Minnesota computer rentals are useful for many companies, who find renting an excellent way to control expenses and keep permanent inventory low. Renting also makes it more economically feasible to take on short-term projects. Keep in mind computer rentals in MN is not appropriate for all situations; in the long run, it'll be much more expensive than purchasing.

When deciding if computer equipment rental in Minnesota is appropriate for your business, consider the following points:

1. Rent a computer in Minnesota for short-term projects after which you will not need the equipment.

2. Rent if you need equipment but are in a financial crunch or cannot afford an immediate purchase.

3. Rent from a company who provides support for you and your equipment during the rental period.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create a computer inventory before shopping for Minnesota computer rentals

Because computer equipment rental services in Minnesota can make it easy to get the best and latest equipment, you may find it tempting to overbuy. If you need a list to avoid spontaneous purchases or overspending at the grocery store, plan on taking a list of equipment based on each employee's project needs (not wants) to avoid overspending at the rental company.

I recommend: Create and track your inventory with the zCI Computer Inventory System, a "free and open source web-based computer inventory system." The U.S. government hosts a website, named Ready Business, which offers templates and forms for businesses, including a Computer Inventory Form.

Find banks that provide financing or Minnesota computer rental services

Many companies allow you to rent-to-own. That means the money you spend on renting the equipment goes towards an eventual (but not required) purchase. This is similar to leasing a car, wherein you have the option to purchase it at the end of the lease. You should view rent-to-own as a high-interest loan. Calculate the entire cost covering rent payments and purchase price over the period of the rental agreement and compare that to a bank loan.

I recommend: RTOonline.com offers a directory of company websites for computer rental, Minnesota included. Bankrate, Inc. provides a loan calculator form. Enter the loan amount, term and interest, and it will calculate the monthly payment. For the total loan cost, multiply your answer by the term length in months.

Look at the benefits of Minnesota computer rental services

One of the advantages of computer rentals in Minnesota is that some of the maintenance needs of the computer are covered. A reputable Minnesota computer equipment rental dealer should cover any malfunctions. You should be able to get a contract that allows for upgrading components or the entire system at a reduced rate, which may tip the balance of a rental versus purchase in favor of rented equipment.

I recommend: Look at sample contracts to get used to the terminology and format. Onecle Inc. offers a sample "Master Rental Agreement" for computer equipment. Rent-A-Computer USA is a nationwide company, which may have the resources to get you the latest equipment anywhere anytime.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Since you are making a commitment, possibly long-term, to a rental company, read your Minnesota computer rental services contract carefully. Learn the circumstances under which you may terminate the contract. Know if you may perform upgrades yourself and ask what wear and tear when returning the computer rental, Minnesota companies accept.
• •  When flying to a client site or corporate office in Minnesota, consider computer rentals in Minnesota to avoid hassles at the airport.