| |
|
1.
What is equipment leasing?
An equipment lease is a contract for the use of a specific piece, (or
multiple pieces of), equipment or furnishings for a specific period of
time and for specific lease (rental) payments agreed upon in advance.
The lessor is the owner of the leased equipment and makes the initial
cash investment for its purchase. The lessee is the user of the equipment
and gets all the benefits of its use, just as if they owned it. Leasing
lets you finance the use, without having to finance the purchase.
A lease is simply a financing contract, just like buying. But you only
pay for the time that you use the item rather than it's total cost. So
your initial cash outlay is significantly less, allowing the money to
be used for other purposes. Instead of buying equipment, you lease it
- you contract to pay a monthly rental fee to use it.
2. What types of equipment can be leased and from
whom?
We lease virtually any business or professional equipment. Equipment is
ordered from any reputable vendor that you specify. Equipment leasing
is available for all types of equipment from major manufacturing equipment
to smaller equipment, such as computers. Equipment leasing financing is
available from banks, finance companies and from equipment manufacturers
or retailers.
3. What types of companies lease equipment?
Lessees vary widely from small, one-person operations to Fortune 500 corporations,
and the kinds of equipment being leased are just as diverse. Transactions
range from a few thousand dollars worth of equipment (such as fax machines)
to multi-million-dollar telecommunications systems, medical equipment,
office systems, computers, commercial airliners, and transportation fleets.
There is no end to the types of equipment companies lease.
4. Who is this good for?
Companies that have to make major investments in equipment that don't
want to tie up large sums of money;
Companies that need to change their equipment frequently, so they don't
have capital tied up in soon-to-be-obsolete equipment;
Companies with good cash flow that can easily afford the monthly payments
but don't have the money to lay out for the purchase of equipment.
5. When is this the best choice for me?
When you need equipment to do the work you have orders for, but you don't
have the money to purchase it;
When your bank is dragging its feet coming through with a loan for purchase
of equipment, and you can get it faster by leasing;
When you've got a pretty good credit history;
When there are tax benefits to leasing.
6. When is this not advised?
When you have a poor credit history and you are likely to be turned down;
the bank or company granting you the lease will do a credit check and
their inquiry will go on your credit record;
When there are tax benefits to purchasing rather than leasing.
7. Ingredients you'll need on hand.
The lessor will thoroughly examine your credit history; Type of business,
length of time in business, financial condition, references from the financial
institutions, and Baycorp or other credit bureau ratings.
You may have to pledge additional collateral to secure the equipment;
after all they are giving you a loan;
Lessors may want to see a standard financial package or personal tax returns.
8. How are lease payments determined?
The monthly payment is based on the risk factors associated with the industry,
time in business, cost of equipment, and the terms requested by the Lessee.
The initial terms of a lease are normally 12 to 60 months and will also
impact the payment terms. Leasing rates can be determined by factors such
as:
· The cost of the leased asset.
· The lease term.
· The lease rental structure.
· The credit strength of the lessee including their history of
other term debt.
· The financial strength of the lessee including term debt requirements
and available cash flow.
9. Is a downpayment required?
Apart from the first monthly rental in-advance, there is no down payment
required.
10. Can a lease be cancelled?
No, but equipment can be traded-in for new, leased equipment before the
expiration of the initial term. Lease buy out options are available during
the term of the lease. Be sure and request any special terms when your
application is submitted for review.
11. What happens at the end of the lease?
What happens at the end of your equipment lease is up to you. You may
make that decision at the beginning by the type of lease you choose or,
more likely, you'll want to choose a lease that allows you the flexibility
of waiting until the end of the lease to decide. Generally it will be
one of these choices:
· You may return the equipment at the end of the lease with no
further obligation. Assuming the equipment is in normal working condition,
your security deposit will be refunded to you.
· You may re-lease the equipment. Many leases offer annual or monthly
renewals at re-negotiated lease payments.
· You may upgrade the equipment for a lease on newer equipment.
12.
Can I pay-off my lease early?
Yes! A payoff can be calculated at any time during the term of the lease.
13. What do I do if I have a problem with the equipment?
If you have problems with your equipment, you will need to contact the
equipment vendor for repairs or service.
14.
Does the equipment have to be new?
No.
15. How long do I have to be in business?
Typically companies that have been in business for at least two years.
16.
How do I get started?
Leasing is simple and easy! You need only follow these four effortless
steps:
A. Select equipment and negotiate your best "cash price" with
you vendor.
B. Email us with your contact details as well as the vendors
C. Fill out our simple application.
D. Sign the lease agreement and pick up your equipment. |