Article created in collaboration with DLL, a global financial solutions partner
Congratulations, you’ve decided to start a tree care company.
Now you probably need to go through the process of applying for financing to fund your business.
That doesn’t sound like much of a reward, but it doesn’t have to be that bad.
The Q&A below offers a general idea of what to expect, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a veteran business owner in need of financing the purchase of new equipment.
Keep in mind that you should speak to your own financial expert because circumstances vary and some information in this article may not apply to you.
What financing options are available to the average business owner?
There are various traditional and nontraditional funding sources you could try to tap. A bank may be able to provide funding or help you understand the best avenue to obtain funding. Another option is the Small Business Administration.
What type of information will a lender ask for?
When it comes to financing equipment purchases, a lender will want to understand the business’ financial health and how the equipment will be used. This could include the background of the company, conditions of the work environment, average hours of use for the equipment throughout the year and any details on equipment trade-ins or down payments. A report summarizing a company’s current financial position, often referred to as a financial statement, is sometimes needed if the equipment price exceeds a certain threshold.
What should you consider when deciding whether to buy or lease equipment?
It is important to know the long-term goals of the business. If you want to own the equipment, a loan is the best financing solution. If you want the flexibility to return the equipment at a later date or like to upgrade equipment more frequently, a lease may be the best option.
How can a business owner keep capital costs down?
Capital costs are onetime expenses related to the production of goods or the rendering of services. Buying equipment is an example of a capital cost. Financing is one of the tools that can assist in keeping capital costs down. Most importantly, financing enables business owners to conserve their cash, allowing them to budget their equipment costs over the term of a loan or lease instead of spending that cash up front. Depending on the type of financing, owners can often save on income taxes, replace equipment more frequently and preserve their bank lines of credit for other business needs.
What about equipment dealerships?
It’s always a good idea to ask your dealer about financing options. Many Vermeer dealers have finance departments that work with customers. Also, dealers can let you know about any promotions they have going on.