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We receive advertising fees from the brands we review that affect the ranking and scoring.
The offers below are for business purposes only. Advertiser Disclosure
This website is an informative comparison site that aims to offer its users find helpful information regarding the products and offers that will be suitable for their needs. We are able to maintain a free, high-quality service by receiving advertising fees from the brands and service providers we review on this website (though we may also review brands we are not engaged with). These advertising fees, combined with our criteria and methodology, such as the conversion rates, our team of reviewer's finding and subjective experience and product popularity, impact the placement and position of the brands within the comparison table. In the event rating or scoring are assigned by us, they are based on the position in the comparison table, or according to other formula in the event specifically detailed by us. See our How we Rate page and Terms of Use for information. The reviews, rating and scoring are provided “as-is” without guaranties or warranties regarding the information contained in our website, which shall not be considered as endorsement. We make the best efforts to keep the information up-to-date, however, an offer’s terms might change at any time. We do not compare or include all service providers, brands and offers available in the market.
Most businesses depend on equipment and machinery to drive profit margins to the next level. But when one is faced with a financial crisis or limited funds, obtaining a loan can be an ideal option. Nonetheless, not all loans can be ideal for purchasing equipment.
Equipment loans allow business owners to acquire equipment that will be paid over during its usage. They support the purchase of stuff from a wide sheer of sectors such as manufacturing, assembly, agriculture, office, and laundry, to name a few.
It would be best to compare different loan options, interest rates, terms, and other vital segments while obtaining a loan. This is because new equipment determines the stagnation and growth of a business. Hence, an option with the best offers can help business owners make substantial steps in their endeavors.
What Is Equipment Financing?
Equipment financing is a type of loan that helps business owners to purchase a wide array of machinery and equipment. This is because the purchase of machinery may be quite expensive, especially for business owners with limited funds. One can utilize equipment financing to acquire office furniture, medical tools, farm machinery, and commercial ovens, among other necessities.
The loan amount depends on the value of the purchase being executed. The equipment purchased stands in as collateral in case one fails to fulfill loan repayment. Conventional financing institutions such as banks have the most favorable interest rates. However, they engage in strict credit thresholds when issuing the funds.
People with an urgent need for cash can seek mediation from online lenders as they have fast mechanisms of operation. The loan term depends on the projected duration that the equipment will be in use. For instance, if an engine purchased is estimated to be in use for 15 years, one will be given a 15-year loan term.
Shorter loan terms may impose financial pressure. Longer terms can be ideal as one has a longer duration to repay the loan. In addition, one can continue paying for the equipment even after they stop using it. After one completes the payment, they own it outright. Equipment financing is regarded as an ideal loan option as they have the best equipment loan rates.
Equipment Financing Pros and Cons
Pros
This is a loan option with the best equipment finance rates. As mentioned earlier, customers with a higher credit score are subjected to a lower interest rate.
Equipment financing loans are easier to get. This is because the application and vetting process is fast. In addition, there is no need for collateral as the equipment stands in for defaulters.
After one finalizes paying for the equipment, they own it completely. This is a win-win situation for the borrower as they have sole ownership of the equipment after full payment. One can also decide to sell the equipment to recover the cash spent.
Tax time allows one to enjoy a depreciation tax advantage as the interest paid is deductible.
Cons
When the equipment purchased becomes outdated, its value depreciates, resulting in one disposing of it.
Some lenders have a high initial down payment.
Recommended Lenders
LendingTree provides customers with access to a wide sheer of lenders. This is a time-saving platform as it allows one to compare numerous lenders under one roof rather than checking them one by one.
National Funding has served numerous businesses, ranking it as one of the largest loan providers in the country. The company has less emphasis on credit scores, making it ideal for people with poor credit scores.
Fora Financial is an online platform that serves numerous industries such as auto, transportation, retail, restaurant, and manufacturing, among others. Their approval takes about 24 hours, and funds can be deposited within three days.
Fundera has specialists that disseminate information and recommendations regarding different types of loans. A single application allows one to get information about various loans and terms that align with their needs.
BlueVine provides fast loans that may be available within 24 hours. They can offer the best equipment finance as they have fair qualification thresholds as compared to most lenders and offer flexible loans.
