Is Rental Any Good?

The next time your company wants networking equipment, new computers or other technology, should you rent it or purchase it? Read on, if you do not understand. We ‘ll look at the advantages–and disadvantages–of both leasing and purchasing technology gear, plus the questions you should ask to ensure you receive the best deal.

Leasing: The Advantages

Leasing keeps your gear up to date. Other technology gear and computers eventually become outdated. As an example, let us say you’ve a two-year lease on a copy machine. After that lease expires, you are free to rent whatever gear is more economical, quicker and newer. (This is also a reason many people choose to rent their automobiles.)

With a lease, you’ve got a predetermined monthly line item, which can allow you to budget more efficiently. Thirty-five percent of respondents to the survey of the Equipment Leasing Association said this was leasing’s second-greatest gain.
Many small businesses must keep their coffers as complete as possible and struggle with cash flow. Because leases rarely need a down payment, you can get new equipment without exploiting without much- .
You are able to more readily keep up with your opponents. Leasing can empower your business to obtain advanced technology, including a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone system, that might be unaffordable. The result: you are better able to stay informed about your bigger competitors without emptying your financial resources.
Leasing: The Negatives

Finally, leasing is nearly always higher priced than buying.

You are obligated to keep paying if you discontinue using the gear.
Purchasing: The Advantages

It is simpler than leasing. Purchasing equipment is not difficult –you determine what you want, then go out and purchase it. Taking out a lease, nonetheless, calls for at least some paperwork, as leasing companies frequently request in-depth, updated financial advice. The Equipment Leasing may additionally request the leased equipment will be used. Additionally, lease conditions can be complicated to negotiate. And if you do not negotiate correctly, you could end up receiving negative conditions or paying more than you should.

You call the shots regarding care. Equipment leases frequently require you to keep gear based on the specifications of the leasing company, and that can get pricey. You establish the care agenda yourself, when you buy the equipment outright.
Your gear is deductible. Section 179 of the IRS code allows you to deduct the total price of recently purchased assets, including computer gear, in the first year. With most leases you can just deduct the payment.
Purchasing: The Negatives

The first outlay for gear that is needed may be too much. Your company may need to tie lines of credit up or cough up a substantial amount to get the equipment it wants. Funds and those lines of credit could be used elsewhere for promotion, promotion or other functions which can help grow your company.

Eventually, you are stuck with obsolete gear. Computer technology becomes obsolete rapidly, as I mentioned earlier. A small business that is growing may have to refresh its technology in some places every 18 months. That means you are eventually stuck with obsolete gear that you sell, must give or recycle.
You will have to do your homework to make sure you get the most favorable conditions, if you are considering leasing equipment. Here are some questions that’ll allow you to get started:

Which type of lease are you being requested to sign– an operating lease or a capital lease? A capital lease is like a loan.

Operating leases are typically popular among small businesses because they are typically short term and do not tie up funds –three years or less.
Is there a buy out choice? You might have a choice between a fair-market value (FMV) alternative and a $1 buy out option. FMV means you can purchase the gear at the ending for its fair-market value of the lease. By comparison, a $1 buy out choice means the gear is yours for $1 when the lease expires. And while that seems like the most suitable choice, remember that monthly payments on FMV leases are generally lower than $1 buy out leases. Go with the FMV choice, if you are pretty sure youwill need to update to new technology when your lease expires.
Generally, 24, 36 or 48 months run.
Does the equipment must be insured?
Most leasing companies do not mind if you add an existing lease and gear.
What will happen if you no longer need the gear you would like to update to newer technology earlier than you anticipated or you are renting? Learn in advance if there is a prepayment fee, and if you’re able to pay off your lease early (and in that case, how much?).
Finally, a few straightforward rules of thumb may assist you to choose purchase or to rent. If your gear conditions are comparatively modest and you’ve got the cash–or can get a low-interest loan–then simply purchase it. But if you need a large sum of gear, including computers for your new firm’s 10 employees, leasing might be a better choice. After all, why tie up a great deal of cash–particularly when you could use that money to create or grow your company?