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4 Ways to Avoid Equipment Obsolescence

According to the law of accelerating returns, the speed at which technologies improve doubles every ten years. The equipment we consider cutting-edge today is likely to become uncompetitive or even obsolete in just a few years. That is unsettling news for businesses that rely on high-tech solutions.

How to avoid equipment obsolescence?

Companies rely on stable cash flow and planned capital expenditures to stay on budget. We have identified four ways that can help you keep up.

1. Monitor the value of your equipment

Equipment can make up a large share of a company’s total assets. Companies that employ complex technological solutions have to pay special attention. It is crucial to identify the right moment to upgrade. As new generations of tech are being launched, the market value of older equipment drops.

Sometimes, an early upgrade will help avoid depreciation losses in the future, while the freed-up funds will provide for a wider range of procurement options.

2. Lease your equipment

Equipment leasing solutions offer beneficial ways to upgrade because you get a choice of options at the end of the term. For example, you can

  • Purchase the equipment at market value
  • Keep leasing with lower monthly payments
  • Return the equipment and upgrade

Leasing is faster than using a bank loan and requires little to zero money upfront. That allows swift upgrades on a budget and helping to avoid equipment obsolescence within your business.

3. Keep track of your working capital

Working capital is the net amount of current (liquid) assets that your business has. Maintaining a positive working capital balance is not just a general best practice. The available cash reserves can be used to secure a good deal on equipment on short notice, saving lots of money in perspective.

Thousands of companies in America use working capital loans or lines of credit that allow extra flexibility in thier business. For example, at AFG, we can provide up to $250,000 of unsecured funds in just 24 hours.

4. Mind the tax returns

No one enjoys the topic of taxes unless it is about deductions. According to Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code, you can deduct up to $2,590,000 of the total equipment price in 2020. You can take advantage of this regulation every year, but only up to the set limit. That is another reason why timely upgrades can preserve your company’s budget.

Running a business comes with much effort and responsibility. Choosing simple financial solutions can help you avoid equipment obsolescence and generate better returns on capital-heavy purchases.

Chat with an experienced Account Manager to learn more about quick and easy equipment financing & leasing options for your business.

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What is the difference between a lease and a loan?

Choosing the right financial product for your business needs is crucial in order to stay on budget. In this article, you will find the most important differences between a bank loan and a lease.

What is the difference between a loan and a lease?

A loan is borrowing money to purchase a piece of equipment and pay it back over time.

A lease is an agreement that allows you to use specific equipment for a period of time.

 

  Loan Lease
Amount 60-80% of the purchase price. Banks typically do not include additional costs, such as delivery, installation, software licenses, or sales tax. Up to 100% of the equipment price. Some leasing companies can also incorporate additional costs into your agreements.
Rates Banks rely on Prime Rate or other indexes when determining an individual rate for your business. Therefore, rates and payments can fluctuate during the term. Lessors determine a fixed rate upfront and offer equal payments month-to-month unless special provisions are included in the contract. That makes budgeting and cash flow management easier.
Terms Banks offer a selection of standard terms and tend to be less flexible when it comes to special requests. Equipment leasing agreements can be as short as 12 months and as long as 84 months. Sometimes, it is possible to request a balloon payment at the end to get lower monthly payments.
Equipment It is easy for banks to lend money for popular products such as cars, but much harder for the types of professional equipment they do not understand. Leasing companies specialize in working with industrial equipment. They understand your business and the equipment in use.
Collateral Most banks require additional collateral such as other owned vehicles, real estate, or accounts receivable. Only the piece of equipment being leased is required as collateral. Your other business assets are not involved.
Application Banks take 2 to 3 weeks to review your file and make a decision. Typically, a decision can be made in just 1 business day.

Considering an equipment purchase?

Connect with our Account Executive to find a solution that suits your business needs.

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Why is Medical Equipment Leasing Worth $130 Billion?

