Equipment Leasing

Whether you're starting up a business or in the process of expanding the business, funding can be a challenge. Applying for a business loan can take time and you may not want to wait too long. Therefore, why not consider equipment lease financing?

For many successful businesses, equipment leasing has greatly helped them in getting the financial assistance they need. Is it really wise to lease equipment? To answer this question objectively, perhaps it's best to take a look at the advantages that leasing equipment offers for a business:

Equipment leasing frees up your cash flow.

Equipment leasing does not require a down payment. An equipment lease allows a business to pay for the equipment in monthly installments so there's no need to put in huge amount of money just to get the needed equipment.

If you want, you can also apply for a lease term that enables you to submit your payments on a yearly basis. Thus, you can use your existing finances to support different functions of your business such as the production, manpower or marketing campaigns.

Equipment leasing gives easy approval.

Compared with obtaining a business loan from banks, equipment leasing isn't too complicated. Most equipment leasing companies will only consider the last six months of your credit history. In addition, leasing firms will require a business plan to be submitted and a list of the equipment you wish to obtain.

Preparing the necessary documents in advance would help speed up the processing of your equipment lease application. Once you have submitted the necessary documents along with your leasing application, you can expect to get immediate approval and get the devices or machineries you ordered right away.

Equipment leasing lets you use state-of-the-art equipment.

Purchasing the latest equipment in the market can be really expensive. As a starting business or as a growing business, you may have a hard time getting sufficient budget to buy these machines especially if you need a lot of equipment.

Nevertheless, leasing gives business owners a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Yes, through equipment leasing, you can choose the latest equipment in the market without breaking your budget.

Equipment leasing protects you from obsolescence.

Devices are constantly modified and better versions are introduced in the market almost on a yearly basis. Purchasing equipment doesn't give you the leeway to change old or obsolete equipment as easily. By leasing business equipment, you can choose to replace your leased equipment for newer models in the market.

Using only the latest in technology will surely give your business the productivity and the edge over your competitors. To avail of this option, make sure that a "modern equipment substitution clause" is included in your lease term.

Equipment leasing gives an entrepreneur special tax benefits.

Leasing payments are considered as monthly expenses or operating costs, not debt. Thus, it is possible to write them off from your taxes. However, to be sure, it is best to consult matters about filing taxes with a business lawyer or with a certified public accountant.

In a business environment, equipment leasing is a recognized method of financing. Many business owners and enterprisers turn to leasing instead of purchasing new equipment and machinery. As a business owner, what benefits can you from equipment leasing? Here are the basics:

Equipment leasing costs less. Compared to purchasing, leasing costs much less and is an ideal option for businesses with small or limited budget. Most lessors do not require down payment. If there is a down payment, the amount required is small and easy on the pocket.

In addition, the monthly lease or rent is affordable even for start up businesses. There's no need to spend half or a third of your business budget on equipment alone. Through leasing business equipment, you can utilize your financial resource in more ways.

Save your business's credit limit. Leasing allows you to obtain the equipment you need to start your business operations without using your credit limit. If you need additional funding or cash assistance for future projects and expenses, a healthy credit would easily impress prospective lenders and you can get approved more quickly.

Eliminate obsolescence. Equipment and machines are constantly evolving. Almost every year, you can find a more enhance version of an equipment in the market. With purchasing, you're bound to the one you've bought because you've already spent a lot on that particular equipment. On the contrary, leasing gives you the flexibility to exchange the equipment you have for a better one at any time. More importantly, being able to use the latest technology in the market ensures your business's maximum performance.

Uncomplicated process. Applying for a business loan or an equipment loan can take some time. Not only that, banks and lenders are often very particular about the documents you need to submit. Failing to complete your requirements can cause delays or a disapproval of your application. On the opposite, equipment leasing doesn't require a lot of documentations.

Typically, you can submit your application online, get a response in that same day, and receive the equipment you leased in a few days or within a week or two. Those with good to excellent credit can take advantage of lower interest rates and better deals from lessors but a bad credit also does not prevent one from getting a lease.

Keeps cash flow steady. Equipment leasing helps keep the business's cash flow steady. Since you won't be spending a large percentage of your funds in buying equipment, you can place a larger portion of your budget on your cash reserves. Instead of taking out a loan, you can use your available funds instead to cover up your expenses.

Tax Advantages. Another benefit of leasing is the tax advantage. Purchases are automatically taxed while leased assets can be exempted. Since the equipment remains to be the property of the lessor, leased equipment can be written off from your taxes. Ask your attorney about your tax privileges particularly if you are a homebased business owner.

Not all businesses have sufficient start-up capital. In addition, not all established businesses have enough money to support all expenses necessary for expansion.
So the question is, is equipment leasing the right choice for you? To answer this question, let us consider the benefits of leasing equipment over purchasing.

But first, what is equipment leasing? Equipment leasing simply means renting business equipment. Instead of obtaining a loan to purchase equipment, equipment leasing lets you use the equipment and start operating the business without the need for down payment or cash payment. Payment may be done in monthly installments or yearly payments depending on the type of lease you've obtained.

So what makes equipment leasing advantageous over purchasing? First of all, it doesn't repress cash flow. With purchasing, a business is forced to give up a huge portion of its finances to buy expensive equipment. It can take some time before a business can regain the amount of money used for buying equipment. On the contrary, equipment leasing allows a business to start manufacturing and managing the business without the need to dispel big cash. Thus, there would sufficient cash available to support other areas of the business.

