There are many ways for businesses to obtain, replace, or upgrade the equipment they need for daily operations when time is of the essence. However, purchasing costly equipment outright may not be an option for your customers. This is where equipment financing or leasing solutions can help.
By providing your customers with a more affordable payment plan to gain immediate access to the equipment their business needs, you can close more sales. Here’s what you need to know about the equipment financing and leasing process.
What are some equipment financing processes?
Unlike other financing solutions, equipment financing or leasing specifically deals with the purchase or lease of business equipment. The equipment is financed or leased over a stipulated period of time in exchange for regular payments. After the completion of all payments (including purchase option payments), the business may own the equipment outright.
To get started on the process, businesses will apply for the financing option of their choice. They are usually required to offer some information about the business and its ownership. Business owners are usually required to submit various documents, depending on the payment plan they opt for. If their application is approved, they can use the funds to finance the purchase of the equipment.
While the equipment financing process is easy for some businesses, most may need to satisfy additional requirements to secure financing.
How can businesses qualify for equipment financing?
Many businesses, including those with poor credit, may not be able to finance or lease equipment. Many financing companies adhere to strict requirements, like insisting on:
- Annual revenue of $100,000 or more
- Credit score of at least 550-600
- At least one year in business (or "time-in-business")
In general, the business owner’s personal credit score may also be an important factor in getting equipment financing. A higher credit score may open doors to more options.
For many financing or leasing companies, business owners may also need to submit a business plan, statement of revenues, and cash flow statement to start the equipment financing process. These documents help to give a comprehensive summary of the business’s financial strength.
However, there are exceptions. With Clicklease, we work with applicants with low credit, and we don’t have set minimums when it comes to business and revenue history. By partnering with us, your company can automatically increase its customer base.
What equipment can be leased through Clicklease?
Your customers could lease equipment in numerous industries, including:
- Manufacturing
- Printing services
- Restaurants and foodservice
- Beauty salons
- Cleaning services
- Auto repair
- Fitness and health
Equipment leasing through Clicklease is used to get equipment through a lease that has a purchase option. Offering multiple payment options to your clients can help you considerably as an equipment vendor. Not only will you have access to a bigger customer base, but you can also help small businesses afford the assets they need to grow.
How long can businesses finance equipment?
The length of time businesses can finance or lease equipment depends on the financing provider and other factors such as personal and business credit scores, the equipment price, and the kind of equipment. With Clicklease, the customer can pick the leasing term that works best for them.
A significant purchase can strain the cash flow of businesses, and giving your customer the choice of making incremental payments puts expensive items within their reach. As a result, you can move more inventory and increase your average order value.
What are the benefits of equipment financing?
Without a doubt, starting an equipment financing process is a key step in the growth strategy of many small businesses. This allows them to obtain the funds needed for big equipment purchases or leases without much impact on their operating cash flow.
A benefit of equipment leasing with Clicklease is the quick approval of funds. Clicklease boasts a 3-minute application, and the approval process is instantaneous. This is good news for businesses that need to have additional capital to repair, purchase, or replace critical equipment as soon as possible.
Other reasons equipment leasing with Clicklease may be better than traditional financing for small businesses include:
- A simpler equipment financing process
- More lenient credit requirements
- More flexible payment options
- Predictable payments
- Extra cash on hand for other purchases
Of course, businesses need to select a payment plan that’s best for their needs. Equipment leasing still entails a financial commitment, so owners must carefully consider the terms before deciding.
What are the tax advantages of leasing equipment?
Leasing equipment means making payments for a certain period of time, through the end of the financing agreement. At the end of their lease terms, business owners have the option to keep the equipment for a nominal charge. One of the best things about leasing is that the equipment pays for itself when the income it produces is used to make the payment.
Another important benefit is that lease payments can be tax-deductible since they are usually considered a business expense. Essentially, this reduces the net cost of the lease.
But bear in mind that these general guidelines don’t constitute tax advice—we suggest you speak to your accountant or tax advisor for more information.
Partner with Clicklease
Equipment leasing is an attractive option for businesses that want a simple, quick, and easy way to secure the funds they need to purchase, upgrade, or repair equipment. By removing affordability hurdles for your buyers, you can capture the percentage of your customer base that won’t or can’t use traditional finance options.
Don’t let your customers walk away empty-handed. And don’t send them off to explore how equipment loans work when you can offer something better and easier. Whatever their credit score, Clicklease has a solution. Apply to partner with us and give your customers more options today.