Reliant Funding has provided many dollars in funding and has the fastest, simplest, and comparatively flexible loans. They have worked with numerous customers during their existence and have proven to be an ideal funding solution.
Equipment Leasing Option
Rather than obtaining funds to purchase equipment, leasing can be an alternative to reduce costs and maximize investments. This is particularly imperative for old equipment that becomes less valuable and productive. In addition, some financing companies can also buy the equipment based on the contemporary market value.
However, equipment leasing is considered a costlier option if you speculate to use the equipment for a long duration. Financial experts claim that leasing can be an ideal option if one intends to use the equipment for 36 months or less. It would be best to purchase the equipment if one uses it for a long duration. There are two types of equipment leasing as discussed below:
Operating Lease
This is whereby a customer rents equipment for a certain duration of time. If the leasing involves assets such as commercial automobiles, it may be referred to as a business contract hire. It is a simple form of leasing as the customer does not incur the asset’s charges. This is because there is a maintenance provider that offers greater flexibility. The leasing happens for a short to medium timeframe, and one can cancel the leasing before the expiry of the leasing period.
Capital Lease
This is a type of equipment leasing where a company acquires equipment for long-term usage. Most companies use the equipment and purchase it at the end of the lease duration. As opposed to operating leases, capital lessees are accountable for maintenance costs, insurance, and taxes imposed on the equipment. This is the best small business equipment financing for expensive equipment.
What to Consider When Getting an Equipment Loan
Machinery loans have a different operation scheme as compared to standard loans as they are entirely used to acquire equipment. Prospective customers who intend to acquire equipment loans may have to consider the following factors:
Company Needs
It may be a good idea to assess whether the equipment is truly an imperative asset. In addition, equipment financing can be essential when replacing broken machinery. This will keep one in business and ensure that they are competitive. Purchasing new equipment can also enhance escalating revenue and cut business costs.
Eligibility Requirements
Equipment financing has more lenient qualification thresholds than most loan types. First, one must have a loan credit score of 650 and above. In addition, one must have been in business for at least a year and recorded at least $50,000 in annual revenue.
Collateral is unnecessary as the equipment purchased stands in if one defaults on the loan. Thus, they are the best equipment financing for startups. Furthermore, the vetting process in equipment financing is quick, ensuring that funds are available within a short period. It would be best to analyze the discussed factors to determine whether one meets the stipulated qualification requirements.
Interest Rates and Overall Cost
Equipment financing loans range between $5,000 to $5,000,000, and the loan limit depends on the type of equipment to be purchased. Most of these loans have an interest rate of between 2% and 20%. The interest rates are also influenced by credit score and the duration one has been in business. This means that the higher the credit score, the lower the interest rate.
The loans have a term of between 12 and 72 months which vary based on the lender. The loans are also accompanied by application fees and origination fees, which are crucial when determining the total cost of the loan.
FAQs
Can you finance used equipment?
There are numerous lenders in the market that provide used equipment. It works similar to new equipment but the amount financed will be lower than new ones.
What kind of credit score is needed for an equipment loan?
A credit score below 500 is considered poor, which may be quite hectic when seeking an equipment finance loan. However, some lenders do not have much concern for credit scores.
How do I find a lender that will approve me for an equipment loan?
Finding a lender is an easy process that requires one to conduct internet research and gauge the best equipment finance lenders based on their requirements.
Can my startup get equipment financing?
A startup can get equipment financing if they meet the required thresholds, such as the stipulated credit score, at least one year in business, and the required annual revenue records.
What is the difference between equipment financing and equipment leasing?
Equipment financing involves renting a piece of equipment for a short duration, but one does not own it during the leasing period. Equipment financing is a long-term deal where one can own the equipment if they finalize the repayment.
What determines the down payment amount in an equipment loan?
Though different lenders differ in terms, an equipment loan may require a down payment of 20% of the designated equipment price.
What type of equipment loans exists?
There are two types of equipment loans: operating lease and finance lease. They differ in usage duration and commitment in charges, taxes, and other fees.
What is a reasonable interest rate for an equipment loan?
Equipment financing has an interest rate of between 2% to 20%. The lender with lower interest rates is considered to be reasonable.
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