US Business Funding: From computers and heavy machinery to complete offices, it is possible to lease almost anything for your business. Equipment leasing can provide a lifeline for cash-strapped businesses in need of the tools of the trade. Equipment leasing is basically a loan in which the lender buys and owns equipment and then "rents" it to a business at a flat monthly rate for a specified number of months. At the end of the lease, the business may purchase the equipment for its fair market value, continue leasing, lease new equipment or return it.
2. IntroductionIntroduction
Leasing equipment is somewhat similar to leasing a vehicle in the
sense that you are basically "renting" the equipment. In common,
you will pay a flat monthly fee to an equipment leasing company to
use the equipment for an extended period of time. However, the
control remains under the equipment leasing company's name. In
many cases, a purchase option exists at the termination of the
lease so that you can acquire ownership of the equipment.
3. Explore your Equipment PurchaseExplore your Equipment Purchase
Before choosing an equipment leasing company, it is essential that
you recognize what type of equipment you want to lease as well as
the make and model. It is also supportive if you come prepared with a
quotation from the equipment vendor because equipment leasing
companies will regularly ask for this when submitting an agreement.
As well, be able to explain why you require the equipment and what
you plan to apply it to. This information will help the equipment
leasing company decide if you succeed for financing.
4. Explore Equipment LeasingExplore Equipment Leasing
CompaniesCompanies
Every leasing company will need an application to discover more
information about your business practices and credit history of the
sponsors. Every company is different so be confident to do
considerable research to choose the best one to hold for your
business. In most cases, you will need to offer the names of all the
owners/ sponsors, their social security numbers, company history, a
central tax ID, and fundamental contact information. Once you have
gathered all of this information you will be set to apply.
5. ApplyApply
After performing all of your investigation and putting together
necessary information, you will be ready to apply for leasing and
funding. Some companies have an online application and others need
you to fax or email it in. The application procedure is usually
appealing, quick and some companies will react to you the very same
day you apply. Be confident to include your SSN in your application
so the equipment leasing company is capable to drag your credit file;
if you reject to do so your application cannot be processed.
Additionally, large ticket items will possibly require more time to
process, so wait when waiting to hear back about the lease.
6. Select a TermSelect a Term
If you are accepted for financing, you will require to choose a term
for leasing. In general, leasing terms fall between two and four
years. There are positively other options available, although two to
four year terms are generally the easiest to obtain. Different types
of equipment will need different lease arrangements, so prepare to
be flexible when working with your leasing company. The longer the
term, the lesser the payment. Be sure to choose a term that works
in line with your company's cash flow so you don't have to assign all
of your possessions in one place.
7. Three Standard end-of-term OptionsThree Standard end-of-term Options
There are three standard end-of-term options:
Fair Market Value (FMV): Buy your equipment at the fair
market value cost at the closing stage of the lease.
10% Purchase: Purchase your equipment for 10% of the
purchase cost of the execution of the lease.
$1 Buyout: Purchase your equipment at the closing stage
of the lease for $1.
8. Sign the LeaseSign the Lease
The final step is to sign your lease agreement and begin the lease.
After implementing all of the preceding steps, carefully evaluate
each lease paper and sign the lease. If you have any questions or
apprehension about anything pertaining to your lease or
equipment, do not falter to call your equipment leasing expert.