A common paradox many new business owners come across is related to essential – or nice-to-have – equipment. It goes like this:
You need high-quality equipment to get the job done, but to secure the equipment, you need to do the job.
If you are stuck in the middle here, there is a solution: asset finance. Also known as ‘equipment finance’, this is a borrowing structure in which you secure financing specifically for your equipment, so you can kick off your business properly without risking your cash flow.
Asset finance is the right move for some people, and the wrong move for others. So, let’s figure out which is true for you.
Let’s Define Asset Finance (a.k.a. Equipment Finance)
When you need tools without handing over a massive lump sum of cash on day one, asset finance is a way to borrow that sum of money against the value of the tools or equipment you are purchasing.
Think of it like a mortgage. A mortgage is a ‘secured’ loan in which you borrow an agreed-upon sum of money against the value of the home you’re buying, then use said money to purchase the home.
Equipment finance (or asset finance, if you prefer) is similar. Instead of a house, you’re buying a van to go from site to site, or that high-quality espresso machine for your café. Any equipment you need to get your business up and running can be accessed through this type of loan.
This style of loan means that your lender is a bit more comfortable providing you with a higher amount and lower interest rates, because if things do go south, they can reclaim the equipment you have purchased to recoup the money. This is good for you, as you usually don’t have to pay as much interest on top of the principal, and you can access the equipment quickly.
You can usually select from a few different loan structures underneath the ‘asset finance’ umbrella, such as:
- A ‘Hire Purchase’ agreement, where you pay to “rent” the equipment for a few years until you’ve paid it off, at which point it becomes yours entirely, or
- An ‘Operating Lease’, in which you pay to use the equipment for a while before upgrading to the latest model.
There are other structures to consider, and the ones on offer will depend on your asset finance provider. When in doubt, the best thing to do is explore your options with a trusted broker or asset finance specialist.
Is Asset Finance the Best Call for Your Business?
Taking on any kind of debt should be a decision you undertake carefully, and with the right financial specialists to guide you. The truth is, asset finance is a fantastic help for some business owners, and a bad idea for others.
Before you jump in, we recommend asking yourself a few questions to validate whether securing equipment finance is the right move for your new venture:
1. Will this equipment actually generate income?
Great equipment pays for itself. By this, we mean it generates income for your business quickly and effectively, usually fast enough to pay down its cost of acquisition within a year or so.
If your equipment will genuinely bring in cash to your business, then it’s a worthwhile purchase. But if it’s a ‘maybe’ on that front, reconsider whether equipment finance is the best approach for you.
2. Is your cash flow predictable enough?
Taking on equipment finance means committing to regular payments to repay the loan amount, which includes both the principal you’ve borrowed and the interest that accumulates over the term of the loan.
For example, if you borrow $10,000 for equipment at a 10% p.a. fixed interest rate, repaid over three years, your monthly payments will hover around $360. If you have this amount left over after accounting for all other costs, and there doesn’t seem to be a future risk to your cash flow, then this is a good choice.
3. What happens if something happens?
It’s a tough question to ask, potentially even a bit uncomfortable, but it’s also vital to know the answer before you sign on the dotted line.
If, for any reason, you lose your consistent income or are unable to work, what is your plan for managing the debt you are taking on? Do you have an emergency fund to take it on for a few months? Do you have income protection in place? Are you able to relinquish the equipment if you default without it bringing your business to a complete halt?
If you have the full picture of the worst-case scenario and a plan to deal with it, you’re in a good position to secure equipment finance without it hurting your future finances.
Ultimately, asset finance gives you some breathing room. You spread the cost of a major equipment purchase over the term of your loan, ensuring you have the best tools for the job without draining your cash reserves. It’s extremely effective at generating business in the right situation!
Tired of the Catch-22?
Talk to the team at Spinach, New Zealand’s friendliest financial specialists! We’re here to help you evaluate whether equipment finance is the next best step for your growing business, and match you with the ideal loan structure to keep you successful. Apply today.