Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Business Equipment Finance - 4 Tips on How to Find the Right Provider

Business Equipment Finance - 4 Tips on How to Find the Right Provider

by Stephanie Iles

Finding good business equipment finance or an office equipment leasing company is a very important step in getting a good deal. This is because this type of deal leads to a long time relationship and if the business equipment finance provider is not genuine or competent enough, there is a chance your operations could get hurt.

In fact the right company can make a huge difference towards how your business operates and how successful it can be. Here are four tips which will help you choose the right business equipment finance company.

1) Choose the company which provides excellent service

Equipment financing is an attractive and economical business option. But without quality service, it can prove to be a big drag on your business. Your chosen equipment financing partner should be prompt and honest about the kind of service they can provide under different circumstances.

To take a measure of their sincerity, describe different circumstances you might encounter during the period of the equipment use and see what their response is. If they sound vague or overzealous, you should look elsewhere. You can also talk to their existing and previous clients and gauge their responses.

2) There should be an efficient process

If a business equipment finance provider knows its business i.e. is experienced in your sort of equipment financing deals, the processes must be already established and everything should go smoothly. Also they should be willing to help you out with the paperwork and other procedures and they should offer you a slew of options so that you can choose the best deal.

3) The equipment leasing plan should be flexible

No two businesses are identical, even if they are in the same industry and share the same location. The circumstances, needs, vision, mission and culture will have them differ like chalk and cheese. So there can't be a fit-to-all solution.

The business equipment finance deal you get should be tailored to match the needs of your company, including your cash flow, capital, and tax situation. Moreover the payments and terms of the plan should be flexible and scalable i.e., it should fit you fine in all your business cycles, including periods of growth and downturns.

You should also get the freedom to lengthen the term or pay the loan out early without any fee or penalty. Of course, you have to negotiate hard for this but if you are a good candidate and your business fundamentals are sound, there is no reason why finance companies would like to lose a good customer like you.

These options will help you tide over the downturns without much pain as you would be able to free your cash flow by opting to stretch the term. Also when the going is good, you can save money on interest and pay the term out faster.

4) You should get freedom of selection

you are best placed to judge what kind of equipment your business needs. The business equipment finance company should have the wherewithal to allow you to choose the equipment your business needs so that your operations can run at optimum productivity levels. You don't want to be stuck with outdated machinery and equipment, even if it is cheap, because it will eventually hurt your business interests in the long term.

Author's Info:

Stephanie Iles is a writer on business and finance. He specialises in writing on financial planning, business equipment finance and financing options. His write-ups highlight the workings of business and office equipment leasing company.


About the Author

Business equipment finance is quite popular for getting the required business equipment. But getting the right deal is easier said than done. This article provides tips to choose the right business equipment finance company.

No comments: