Glossary

Equipment financing

A loan or lease secured by the equipment itself.

Financing to acquire equipment where the equipment secures the obligation, via a loan (you own it) or a lease (the lessor owns it, with a buyout option). Collateral can be reflected in pricing, and the term can match the asset’s useful life. Loans vs. leases and what to ask.

How it appears in a contract

A loan with a security interest in the equipment, or a lease with stated payments and an end-of-term option ($1 buyout, fair market value, return).

Worked example

A $35,000 truck over 5 years at a hypothetical 11%: about $760 a month; total interest about $10,700.

Illustrative figures on stated assumptions; not quotes.

What to ask

  • APR including documentation fees?
  • End-of-term terms on a lease?
  • Can soft costs (installation, training) be included?

Related terms

UCC-1 · APR (annual percentage rate) · Time in business · SBA loan · all terms

Educational definitions, not legal advice. Contract terms and their legal treatment vary by provider and state; read your agreement and ask a professional.

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