The American healthcare industry is a large part of our economy, yet it also faces financial challenges. With the evergrowing competition in the space, hospitals and local clinics need to keep their costly equipment up-to-date. That is why over $130 billion worth of medical equipment is being leased each year.

Why lease medical equipment?

Transportation equipment, imaging, and diagnostics machines are costly and have limited lifespan. Leasing can help in managing cash flow and maintaining operational flexibility.

Leasing provides the right to use medical devices over a period of time, typically three to five years, without the burden of ownership. It offers lower monthly payments, low to zero upfront costs, and flexible options at the end of the term.

What are the benefits of leasing medical equipment?

Efficient capital management

Lower operational costs and less money tied up in upfront equipment purchases enable hospitals and clinics to invest their capital elsewhere and retain positive cash flow.

Operational flexibility

At the end of your term, you can return or upgrade the equipment, keep leasing, or purchase it at face value. You can choose the most suitable option.

Procurement relief

Leasing companies typically fund deals in 2 to 5 days and require no down payment. Banks tend to take a more conservative approach, requiring 2-3 weeks for credit review and a 20% down payment.

Getting new (or used) equipment

In light of the recent pandemic, healthcare organizations have been relying on fast and easy medical equipment leasing to support the increasing demand for their services.

At Alliance Funding Group, we feel the responsibility to support our doctors and hospitals with the affordable Healthcare Equipment Leasing Program.

Connect with an Account Manager today to learn about custom-tailored leasing options for your organization.

About Alliance Funding Group
Alliance Funding Group has been financing small, medium, and enterprise-sized businesses throughout the United States since 1998. Since inception, we have financed over $2B in equipment leases and loans to thousands of customers in small and mid-market arenas throughout the US.

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Buying Equipment from a Private-Party

Buying equipment in a private-party sale can offer a cost-effective way to get what you require to run your business. You can save money on dealer fees, delivery charges and, most importantly, the margin vendors put on top of their equipment price.

In this article, we explain what challenges you may run into and how to pay for your privately purchased equipment.

What is a private-party sale?

A private-party sale is a transaction in which the seller is an individual, not a dealer or vendor. This can typically occur at your local yard sale or on online platforms such as eBay and Facebook Market. Businesses often take advantage of private-party sales to acquire commercial equipment.

What precautions to take?

There are certain risks associated with buying equipment from an individual. While dealers may offer warranties on your purchase, a private-party sale is final. That means it is always better to take some precautions before accepting a pricey piece of equipment “as is.”

First, check the Title. Make sure the equipment belongs to the seller, is not stolen, and fully paid off.

Ask how they purchased it. A legitimate seller should be able to show you the Bill of Sale from the time they bought that piece of equipment.

Check for loans and liens. Ask the seller to verify that there are no outstanding loans or liens with their state’s UCC.

Do not pay cash. Use a payment method that provides evidence of the sale such as check, ACH payment, or a wire transfer.

Inspect the equipment. Ensure your potential purchase’s mechanical condition is sound. Private sellers typically sell the equipment they have used but do not need anymore. They may try to hide some malfunctions to sell faster.

Can I finance equipment purchased in a private sale?

Even when you find a great deal, sometimes, large equipment purchases can be hard on your cash flow. There are two easy options to avoid a financial hit and pay for the equipment over time.

Finance right away

Once you have found some options, you can ask a lender to pre-qualify you. The lender will then quote the maximum amount available to you. After you find the right piece of equipment and agree on the price, you can call the lender to finalize the purchase.

Finance after purchase

Let’s say you did not want to miss a good deal and used your company’s cash reserves to pay for equipment. Now you want to restore the cash balance as quickly as possible. This is called “sale-leaseback”. A financial product that allows you to get back the money you have paid and only make affordable monthly payments.

Who can finance a private-party sale?

At Alliance Funding Group, we have the flexibility to offer a large variety of equipment financing structures.

Talk to our Account Manager today to get pre-qualified for an equipment purchase without affecting your credit.