David Manklow
Updated: May 28
In today's competitive business environment, the choice between scaffolding leasing or purchasing is a difficult one. Construction is reliant on specialised gear that holds significant financial weight.
While owning equipment might benefit suppliers, construction firms need to consider forecasting and upfront expenses. This is why exploring alternatives is important for businesses that need to balance operational efficiency and financial responsibility.
Options like Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, and Operating Lease offer more ways for businesses to get the equipment they need. With Hire Purchase, you pay for the equipment over time until you own it. While with Finance and Leases, you can use the equipment without owning it. Which can help save money and adjust to changes in projects.
Is purchasing scaffolding equipment more cost-effective?
Save Money With Finance Alternatives
Hire Purchase
Finance Lease
Operating Lease
Stay in Control of your Cash Flow
How to Apply for Scaffolding Finance
The choice largely hinges on your business model. For instance, if you're in the business of supplying scaffolding, outright ownership is key.
Yet, for a construction company, owning scaffolding outright may not make much sense. The upfront cost is steep, and predicting the exact amount needed for a future job requiring scaffolding can be difficult.
Opting to lease scaffolding equipment as needed proves to be a more financially savvy approach. By opting for financing, you sidestep hefty upfront costs for scaffolding equipment. That might end up being excessive or insufficient for your requirements. With financing, you can tailor your equipment to the exact demands of each project, as you're aware of the scope and scale of the work involved.
This approach gives more flexibility than purchasing especially when you encounter unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, it frees up valuable physical space, enabling you to optimise the use of your premises.
Business Hire Purchase (HP) is a type of asset finance agreement which enables businesses to spread the costs of paying for an asset over an agreed period, with monthly instalments. During the term of the contract the business doesn't own the asset but hires it, hence the name. Full ownership of the asset is obtained only after all of the payments have been made, typically with a small fee at the end too to secure it.
Step 1 - Find a finance provider: An can help you find the most suitable provider and deal with your circumstances.
Step 2 - Put down your deposit: Once you’ve found a provider and agreed on a deal, you'll need to put down a deposit to secure the funding and the asset. This is usually 10% of the total value.
Step 3 - Monthly Instalments: For the duration of the contract you will pay regular and affordable monthly instalments. This is typically over a period of 1-5 years.
Step 4 - Pay the final fee: In some agreements, there will be a final fee to pay to complete the purchase of the asset. Then it is legally yours.
A finance lease is a type of Asset Finance where a company rents an asset from a leasing company for a set time. After the lease is up, the company often ends up owning the asset. During the lease, both sides share the ups and downs of using the asset.
Ownership: Transfers to the lessee at the end of the lease term.
Bargain purchase options: Enables the lessee to buy assets less than fair market value.
Terms: Equals or exceeds 75% of the asset's estimated useful life.
Present value: PV of lease payments equals or exceeds 90% of the asset's original cost.
Risks/benefits: All risk is transferred to the lessee.
An operating lease lets a company use an asset without owning it. This helps businesses avoid the big costs of buying the asset upfront. The company renting the asset is the lessee, and the one providing it is the lessor. They both agree on who takes care of the asset and what happens if it gets damaged, usually in the lease contract.
Ownership: Retained by the lessor during and after the lease term.
Bargain purchase options: Operating leases cannot contain a bargain purchase option.
Terms: Less than 75% of the asset’s estimated economic life.
Present value: PV of lease payments is less than 90% of the asset's fair market value.
Risks/benefits: Right to use only. Risks/benefits remain with the lessor.
Opting to finance scaffolding equipment allows you to get the essential equipment that your business needs. While easing your cash flow at the same time as you control how much you pay back per month.
You have the freedom to choose what is best for your business. Need to reduce expenses? Simply choose a longer finance agreement term with lower monthly payments to keep your cash flow healthy.
Opting for a leasing agreement presents an opportunity for your business to generate revenue. While paying for the assets over time through monthly payments. Unlike outright purchases, where you might need a significant upfront investment. Leasing allows your business to conserve funds while using the scaffolding.
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