Finance Any Equipment Your Business Needs

Equipment leasing is a financing arrangement where a business uses equipment owned by a lender (the lessor) in exchange for regular lease payments over a fixed term. At the end of the term, the lessee typically has the option to purchase the equipment at fair market value or a pre-agreed residual, renew the lease, or return the equipment. Leasing lets businesses use equipment without the full upfront capital outlay of a purchase.

A true lease (operating lease) is structured so the lessee does not acquire the equipment at the end — the lessor retains the residual value risk. Lease payments are fully deductible as an operating expense. A finance lease (capital lease) is structured as a de facto purchase — the lessee assumes ownership risk and recognizes the asset and liability on its balance sheet. Alliance structures both depending on your tax and accounting objectives.

Alliance finances virtually all types of commercial equipment: manufacturing and production machinery, commercial vehicles and trailers, construction and heavy equipment, medical, dental, and veterinary equipment, restaurant and food service equipment, technology and IT infrastructure, agricultural equipment, and specialized industry-specific assets. If it is used for business purposes and has a resale market, it can likely be financed.

Alliance facilitates equipment financing from $5,000 to $10,000,000+ per transaction, with no limit on aggregate facilities across multiple transactions. Small-ticket transactions ($5K–$150K) can be approved in hours with minimal documentation. Large-ticket transactions ($150K+) require financial statements and a structured credit review but can be completed within 5–10 business days.

Most equipment financing programs require no down payment — 100% of the equipment cost can be financed. Some programs offer first-and-last payment structures (equivalent to a small deposit) rather than a traditional down payment. Businesses with stronger credit profiles and established banking relationships may qualify for zero-advance-payment structures.

Credit requirements vary by transaction size and lender. Small-ticket transactions ($5K–$50K) can often be approved with a personal credit score of 600+. Mid-ticket ($50K–$250K) typically requires 650+. Large-ticket transactions focus more on business financial statements than personal credit. Alliance works with both prime and alternative lenders — businesses declined by banks are frequently approved through Alliance’s network.

Yes. Alliance finances both new and used equipment. Used equipment is typically financed at 80–100% of the current appraised or market value. Lenders may require a third-party appraisal for older or specialized equipment. Used equipment leasing is common in industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and food service where quality used assets are readily available.

Equipment lease terms typically range from 12 to 84 months. Rates depend on equipment type, term, borrower credit profile, and lender. Prime-rate lessees can expect rates in the 5–9% effective annual rate range. Alternative or subprime lessees may see 10–18%. Alliance presents competing offers so you can compare total cost of financing across lenders.

At term end, you typically have three options: (1) purchase the equipment at the agreed residual or fair market value; (2) renew the lease for a further term at a reduced payment; or (3) return the equipment. Most Alliance clients choose the purchase option for equipment that remains in active use. The buyout price is disclosed upfront in your lease agreement — no surprises.

It depends on your situation. Equipment leasing offers: 100% financing (no down payment), off-balance-sheet treatment for true leases, preserved bank credit lines, faster approval, and flexible end-of-term options. Bank loans may offer lower interest rates for well-qualified borrowers but require a down payment, consume bank credit capacity, and take longer to arrange. Alliance will present both options where applicable so you can make an informed decision.