Are you in need of new or used equipment for your manufacturing company but unsure how you’ll be able to afford it? Are you turning to finance? Have no fear. Many manufacturing companies secure their equipment through various equipment loans with options for purchasing or leasing. Whether you’re searching for machinery, you need to buy or replace because of soft costs, the loan and/or lease options explored in this article will get you started in the right direction. Though the cost of commercial machines can be high, utilizing a lender to lease or buy manufacturing equipment is the right way.
Manufacturing Equipment Needs And Financing Options
Manufacturing needs equipment to perform daily operations and earn revenue. Using an equipment loan to procure these valuable pieces of manufacturing equipment is a great idea because you will be profitable when your business can perform at its best. Here are a few examples of new and used equipment that can be purchased with funding for business equipment.
- Fabrication Equipment loan requirements
- Industrial kitchen equipment
- CNC Machines
- Heavy equipment
- Machine Tool Financing
- Medical tools and machines
Benefits of Equipment Financing when Buying Manufacturing Equipment
Any manufacturing business can see that equipment financing is one of the best ways to secure large or heavy equipment needed for daily operations without using up your cash reserves. There are some great benefits to manufacturing equipment financing, including:
- Up to 100% of the financing needed for new equipment costs or necessary repairs.
- Protect cash flow versus outright purchase from assets
- Terms are attractive because costs are based on principal and interest rates, or factor rates, not revenue or other factors.
- Loan approval from an online lender in as little as two days or sooner for smaller loan amounts under $10,000.
- Competitive terms with financing up to 60 months for many manufacturing equipment financing options.
- Quick credit decisions. Funding same business day in some cases
Important factors when thinking about Manufacturing Equipment Financing
Here are some important factors to consider when considering financing or funding for manufacturing equipment and machinery.
- How long do you expect to own the equipment?
- Choosing the right equipment at the right price.
- Choosing used equipment vs. new equipment
- Is this a short-term or long-term need?
- Do you want to deplete your cash reserves to purchase equipment or free up cash reserves for a rainy day?
- What is the expected utilization of the equipment – number of miles or service hours?
- How much and how quickly is the equipment expected to depreciate in value?
- Does the loan amortization or lease payment meet your goals for potential resale or trade-in value?
- Do you want to lease equipment or want to do an equipment purchase?
Manufacturing Equipment Loans vs. Equipment Leasing
When considering acquiring the equipment your manufacturing business needs, you can consider manufacturing equipment financing and another option, equipment leasing. Leasing has payback schedules of about 60 months, and the machinery is usually returned to the owner after loan terms are complete. Leasing qualifications are much less rigorous. However, manufacturing equipment financing can be a better option in the long term.
When your manufacturing company decides to utilize equipment financing, your business invests in the equipment. Then, after making so many payments over a set period of time, you own the equipment outright. For this reason, equipment financing is better than equipment leases if you’re considering the long-term because the equipment will become a valuable asset to your business.
However, don’t discredit leases. If your business needs a more flexible option or has to replace the equipment in the near future, then leasing options versus buying equipment may be best. There are two types of equipment leasing arrangements to consider:
- Capital lease: The most common leasing arrangement in which you buy the equipment at the end of the term. A fair market value lease enables you to purchase the equipment at market value when the lease expires.
- Operating lease: You return the borrowed piece of equipment at the end of the agreement, then lease or purchase new equipment – best for tools with high turnover or necessary updates.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Manufacturing Equipment Financing
To consider the possibilities that manufacturing machinery loans can bring us, here are the pros and cons for option manufacturing equipment loans & financing.
Manufacturing Equipment Loans & Financing Pros:
- You can obtain the funds you need fast. Once you qualify, your business will have access to the necessary money to buy essential construction tools and machines.
- The terms are more flexible than traditional loan options.
- Monthly Payments
- Online application
- Making payments on time will have a positive impact on your credit score.