Leasing equipment presents different types of leases for every business. Those businesses that are operates on a seasonal basis can avail of a "skip lease" where skipping payments during slow seasons are allowed without any penalties. There is also a type of lease called "step-up" lease where businesses who are just starting up can defer lease payments until the business gains footing. These are just two examples of leasing terms which are available for a business. Every equipment leasing company offers different types of lease that each business can consider before taking their pick.

Equipment leases are tax deductible. Lease payments can be considered as a business's monthly expense which makes it a hundred percent tax deductible. Every business owner who leases equipment should remember this important fact and inquire from their lawyers or accountant on how they can avail the tax deduction.

Another great advantage about leasing business equipment is that it lets you keep up with technology. Machines and equipment are constantly and continuously enhanced. A particular device can be outdated or get obsolete in just a few years. If you purchased the equipment, it wouldn't be practical to buy the latest model and throw out the money you spent on that equipment. If you leased the equipment, you can easily trade your current equipment and replace it with the latest model in the market.

It is also worth mentioning that applying for an equipment lease is so much easier than trying to obtain a loan. Commercial banks and lending institutions generally have strict policies and procedures before granting a loan approval. In most cases, an excellent credit history is required to qualify. A business plan must also be presented in order to get approved. Equipment leasing companies do not impose such requirements from their clients. Usually, leasing companies only consider the last six months of an individual's credit history.

Many businesses are turning to equipment leasing not only to start up a business but to attempt expansion as well. Is it really worth it to lease business equipment? To answer this question, let's talk about the basic facts of equipment leasing.

Is it better to lease or to loan?

It is true that a business can obtain a loan to get the necessary funding and purchase all equipment needed for business. However, obtaining a loan uses up most of your available credit which you can use for other purposes. In addition, buying equipment ties up your money and it could take a while before you can regain the amount you spent on purchasing those machines. Leasing frees up your available credit and frees up your cash flow as well.

Who can apply for a lease?

Equipment leasing isn't just for those who lack funding. Any type of business - whether a small enterprise, a home based business, a large company, or even a non-profit organization - that needs equipment or devices can apply for a lease.

How to get a lease?

A business applying for an equipment lease should prepare a written document that contains information about the history of the business, business projections, what the company does and other relevant details. Financial statements and tax returns are also required to process the lease. Don't forget to include a list of references to back up your credibility as well. These documents will be submitted along with the application form as well as the list of the equipment needed.

Will the leasing company provide the equipment?

The leasing company will not be the one to provide the equipment. Instead, the list of equipment will be submitted to an equipment supplier. The equipment supplier will be the one to deliver the needed equipment to the lessee. Of course, the leasing company takes care of the expenses.

Types of lease

There are different types of lease that leasing companies offer. The terms will depend on the equipment leasing company providing the lease. A lessee has the option to lease the equipment and return them by the end of the lease term or keep the equipment and buy it from the leasing company at a lesser price.

One type of lease is especially designed for newly start-up businesses who may not yet have enough funds to pay for the first few months of the lease. This leasing option is called a "step-up lease" where the business is expected to "step-up" with its deferred payments once it has gained its footing. There are other types of lease which are especially designed to match a business's financial standing. It is recommended to consider each available lease term before choosing the one that best suits the business.

Can you back out from a lease?

A lease agreement is fixed and not cancelable. However, if there are some problems with the business, the lessee can make arrangements with his leasing firm so that modifications or changes can be made on the lease.

Modern technology plays a big role in businesses. The use of modern equipment enables a business to perform its functions more quickly and easily, resulting into a more efficient production and management. But modern equipment doesn't come cheap. Many of the latest gadgets and devices cost highly in the market. Does this mean that only large businesses can afford such equipment?

Businesses have the option to obtain the latest types of equipment through equipment leasing. Equipment leasing enables a business to get to get all the equipment it needs without paying for them in cash. By renting equipment in installments, the business owner can use his existing finances for the other areas of the business. Consider the following benefits of equipment leasing:

Gain access to the latest in technology.

State of the art equipment doesn't come cheap. In order to obtain the latest devices in technology, big financial resource is required to afford them. With the help of business equipment leasing, even small businesses who are just starting up or in the early stages of the business can gain access to the latest equipment in technology.

More options to choose from.

Equipment leasing gives a business more options to choose from. From small devices used in an office setting, to the most sophisticated machines used in manufacturing- every business has the chance to get these equipment even with a limited budget. In fact, unlike purchasing, equipment leasing doesn't even require a down payment.

Flexibility of terms.

Aside from the wide selection of equipment, businesses can also avail of different leasing terms that best suit their finances. As a business owner, you have the option to choose a payment arrangement that will best fit the cash flow of the business. Leasing terms can range from monthly installments, annual installments, and other special payment arrangement.

For instance, businesses that operate depending on the season can avail of a leasing option called a skip lease. With this arrangement, a business can skip or delay payment during low seasons without paying for penalty. Each leasing company provides different leasing terms that every type of business can surely benefit from.

Equipment Leasing Provides more convenience.

Compared with applying for a loan to purchase equipment, leasing provides an easier process and a more lenient procedure. Most lending companies and banking institutions have strict regulations for its loan applicants. On the contrary, simply by submitting the necessary documents, you can expect to get and approval right away. Once you get approved, you can immediately receive the equipment you ordered without having to wait for a long time.

Surely, equipment leasing is an option worth exploring for a business. Generally, equipment lease companies require a business to submit a business plan and a list of equipment needed for leasing. In most cases, an equipment leasing firm will check on your personal credit history for at least the last six months. If you've decided upon obtaining an equipment lease, prepare the necessary paper work to be submitted to help better speed up the lease process.