Restaurant Equipment Buyers Guide : types of financing
This buyers guide will help you wade slowly into the rivers of financing.
Conventional Loans
Conventional Loans vary in terms, rates and approvals. The most strict of all the financing method - However, it may be the most economical.Many SBA (Small Business Administration) Loans are Conventional Loans guaranteed by the Government.
Simply contact your local banker.
Capital/Finance Lease
Similar in nature to the Conventional Loan, the finance lease typically has a lower rate then the True Lease... Yet, has no tax advantage.Finance Leases are chosen for 2 main reasons:
#1 - The No Penalty For Early Pay-Off Clause
#2 - To conserve existing credit lines & cash accounts.
Operating/True Lease
The True Lease is also known as the "tax lease" - for the sole purpose of it being an avenue to expense every penny of every penny. Always check with your accountant before booking a True Lease, to ensure the lease you are signing is indeed a True Lease.True Leases are 36 Months or longer and have an option for the Lessee to buy the equipment at the then, current market price.
True Leases are chosen for 3 main reasons:
#1 True leases are 100% Tax Deductible (you will expense every penny of every payment).
#2 Approvals are more lenient then the other methods, greatly increasing your chance of obtaining the equipment you need.
#3 You have the option to return the equipment.