- No prepayment penalties
- Receive funding in days, not weeks
Manufacturing Equipment Loans & Financing Cons:
- If you have a bad credit score, the lender may require a blanket lien, which gives other businesses assets if you miss a payment. Or, a personal guarantee might be in place, meaning you are liable for missed payments.
- Down Payment required
- Collateral requirements
- Sometimes the length of the loan term surpasses the life of the machine.
- If you can’t make payments, your business might be in financial trouble.
Additional Manufacturing Equipment Financing Options
There isn’t just one way to finance the equipment. Not only are there loans and leases from traditional lenders, but alternative lenders also have solutions as well. New equipment can also be bought with funds from a loan or other type of financing with a flexible repayment term. Many online lenders offer various funding options with flexible terms that your manufacturing business can choose from when considering how to purchase the equipment that traditional lenders do not have. More options are explored below.
Short-Term Loans
If equipment financing isn’t the best option for your business, you could consider a short-term business loan. This type of finance plan involves a lump sum of money given to a business, then paid back over a designated period of time. Short-term loans can be used to purchase commercial equipment, or for whatever your business needs are at the time. No matter what type of manufacturing equipment you’re looking to buy, short-term loans can be a financing solution to help you make the purchase.
Long-Term Loans
A long-term business loan can be valuable for construction companies. The borrower provides a lump sum of money to a business upfront, then businesses can use the cash for whatever they need. In this case, to make necessary equipment purchases. Loan amounts are large, so longer payment plans with extended repayment terms are necessary to make them affordable. Annual revenue requirements is necessary for this product.
SBA Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a number of loans, but the requirements are often very specific. The SBA is not actually the borrower, but a government agency that provides loan program guarantees of up to 85% of the amount provided through SBA-approved borrowers.
These loans offer low-rate and long-term financing solutions for small businesses. SBA loans can be used to buy equipment. The three main programs are the 7(a) Loan Program, the Small Business Microloan Program, and the CDC/504 Loan Program. This a great machine tool financing option.
Business Cash Advance
Another financing option for securing business equipment is through a business cash advance. This financing option, also called the purchase of future sales agreement, allows businesses to sell a portion of their future sales. The business owners then have to pay back the fixed payback amount at a fixed cost. Repayment continues until the payback amount is paid back in full. This type of financing is a way to get money fast to buy needed machine tools. Excellent product for working capital needs. Flexible repayment terms.
Securing Business Equipment from Equipment Financing Companies
Whether you use equipment financing or business loans, the process for securing the best equipment will be similar. The most important thing to consider once you qualify for financing is your ability to pay for the equipment. The equipment cost is high, so finding the money from the right lender (at the most competitive interest rates) to buy the machinery you need is top of mind for manufacturing companies.
Thankfully, with so many traditional and alternative financing options to qualify for, your business can buy the fabrication equipment it needs with the help of a lender. Considering a business loan or equipment financing is vital to ensuring your business can continue to operate smoothly.
Finding the best equipment financing companies is key. With a partner like AdvancePoint Capital, businesses can qualify for the financing they need, no matter the time in business, the type of equipment they need, or their credit history. Advancpoint has more options than other lenders, and we consider ourselves industry experts. Contact AdvancePoint Capital today to explore alternative funding options for your heavy equipment needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a loan for equipment?
There are many options today for finding the right manufacturing equipment financing.
How do you qualify for equipment financing?
The cost of the equipment and whether it's new or used equipment will dictate the financing options, qualifications, and requirements. In some cases, just an application and bank statements are required and in other cases, financial statements like tax returns will be required.
What type of loan is equipment?
Typically financing comes in the form of loan options or leasing options.
What is the interest rate on equipment loans?
Not trying to avoid the question but manufacturing Equipment loans and leases have a wide range of rates and flexible terms based on the equipment, credit history, business cash flow, and profitability all impact fin. Definitely get multiple quotes so you can compare, choose, and save.
