What Are My Business Equipment Financing Options?

Whether you want to expand your manufacturing to include a new product line or your computers have seen better days, there are many reasons for today's business owner to buy new equipment.

And if the concept of equipment financing is new to you, consider that 2018 saw $1.8 trillion in equipment purchases, with 50% of these purchases being financed. That’s a huge market, but is business financing right for you?

What is equipment financing?

Unlike other types of loans, equipment financing exists for a single purpose: to finance your equipment. The equipment itself acts as the collateral. When you're done making payments, you will own the equipment free and clear. Until then, if you default on the loan, the lender can take back the equipment to help recoup their costs.

There may also be additional terms, such as guaranteeing the loan with personal assets and equity. Some lenders may ask for a blanket lien that gives them a right to any of the business’s assets needed (including the new equipment) for loan satisfaction.

Business equipment financing covers a range of business necessities, with one characteristic in common; what you’re buying is generally costly. This category of financing can cover manufacturing machinery, computers, software, farm equipment, and furnishings. When you get an equipment financing loan, you can use it only for the items designated and nothing else.

Let’s take a look at the upsides and downsides of business equipment financing, plus some alternatives.

Advantages of equipment financing

There are some major perks to this kind of financing, including:

1. FAST FUNDS

Most lenders provide the funding quickly. You can expect to have the money to buy your equipment much faster than with many other loan options.

2. FREE UP CASH

If you’re having cash flow issues, this funding option gives you a way to get the equipment you need anyway. Then you can use your incoming cash for things like your payroll or marketing budget instead of tying it up in equipment.

3. A RANGE OF PAYMENT OPTIONS

Lenders usually come to the table with a few loan term options to choose from, so you can pick a bigger payment for a shorter loan payback timeline or a small payment paid over many years.

4. BUILD ASSETS

When you’re done paying the loan, the equipment is yours. This is a big plus for a business that wants to count equipment as a permanent asset in its portfolio.

5. TAX BENEFITS

You can use your business equipment loan payment as part of your tax strategy. Qualified business expenses can help offset earnings in a big way.

Disadvantages of equipment financing

There are always two sides to any coin, and equipment financing has a few drawbacks to consider, including:

1. LIMITED USE

You can only use this loan for your equipment, so if you have a range of expansion needs, you’ll have to fund those other wish list items another way.

2. MORE EXPENSIVE

This type of financing is generally open to even those with less-than-stellar credit. Because of this, it’s a higher-risk financing tool and may have higher interest and fees compared to traditional lending.

3. YOU’RE LIABLE

In addition to paying back the loan, you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the equipment. This can be expensive and a burden if you don’t have the budget. Regardless of whether your equipment runs or not, you still have to pay back the loan.

Other types of business equipment financing

There are a number of ways to pay for new equipment, and an equipment loan is just one of them. Here are some additional methods.

1. TERM LOANS

These short-term loans are available to those in higher-risk groups and may charge higher interest rates. You don’t always have to use them for equipment only, though. In fact, you can use term loans to purchase just about anything for your business, as long as the loan terminology doesn’t specify.

2. SBA FINANCING

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are a popular option for those who can't get financing in other ways. The most notable loans are the SBA 7(a) loans and microloans. Both require a suitable credit score and for borrowers to use the funds for business-specific purposes. Amounts range from a few thousand dollars up to millions, depending on the loan category you choose.

3. LINE OF CREDIT

If you have an existing relationship with a bank, you may qualify for a line of credit. This is similar to a credit card in that you can borrow as much or as little as you need and pay it back before borrowing again. Lines of credit can be a good way to finance equipment when you buy from more than one vendor or need to finance less than what an equipment loan would require.

4. CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are a way to pay when you want to access new equipment quickly. While the interest paid on a credit card could be significant, you may get additional perks, such as cash back or reward points. Because it’s financed on a card, you don’t have to offer additional collateral, either, making it a good option for those who don’t want to risk business or personal assets to receive approval.

5. VENDOR-SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT FINANCING

If you're brand loyal, you may find the best financing options at the company you purchase from most. For computers, software, and tech support, HP has programs that can help businesses get the tools they need fast, without an additional trip to the bank.

HP Business Boost

HP Business Boost bundles the most popular and powerful PCs and laptop models, along with accessories (like monitors and backup storage), and combines them with the most powerful software services into one monthly payment.

This financing option also comes with the HP Care Pack, which offers extra years of support for your computer. They help to make sure your equipment is functioning over the course of your payment plan and for years to come. 

HP 0% financing

The HP 0% financing option is a lease program available to small business owners who need $25,000 or more in equipment at one time. The lease options run for 36-month terms and can quickly provide the newest HP business products.

HP payment deferral

If you don’t need financing but would like a little extra time to pay, the HP payment deferral option may be a good bet. With the 90-day delayed payment structure, you can upgrade to the newest tech for as little as $5,000. This is applicable for hardware, select software, installation, and support.

HP rental program

The PC rental program provides 12 months of worry-free use with support for a variety of devices. When your term is up, you have options. You can return the device and upgrade, extend your time, or buy the tech at a discounted price.

Equipment loans vs leasing

Have you considered that loans aren't the only answer? Some of the companies that sell equipment also offer leasing options. How does this differ from buying with a loan?

EQUIPMENT LEASING

•    With equipment leasing, the company owns the equipment and allows you to use it for a set period of time with a monthly or quarterly payment.
•    You’ll never own the equipment, but you may get access to repairs or upgrades for a discount or no additional charge.
•    A significant benefit is the ability to try before you buy. If you’re unfamiliar with a brand and its offerings, leasing gives you a hands-on preview.

EQUIPMENT LOANS

•    Equipment loans, on the other hand, are outright purchases.
•    They may take months or years to completely pay off, but you own the equipment in the end.
•    The repairs, upgrades, and maintenance are your responsibility.

Some business owners choose to do a bit of both, buying the equipment that costs the least to maintain and leasing the items that require a lot of repairs. Mix-and-match might be your most savvy business decision.

Summary

Whatever option you choose to finance your next business computer, remember that any lease or loan is a stepping stone to greater things. Equipment financing companies report to credit agencies, and this is a prime opportunity to build your business credit at the same time you give your teams the best tools to work with.

Even if you qualify for a larger amount, use only what you need to finance the essentials. Lower balances are easier to pay and will help ensure you don't put cash flow at risk. Remember that with most equipment loans, failure to pay can result in repossession of your new equipment. That means all the payments you’ve already made will be for nothing.

Responsible credit use is key for building a business. With today’s financing options, however, it’s possible to enjoy all the new tech that companies like HP have to offer while boosting your credit profile for tomorrow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP Tech@Work. Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.