
Using equipment as collateral, institutions lend to business owners at lower rates (sometimes by 100 to 300 basis points) with longer terms than unsecured financing. A typical equipment loan term extends anywhere from 7 to 10 years (based on the residual value) compared to an unsecured line of credit term of 2 to 5 years. Equipment financing also allows small business owners to claim depreciation on their taxes. An equipment financing loan is available as a floating or a fixed rate line and does not require line rotation.
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Start-Ups
Loan amounts ranging between 25k- 100k can be applied for quickly and with minimal paperwork. Normally, the Business Credit Rating is weighed more heavily than your personal credit score in these scenarios. Applicants will be required to submit two years of personal tax returns, cost estimates of the equipment to be purchased, and a financial plan. Biz2Credit case managers will guide you step by step through the process.
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Well Established Businesses
We have a network of lenders who specialize in providing equipment financing to businesses over 13 months old. For loans up to $100k, the loan application is simple and processing time is between 72- 96 hrs. For loan requests over $100k, a business credit score and business tax returns are sufficient documentation to obtain financing at competitive rates ranging from 5.99% to 7.5% over a term of 60 months.