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Page written by Chris Godfrey. Last reviewed on December 4, 2024. Next review due April 6, 2026.
Vending machines are the stores that never close. Open 24/7 for the sale of food, drinks, candy, toys, and more, they’re a fast and convenient way to buy the things we need. No wonder the UK vending machine market was worth more than USD 51billion in 2022 and around 7 billion items are bought from vending machines every year.
However, modern vending machines can cost anywhere from £3,000 to £5,000 per unit depending on how many bells and whistles they carry. This is enough to put a major dent in any income stream. But don’t be alarmed. There’s an answer to this problem: Vending machine financing. Pay for the equipment as you use the equipment. Give your vending machine business the machinery it needs without hurting cash flow.
Vending machine financing – also known as equipment financing – is a type of business loan used to support the purchase of new or used vending machines. This type of financing gives business owners an alternative way to pay for one or more machines without putting strain on working capital by buying vending equipment with cash
Top tip: If you’re thinking of starting your own vending machine business, get the inside scoop with Swoop’s All-Inclusive Guide to Starting a Vending Machine Business. Find out all you need to know before you take the plunge.
Although vending machine finance may come with many different names, there are essentially only two ways to buy a vending machine if you’re not paying with cash:
Vending machine finance is a straightforward business loan. You make a down payment on the equipment and then pay off the balance of the purchase price, plus interest, with regular payments over a fixed term contract. The equipment acts as security for the loan. When the agreement comes to an end, the machine is paid for and yours to keep.
Advantages of a vending machine loan
Disadvantages of vending machine loan
A vending machine lease is really a long-term rental agreement. Because you are only financing some of the purchase price, leasing typically has lower monthly payments than a finance/loan. With a lease, you make a down payment and then pay a regular sum plus interest each month to use the equipment. At contract end you can either give the machine back to the lender, renew the lease at a different cost per month, or buy the vending machine for the fair market value – this is commonly known as a ‘balloon payment’.
Advantages of a vending machine lease
Disadvantages of a vending machine lease
Qualifying for vending machine financing is determined by three key factors:
Typically, you will need to provide a preliminary bill of sale for each machine you are seeking to buy or lease. The lender may also ask to see your business bank statements and other financial records. Note that some lenders may set an age limit on used machines. Additionally, it is unlikely that you will be able to get financing if the contract exceeds the estimated useful life of the equipment.
Top tip: Even if you have bad credit, or have been turned down elsewhere, it may still be possible to get the vending machine financing you need. Contact Swoop today to discuss your situation with a bad credit expert.
You should shop around for different financing offers before settling on a deal. You can do this by approaching banks, credit unions and online lenders one by one, or you can use the services of a loan marketplace that will introduce you to a choice of excavator financing deals from different lenders. Some marketplace platforms can also give you advice and help you with the application process. This can be especially useful for business owners who have never taken out a vending machine loan before.
What you’ll need:
Most lenders will want a minimum personal score of +640, although, with some online lenders, it may be possible to get vending machine finance with a score in the mid-500s.
Working with business finance experts can make all the difference when applying for vending machine financing. Contact Swoop to discuss your borrowing needs, get help with your application and compare top-quality vending machine financing from a choice of lenders. Get the essential equipment you need without putting strain on cash flow. Register with Swoop today.
Written by
Chris is a freelance copywriter and content creator. He has been active in the marketing, advertising, and publishing industries for more than twenty-five years. Writing for Barclays Bank, Metro Bank, Wells Fargo, ABN Amro, Quidco, Legal and General, Inshur Zego, AIG, Met Life, State Farm, Direct Line, insurers and pension funds, his words have appeared online and in print to inform, entertain and explain the complex world of consumer and business finance and insurance.
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