# Equipment financing lets the machine help pay for itself

URL: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/business-funding/equipment-financing/
Updated October 15, 2026. Funding offered by Merchant Fund Express (https://merchantfundexpress.com/equipment-financing/); Cheap Cheap Websites builds websites and does not lend.

## The short answer
Equipment financing pays for a specific piece of business equipment, and that equipment usually serves as security for the deal. Terms are matched to how long the equipment is expected to last, and at Merchant Fund Express they never run longer than 60 months. You will need a vendor quote or invoice, a down payment may be asked, and businesses commonly have 6+ months of history.

## How the equipment secures the deal
With most business funding, the funder looks mainly at your deposits and credit. With equipment financing, the item itself also matters. Because the equipment is pledged as security, the funder has something of value tied to the deal, which can make terms easier than unsecured options for the same business. That also means the equipment has to be real, identifiable and worth roughly what you are paying. That is why a written vendor quote or invoice is required. It lists the make, model, price and seller.

## Matching the term to the equipment's life
A sensible rule: do not still be paying for something after it has worn out. A laptop might last three years. A commercial oven or a skid steer might last much longer. MFE matches terms to equipment life and caps them at 60 months. Shorter-life items such as computers, POS hardware and small tools usually get shorter terms. Heavy or durable items such as kitchen lines, lifts and construction machinery can qualify for longer terms within the 60-month cap. A longer term lowers the monthly payment but raises total cost. Choose the shortest term your monthly cash flow can carry comfortably.

## New versus used equipment
Used equipment costs less, so the amount financed and the payment are smaller. The tradeoffs are a shorter remaining life, which can mean a shorter term, and sometimes a larger down payment, since the resale value is less predictable. New equipment usually comes with a warranty and a longer useful life, which supports a longer term. For a used purchase, get the seller's quote with the serial number, year and hours or condition listed. A vague private-party listing is hard to finance.

## Worked example: a restaurant combi oven
Illustrative example. These figures are illustrations built on stated assumptions, not offers. Real pricing depends on the file MFE reviews. Assumptions: a restaurant buying a $42,000 combi oven from a dealer. A 10% down payment is asked. The remaining $37,800 is financed over 48 months, and total payments are assumed at $46,800. Item Amount Equipment price (vendor quote) $42,000 Down payment (10%) $4,200 Amount financed $37,800 Monthly payment ($46,800 / 48) $975 Total of monthly payments $46,800 Total paid including down payment $51,000 Cost above the equipment price $9,000 Here the funds go to the dealer, so the owner's net cash out on day one is the $4,200 down payment. If the oven lets the kitchen add 40 covers a week, the $975 payment can be compared against that added revenue before signing.

## Who it fits and who it does not
Fits: a business with 6+ months of history buying identifiable equipment that produces revenue or cuts costs, such as a dental chair, a printing press or a commercial mower fleet. Does not fit: soft costs with no resale value, like training or software subscriptions, or a general cash need. Those are better handled with working capital or a line of credit . Also note that many funders restrict certain industries, including residential remodeling and long-haul trucking, so equipment for those uses may face limits.

## What to prepare, and tax questions
Vendor quote or invoice with model, price and seller details 3 to 4 months of business bank statements Owner ID and a voided business check A short application on the MFE equipment financing page Section 179 of the tax code may let some businesses deduct qualifying equipment purchases in the year they are placed in service rather than over many years. Whether it applies to you depends on your situation, so confirm with a tax professional before counting on it. If cash is fine and the item is cheap, paying outright may beat financing. If the item will be obsolete in a year, renting can be the smarter choice.

## Frequently asked questions
**What is the longest term MFE offers on equipment?** Terms are matched to the life of the equipment and never exceed 60 months at MFE. Shorter-life items get shorter terms.

**Do I need a down payment?** Sometimes. A down payment may be asked, especially on used equipment or when credit or time in business is thinner. The quote and your file decide it.

**Can I finance used equipment from a private seller?** It is possible but harder. You need a written invoice with the serial number, condition and price. Dealer quotes are simpler to review.

**Can I finance installation and delivery?** Ask MFE. Some deals include reasonable delivery and installation listed on the vendor invoice, while unrelated costs like training usually need a different product.

**How fast can equipment be funded?** Decisions on complete files are often same day, with funding commonly the next business day. Vendor paperwork can add time, so get the quote early.

## Website for growing businesses
New equipment usually means a new service, more capacity or faster turnaround, and your website should say so the week it arrives. Add the new service page, update photos and make sure booking works so the machine starts earning. Cheap Cheap Websites builds professional sites from $399, with Website Care at $30/month for updates like these.

Apply for funding: https://merchantfundexpress.com/current-application.html?src=ccw-equipment-financing
Website plans: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/products