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Daniel Kehrer

Guide to Leasing Computer and IT Equipment

Leasing, rather than loans, is becoming the financing tool of choice for IT

By Daniel Kehrer, Editor, Business.com & Work.com

Small and mid-sized businesses needing computers, communications gear and other equipment associated with information technology (IT) have usually bought equipment with loans or cash. But leasing for IT and high-tech is becoming more popular. Small businesses are finding that leasing helps them keep their IT equipment up to date, avoid a hodgepodge of items and more easily manage the costs while avoiding obsolescence. If you wait until cash is available to buy the equipment you need, you may find yourself forever behind the technology curve, trying to catch up. Lease financing is a great way for a smaller company to leverage its budget for purchasing IT systems and obtain the critical solutions needed to compete. Leasing benefits include:
  1. Capital conservation: Money is not tied up in equipment, leaving more cash available for personnel, office space or training.
  2. Credit conservation: Your credit lines stay clear, putting more capital at your disposal.
  3. Total financing: You can finance 100 percent of IT equipment costs, plus software, license agreements, maintenance and services.
  4. Flexibility: A lease can be customized whether you have 5 employees or 500. Payments might be spread over 36, 48 or even 60 months, or adjusted to fit seasonal or annual cash flow needs.
Business.com's "What Works for Business" blog is a great way to keep up with the latest solutions, trends and strategies for small and medium business — including computer leasing.

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


Discover what leasing has to offer

Plug yourself into leasing basics, information on making an informed leasing decision and what to consider before you sign.
I recommend: Choose Leasing is an informational Web site designed by the Equipment Leasing Association (ELA). You'll find authoritative answers on how to negotiate a lease, a lease vs. buy comparison, how leasing helps cash flow and how businesses use leasing to upgrade equipment.

Locate leasing companies for your IT equipment needs

The Equipment Leasing Association offers a directory of leasing companies.
I recommend: Search the leasing company directory at Choose Leasing. Apply these search tips to find the best fit.

See what Cisco has to offer

Regardless of your company size or IT equipment and services needs, Cisco Systems Capital Corp. will work to help you structure a lease to fit your situation.
I recommend: Cisco Capital has finance solutions for small and medium-sized businesses worldwide, offering competitive terms and flexible financing for phone systems, computers, office equipment and other technology.

Consolidate your IT with special lease financing

HP offers lease financing for IT and other computer equipment.
I recommend: Check out HP's IT consolidation financing, and other leasing solutions.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Leasing lets your business acquire new technology when you need it.
  • Leasing offers balance sheet appeal, too. Unlike capital equipment purchases, an operating equipment lease has no depreciation schedule and is off the balance sheet. Plus, payments may be considered a deductible overhead expense.
  • Leases are especially helpful if you need to upgrade early. Most leasing companies will buy back a lease and put you into something new at any time.

The official source of Leasing Computer and IT Equipment is
the Computer Leasing page at Business.com

More Featured Listings
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Related Resources

Recommended Solution Providers

All Options Equipment Leasing
Compare computer equipment leasing quotes from competitive computer equipment leasing companies. 

Dell: Financing Options
Financing including leasing and credit options.

HP Financial Services
Range of leasing options to provide access to equipment and minimize financial and technological risks of ownership.

Siemens AG
Options include flexible fixed or floating rate, variable payment flexibility and off-balance sheet financing.

First Tennessee Small Business
Options inclue true lease with fair market value purchase, fixed price purchase/lease, $1 purchase lease and coterminous addenda.

GCR Capital Equipment Leasing
Leasing company offers asset based, equipment leasing terms.

Associated Bank
Lease financing may include installation/shipping/tax/training; may be tax deductible.

ComputerRentals.com
Offers rentals of desktop, tower, network servers and laptops with Wi-Fi technology.

Best Sites to Learn More

BuyerZone.com: Equipment Leasing
Equipment lease buyer's guide, articles and industry lingo.



FEATURED LISTINGS
Equipment Leasing
Get Rates From Multiple Lenders Save Time & Money for your Business.
Leasing.BuyerZone.com
Computers Equipment Leasing & Finance Quotes
Compare competitive equipment leasing & financing quotes from multiple vendors. Free, no obligation.
www.AllOptions.com
Computer Rentals, PCs & Laptop Rentals - Nationwide
Get a Free Quote on Computer Rentals, Laptops & PCs for your business, training, or event. Custom Loadsets, High Volume orders, Setup options & more.
www.SmartSourceRentals.com
CRE - Desktop Computer Rentals for Your Business
Offer flexible rental periods on HP Compaq and Mac desktop computer rentals including MacBook, MacBook Pro and G5. Request quote online from CRE.
www.computerrentals.com
Computer Hardware Rentals
Offer computer hardware rentals including laptops, desktops, monitors, servers, peripherals and audio and visual products.
www.RushComputer.com
Computer Rentals Resource
Find Computer Rentals. Search listings and reviews of retailers, specialists and services in your local area now.
JustClickLocal.com

What WorksTM for Computer Hardware

Daniel Kehrer

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