Evaluating Leasing vs Loaning Equipment

INTRODUCTION 

Businesses need equipment and working machinery. Established businesses have money to put together and purchase the best set of equipment and gadgets for production. Newer businesses that are just starting are short on liquid or ready cash. Owners might either be scared of using their personal money altogether or they just do not simply have the financial authority for investing a huge amount of money in heavy gadgets. In such a situation, you have two options to choose from. Loaning or leasing. These terms are different but are perceived by people in the same way which restricts them from approaching the two options differently. This article is dedicated to enlightening you on the differences between a loan and a lease.

THE BASIC DEFINITION DIFFERENCE 

 Loaning means borrowing an upfront lump of cash by an individual or an organization to buy a piece of equipment under your ownership or to feed your requirements.Leasing is an agreement between two parties where the lending party lets the borrower use their equipment in exchange for a fixed payment periodically.

NUANCED DIFFERENCES

 Loans can be of several types depending upon the need of the borrower such as home funds, car funds, personal funds, education funds, and so on. For all this funding, the lender would need collateral against which the funds will be allotted. There are two types of interests associated with funds – fixed interest funds and floating interest funds. Funds can be applied for by any individual or organization in need. The process for loan funding documentation is a bit lengthy and time-consuming.A lease is of two types-operating leases and a financial lease. An operating lease is a rental agreement with no assets or liabilities whatsoever. A finance lease is financed by debt and it more like buying as an asset without actually having to buy it. A lease does not need collateral. A lease is a contract between two parties where one lets the other use their asset for a fixed period in return for a specific periodic payment. Only businesspeople can acquire a lease when they do not want to buy equipment upright. The rates for leasing a piece of equipment are usually fixed. Generally, the process for leasing is faster since it caters to businesses and their requirements need to be met at the earliest.

KEY DIFFERENCES 

In the case of loan funding, collateral is mandatory. This means that if you are seeking an educational or a car fund, you will have to provide your bank or property papers. This acts like compensation if you fail to repay on time. In the case of a lease, there is no collateral required. There is only an asset (in this case a machine or equipment) for which the borrower takes the operating or finance lease.Funds usually incur a higher cost due to funding fees, schedule fees application fees, and origination fees. On the other hand, for leases up to $75000, there are no additional charges. For transaction size, there is an additional fee which is minimal usually between $150- $250.For a lease, you can choose your equipment, purchase options, and terms and conditions according to what suits you the best. There is usually a 60-84 months term on most equipment and assets. However, for a fund, banks and organizations and not as flexible. There is strictness and almost no scope for optimization.

CONCLUSION

 The concept between a loan and a lease is mistaken by a lot of people. The two might sound and appear the same on the surface but they are different in their core nature. Fund and lease are also designed for different purposes. One more for personal use and the other is more suitable from a business perspective. People looking forward to buying a car or basic house appliances usually go for loan funding since it is permanent. You take the sum, spend it according to you, and then pay it back on interest over some time. This is a feasible option for personal choices. A lease on the other hand is acquired by people owning an industrial business. Industrial pieces of machinery are high end expensive and it is not a smart option to dive in with all your savings which is why a lease is a better option here. You can use somebody else’s machinery for as long as you want in return for paying them a fixed amount. It is a more feasible option since it protects the borrower from inflation, repair costs, and other expenses. Fund and lease are meant to cater to different types of financial investments. Conduct your research well, take into account your personal needs and that of your business and make the right choice.