Business Finance Equipment Loans

What you need to know about Business Finance Equipment loans

Are you a business owner looking to invest in new equipment but struggling with finances? Equipment finance may just be the solution you are looking for. In this article, we will discuss equipment finance and its benefits.

Business loans in Australia are purely need based. As a small business owner, when you are looking to purchase a piece of equipment, a vehicle, machinery or any device that helps you run your business, you can receive funding from small business loan lenders. This type of finance is typically known as equipment finance, asset finance or commercial equipment loans.

The types of equipment finance differ with how you procure the equipment for your business. For example, you might want to hire the equipment for a particular period of time, in which case, the lender becomes the owner of the equipment. If you are buying the equipment with a short term loan, the bank/lending organization uses the asset as a security or collateral.

Business equipment finance allows businesses to acquire new machinery or upgrade existing equipment. Whether you are a small, medium or large enterprise, equipment finance can provide you with the financial capability to procure the necessary equipment. The loan amount, interest rate, and repayment tenure will vary depending on the lender and the business's financial objectives. Financial institutions provide a tailored loan experience to meet individual business requirements. Additionally, equipment finance may also offer options such as hire purchase arrangements and equipment leasing, including finance and operating leases.

When procuring equipment through equipment finance, the asset in question is considered collateral against the loan. In case of default by the borrower, the lender has the authority to seize the asset and recover the funds. However, the risk factor for equipment finance is low, and interest rates are relatively low compared to other types of loans.

Benefits of equipment finance include up to 100% financing for new equipment purchases, a secured loan with the equipment as collateral, pre-approval for most borrowers to provide a hassle-free and seamless procedure, flexible repayment options depending on the business's financial budget, and competitive interest rates customized as per the borrower's creditworthiness.

A variety of equipment and machinery is eligible for procurement through equipment finance loans. This includes vehicles, office equipments, restaurant equipments, drills, compressors, cranes, excavators, solar panels, trucks etc. Equipment finance is an excellent option for businesses looking to invest in new equipment or upgrade their existing machinery. By providing financial capability and flexibility, equipment finance can help businesses achieve their growth objectives.

 

What is the Eligibility Criteria of Business Equipment finance?

The eligibility criteria for equipment finance may vary depending on the lender or financial institution providing the loan. However, some common eligibility criteria include:

• Business Age: The business should have been in operation for a minimum period of 1 year.
• Credit Score: A good credit score is required to be eligible for equipment finance. The credit score requirements may vary depending on the lender.
• Financial Stability: The business should have a stable financial history with consistent revenue and cash flow.
• Business Type: The type of business and the industry it operates in will also be considered when evaluating eligibility for equipment finance.
• Equipment Type: The type of equipment that needs financing will also be considered. Some lenders may have restrictions on the type of equipment eligible for financing.The equipment for which you are taking equipment financing must be used for the business.
• Down Payment: Some lenders may require a down payment or a percentage of the equipment cost to be paid upfront.
• Collateral: The equipment being financed will be considered as collateral, and the lender may also require additional collateral to secure the loan.

It is essential to check with the lender or financial institution about their specific eligibility criteria before applying for equipment finance. Meeting the eligibility criteria can increase the chances of loan approval and help businesses acquire the equipment necessary for growth and expansion.

 

What are the documents required for Equipment Finance?

The documents required for equipment finance may vary depending on the lender and the specific type of financing you are applying for. However, here are some of the basic documents most lenders will demand:

• Equipment invoice or quote: This document provides the lender with the details of the equipment being financed, including its make and model, purchase price, and any additional fees or charges.
• Financials: Lenders will want to review your financial documents to evaluate your financial health and creditworthiness. This may include yourbalance sheet, income statement, and cash flow
• Business plan: If you are a startup or a newer business, the lender may ask for a business plan outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
• Tax returns: Lenders may require your personal and/or business tax returns for the previous two to three years to verify your income and tax obligations.
• Bank statements: Lenders may ask for bank statements to evaluate your cash flow and verify that you have the necessary funds to repay the loan.
• Personal identification: You will need to provide a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
• Proof of ownership or lease: If you are financing equipment you already own, you may need to provide proof of ownership. If you are leasing the equipment, you may need to provide a copy of the lease agreement.
• Insurance: Lenders will typically require you to provide proof of insurance for the equipment being financed.

It is always a good idea to check with the lender for their specific requirements before submitting an application.

 

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How does it work?

Loan applied to purchase any new equipment for the improvement or growth of business is referred to as equipment loan. It could be anything that helps in the business, such as machinery, vehicle, computers etc. As the loan is applied for an equipment, the equipment becomes collateral or security in this case. The payment would include interest and principal over a fixed term, failure to pay the same could result in repossession of the equipment or any other asset kept as security by the lender.

Advantages of equipment finance business loan

It is just like any other business loan, wherein the lender provides you capital to procure an asset. And as the equipment also becomes the asset you pledge towards the loan, it becomes a feasible option, as the other assets remain untouched. Equipment financing offers several benefits to businesses, including:

• Less documentation: Unlike other small business loans, equipment financing requires lesser documentation
• Preserve Cash Flow: Equipment financing allows businesses to acquire the necessary equipment without having to pay for it upfront, thus preserving their cash flow for other business expenses and future options.
• Fixed Payments: Equipment financing offers fixed monthly payments, which can make budgeting easier and more predictable for businesses.
• Tax Benefits: Equipment financing may offer tax benefits, as the interest paid on the loan may be tax-deductible.
• Keep Up with Technology: Equipment financing enables businesses to keep up with the latest technology without having to purchase equipment outright, which can become outdated quickly.
• No Collateral: Equipment financing is typically secured by the equipment being financed, which means businesses may not have to provide additional collateral.It can be secured even if you have other outstanding debts, as the procured equipment can be used as security As the equipment becomes the asset for security, there’s no need to provide additional assets as security.
• Improve Credit Score: Making regular payments on an equipment financing loan can help businesses improve their credit score, which can make it easier to obtain financing in the future.
• Customized Payment Terms: Equipment financing offers flexibility in terms of payment plans, allowing businesses to tailor the terms to their specific needs.

Disadvantages of equipment loan 

• Lenders charge early payment fees compared to other agreements or leases.
• You cannot do away with your equipment till you have repaid the loan with interest.
• You are also responsible for all the cost incurred on running and maintaining the new equipment or upgrade existing machinery.

Types of equipment loans in Australia

In Australia, there are several types of equipment loans available for businesses, including:

• Hire purchase: Hire purchase is a loan where the lender purchases the equipment on behalf of the borrower, who then hires the equipment from the lender for a set period. Once the final payment is made, the borrower takes ownership of the equipment.
• Finance lease: A finance lease is a loan where the lender purchases the new equipment and leases it to the borrower for a set period. At the end of the lease term, the borrower can either return the equipment, extend the lease or purchase the equipment for a residual value.
• Chattel mortgage: A chattel mortgage is a loan where the lender provides funds for the purchase of equipment, and the borrower takes ownership of the equipment immediately. The lender takes a security interest over the equipment, which is released once the loan is repaid. 
• Operating lease: An operating lease is a loan where the lender purchases the equipment and leases it to the borrower for a set period. At the end of the lease term, the borrower returns the equipment to the lender.
• Equipment rental: Equipment rental is a loan where the lender rents out the equipment to the borrower for a set period. The borrower does not take ownership of the equipment, and the lender remains responsible for maintaining it.

Who can benefit from business equipment loans?

Any company in the need for new equipment to grow their business can benefit from equipment loans. These could be small scale industries, restaurants, or any business that requires any kind of machines to deliver better to their customers. 

Here are some examples of businesses that can benefit from business equipment loans:

• Manufacturing companies: Manufacturing companies require specialized machinery and equipment to produce goods. Business equipment loans can help them purchase or upgrade equipment.
• Construction companies: Construction companies require heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes to carry out their projects. Equipment loans can help them acquire or replace these machines.
• Medical practices: Medical practices require specialized equipment such as X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, and medical lasers. Business equipment loans can help them purchase or upgrade this equipment.
• Restaurants: Restaurants require kitchen equipment such as refrigerators, ovens, and stoves. Equipment loans can help them purchase or replace this equipment.
• Retail stores: Retail stores require equipment such as cash registers, computers, and inventory management systems. Equipment loans can help them acquire or upgrade this equipment.
• Office equipment: This includes equipment used in offices, such as computers, printers, copiers, and telephones.
• Farming equipment: This includes equipment used in agriculture, such as tractors, combines, plows, and cultivators.
• Transportation equipment: This includes vehicles used for transportation, such as trucks, buses, and trailers.

In summary, any business that has business financerequires equipment to operate and grow can benefit from business equipment loans. These loans can help businesses acquire, upgrade, or replace equipment, which can lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

 

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What is typical terms for equipment financing in Australia?

