Landscaping Equipment Financing
We were doing a little market research into landscaping equipment and found a website that enlightened us on the massive quantity of equipment involved in professional landscaping work. We’re not going to lie, we got a little sidetracked looking at all the benefits of these exotic pieces of equipment and how they can help any landscaping professional improve their craft. We almost got excited enough to purchase our own tools to help us in our amateur hour project of keeping our newly laid sod alive outside our office… maybe we’ll leave that to the professionals… and just hope for a little more rain.
Take a look for yourself, we think you’ll enjoy it, and there are plenty of other great resources to be found there as well: https://www.lawnandlandscape.com/products/
Professionals Need Equipment
Our own side endeavor into the landscaping landscape (we’re sorry for that one…) made us realize that there are professionals for a reason. Most of us, at some point in our lives, have been that kid that mowed the lawn for an extra buck or two, but those crooked lines could never compare to the expertly crafted lawns of the neighbor a few doors down who had called on someone who actually knew what they were doing. We still appreciated Mr. Davis’ halfway enthusiastic “looks greeaat, son… now get off my lawn”.
From beyond the neighborhood entrepreneur, skill sets dramatically increase… and so do professionals’ needs for better and more diverse equipment. Many tractors, mowers, root rakes, used contractor dump trucks, and Allen Power Buggies also dramatically increase – in PRICE! But your industry is competitive, so keeping up with the times is imperative. It’s a little bit of a daunting task. Those prices can keep your growth about as stagnant as our lawn outside. How is it possible to keep your business’ growth alive and continue to acquire better equipment to allow your establishment to compete? An under-utilized tool in your industry is a GOOD lending partner, one that can help you turn that daunting price tag into manageable monthly payments that make your equipment feel like it’s paying for itself – and we’re here to show you exactly what that does and doesn’t look like. Strap in:
Landscaping Equipment Vendors
First, you need an idea of what equipment you’re looking to acquire. There are obviously some well–established manufactures out there that you can browse to see where your next acquisition will come from. Here are a few:
https://www.lawnandlandscape.com/products/
https://www.toro.com/en/professional-contractor
Next, you need to find someone to be your funding source… and what to look what some signs are that you may need to find greener grass on the other side.
Your local bank is usually a good choice, however, given that they may not be familiar with landscaping equipment, this may not be the path of least resistance. So ~ as you begin your search (under most normal circumstances) you should do the following things to determine if you are working with a quality equipment leasing / financing professional – see below:
Landscaping Equipment Checklist
Upfront Monies: If they ask for money upfront ~ you’re up the wrong money tree! Once you are APPROVED & receive documentation, then & only then should you send the lender any needed down payment or advance payment along with your signing of a credit-approved final contract.
Furthermore, check for the following ~
Reputation: That the commercial lender has a great reputation. But, how do you know? Easy enough ~ Google the company name and the city and state. You are just looking for complaints. Be careful if you see many (more than a couple) of these! If so, choose another.
Longevity: Has this company been around for 10 or 20 years or more? A seasoned organization, with no complaints is often a great way to go.
The Contract: Review the contract and verify that these are the final terms & that you are indeed credit approved. Verify too that they are ready to fund once you send in the final contract. If this is not the case … you’re better off with someone else.
Once you find a credible lender it is time for underwriting.
Equipment Underwriting
Get a financing or equipment leasing quote and complete a credit application.
Many well-established lenders offer an online application ~ like this:
Online Application: Click Here
Terms and Payments for landscaping equipment can vary based on the amount of money involved and your overall credit profile.
Also ~ whether the equipment is new or used can sometimes impact the terms available for borrowers.
Payment Example ~
Landscaping equipment cost ~ $100,000 & a 5 year term –
- Monthly payments will usually range from $2000 – $2500 (subject to credit approval, of course.)
Many National Commercial Lenders offer A, B and C Options and thus the differences. Financing terms are typically from 2 – 5 years. Here are some factors that aid them in underwriting a company’s credit application:
Time in business: The newer the company the greater the monthly payment.
Personal Credit Score: The lower the credit score the greater the monthly payment ~ all things being equal.
Many other factors help a lender to analyze the risk associated with a landscaping professional applicant.
The 5 C’s of Credit
Usually the 5 C’s of Credit come into play when a lender analyzes an applicant.
Character / Credit: Personal and business credit scores and the like help the lender understand this C as it relates to an applicant.
Capacity: Show me the money! Capacity to pay is all about cash flow. Many landscaping equipment lenders ask for a copy of 3 recent bank statements. These are easy to obtain & forward thanks to online banking. This shows how much you are making & spending in each of the months presented.
Collateral: What is the equipment worth now and what will it be worth in the future. This helps to show a creditor the value of the collateral.
Conditions: Right now, conditions for the landscaping industry are positive. Your industry follows the economy to a great extent. Building is surging, as is the economy in general, so this is great time to be in your industry.
Capital: How much money or wealth do you have in your company?
Landscaping Professionals Work with SLS Financial Services
Sound complicated? It doesn’t have to be! We have over 30 years of experience at SLS Financial Services helping people just like you finance new and used equipment so that you can focus on growing your business. If you’re ready to add the benefits of new equipment to your ever-growing business, we’re ready to help you make the process… Uncomplicated! We aren’t your typical commercial lender. We look at the person behind the application. If you have any questions about our process feel free to reach out to us at 816-587-3400 or you can find a link to our application below.
Today, credit scoring systems can make credit decisions almost instantly. However, business is still about people. More than ever, business-owners seek (a) commercial lending partner to learn about their unique needs and be solution-providers.
Speed and technology are important, but do they come at the expense of leaving people, their story, and opportunities behind?
At SLS, we’ve never lost focus on the business-owner behind the application. A big part of our success is based on customer satisfaction ~ plain & simple, because we believe in leveraging technology and combining it with our expertise for only one purpose…to help people.
Call Doug for more information ~ 816.863.3070
President of SLS Financial, an accountant, former Board Member of one of the safest banks in America, and owner of multiple businesses.
For more than 30 years he has assisted buyers and sellers of equipment with competitive finance and commercial lending programs.
Contact Doug:
816.423.8021
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