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Startups and new businesses may already realize the many benefits of leasing their equipment, including conserving their cash and significant tax benefits.  Before signing any contract, renting or buying any equipment for your business, you should consider the following tips to make sure you don’t make any costly mistakes.     

·       Understand your business credit and organize your financial information before contacting an equipment lease financing provider.   

·        Don’t assume your bank or the equipment manufacturer’s captive finance company will offer the best terms. The majority of equipment leases are done by equipment lease providers. Always compare rates, lease terms, fees and options.   

·         Once you have your top pick, make a diligent search on them. Go online and search them on. A legitimate business should be able to put all their services comprehensively online with related articles and contents to support their legitimacy. You can immediately pinpoint a scam when they have unclear and incomplete contents or no websites at all. Review their testimonials. You might find good or bad things about them.   

·         Don’t pay upfront “application” fees to an equipment financing provider.   

·        Be prepared to explain in advance any negative business results to a lease financing provider. You shouldn’t hide any losses in front of them.   

·         Cities like Jakarta, Indonesia, Singapore and Tokyo, Japan has laws almost the same with the US in lending. Check if you can get any bonuses or discounts.   

·     Understand the difference between a Fair Market Value Lease and a $1 Purchase Option Lease. A Fair Market Value (FMV) Lease is one of the most common leases that businesses select because it offers the lowest monthly payments, provides the greatest flexibility at the end of the lease, and may also provide tax incentives. A FMV lease is often used for acquiring technology equipment. On the other hand, a $1 Purchase Option Lease gives businesses the ability to “purchase” equipment for a $1 at the end of a leasing period. The monthly payments are higher than a FMV lease. In addition, you may also have additional financial benefits including depreciation and interest expense benefits for tax purposes.   

·    Describe to the equipment lease financing provider how the equipment acquisition will benefit your business. Provide a projection of cost savings or incremental realizable margins.   

·      Consider bundling multiple equipment acquisitions from different vendors under one lease with an independent commercial equipment lessor. Rates tend to be higher for smaller transactions. Bundling equipment acquisitions generally results in lower rates, and also minimizes processing fees.   

·         Ask your equipment vendor for payment terms so you can defer a portion of the equipment cost, and coordinate deposits, progress payments, and performance retention payments.