The terms for equipment financing in Australia can vary depending on the lender and the specific terms of the loan, but here are some typical terms that you may encounter:

• Loan Amount: Equipment financing loans in Australia can range from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars, depending on the type and value of the equipment being financed.
• Interest Rates: Interest rates on equipment financing loans can vary depending on the lender, the creditworthiness of the borrower, and other factors. The interest rate, loan amount, loan terms and loan tenure may differ from lender to lender.
• Loan Term: The loan term for equipment financing can range from one to five years, depending on the lender and the type of equipment being financed. Some lenders may offer longer loan terms for higher value equipment.
• Repayment Schedule: Equipment financing loans in Australia typically require regular payments, which may be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on the lender and the terms of the loan.
• Fees and Charges: Equipment financing loans may come with a range of fees and charges, such as application fees, establishment fees, and early termination fees. It's important to read the loan agreement carefully and understand all the costs associated with the loan.
• Security: Most equipment financing loans require the borrower to provide security for the loan, which may be in the form of a mortgage over the equipment, a personal guarantee, or other forms of security. This equipment is taken as a guarantee, in case you miss repayments.
• Balloon Payment: Some equipment financing loans may include a balloon payment, which is a large payment due at the end of the loan term. This payment is typically used to cover the remaining balance of the loan.

It's important to shop around and compare different lenders and finance options to find the equipment financing solution that best suits your needs and financial situation.

 

Can startups get equipment financing?

Equipment financing is a common type of financing for startups, especially those that require significant capital investments in equipment to operate their business. The equipment itself serves as collateral for the equipment finance, which means that if the business is unable to make the payments, the lender can seize the equipment to recover their losses.

Many lenders, including banks, credit unions, and specialized equipment financing companies, offer equipment financing to startups. However, since startups are often considered riskier borrowers than more established businesses, they may need to provide more documentation, financial statements showing and information to the lender to qualify for the loan credit. The lender may also charge a higher interest rate or require a larger down payment.

It's important for startups to carefully evaluate their financing options & information and choose a lender that offers competitive rates and terms that fit their needs. Startups should also ensure that they have a solid business plan and cash flow projections to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan.

 

How is Equipment financing different from Equipment Leasing?

Equipment financing and equipment leasing are two common ways for businesses to acquire the equipment they need without paying for it all upfront. Here are the key differences between equipment financing and equipment leasing:

• Ownership: With equipment financing, the borrower owns the equipment outright once the financial loan is repaid in full. With equipment leasing, the lessor owns the equipment and the lessee pays to use it.
• Length of use: With equipment financing, the borrower typically uses the equipment for its entire useful life. With equipment leasing, the lessee typically uses the equipment for a set period of time, such as 1-5 years.
• Payments: With equipment financing, the borrower makes regular payments to repay the loan. With equipment leasing, the lessee makes regular payments to rent the equipment.
• Tax benefits: With equipment financing, the borrower may be able to deduct the cost of the equipment as a business expense, and may also be eligible for depreciation deductions. With equipment leasing, the lessor may be eligible for tax benefits, but the lessee generally is not.
• Upgrades: With equipment financing, the borrower can upgrade or modify the equipment as needed. With equipment leasing, the lessee may need to return the equipment at the end of the lease term, and may need to negotiate a new lease if they want to upgrade or modify the equipment.

Overall, equipment financing may be a better option for businesses that want to own the equipment outright and use it for its entire useful life, while equipment leasing may be a better option for businesses that want to use the equipment for a set period of time and have the flexibility to upgrade or modify the equipment. However, the best option for a particular business will depend on its specific needs and financial situation.

Do you need Australian credit license for equipment finance?

In Australia, if a business provides equipment finance as a regular part of their business, they may need to hold an Australian credit licence. This is because providing finance to customers is considered a credit activity under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (NCCP Act) and the National Credit Code.

However, there are certain exemptions that may apply. For example, businesses that provide finance for equipment leasing or rental may be exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian credit licence, provided that certain conditions are met. The exemption applies if the lease or rental agreement does not give the customer the right or obligation to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term.

It's important for businesses that provide equipment finance to seek legal advice to determine whether they need to hold an Australian credit licence and to ensure they comply with all relevant legislation and regulations. Non-compliance with credit legislation can result in significant penalties and legal action.

How do you apply for equipment financing?

There are multiple ways to apply for equipment financing.

1. You can apply in capitalboost equipment loan page https://capitalboost.com.au/product/equipment-finance
2. You can also fill the contact details below and we will get back to you asap.
3. You can talk to our lending specialists on 1300 360 530  and our lending specialists will get in touch with you at the earliest.