Commercial Financing and Working Capital for Material Handling / Forklifts

Material handling equipment, particularly forklifts, is pivotal in warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution industries. Forklifts are crucial for moving heavy goods, ensuring efficient loading and unloading, and optimizing storage spaces. However, the significant costs involved in acquiring and maintaining these vital pieces of equipment can be a burden for many businesses. This is where commercial financing and working capital solutions step in, providing relief and ease in managing these high costs.

This guide is designed to empower business owners, finance managers, and decision-makers in industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution by providing information on various commercial financing options available for material handling equipment, with a special focus on forklifts. It also provides strategies for managing working capital to support these purchases, giving you more control over your financial decisions.

Importance of Material Handling Equipment in Business Operations

Material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Efficient material handling equipment like forklifts is essential for:

• Productivity: Forklifts and other equipment reduce manual labour, minimize handling time, and enhance the flow of goods.

• Safety: Proper handling of heavy goods reduces workplace injuries and accidents.

• Cost Efficiency: Automating material handling lowers labour costs and ensures better space utilization in warehouses.

Given their critical role in modern industries, suitable forklifts and well-maintained maintenance are vital to uninterrupted business operations. However, the high upfront cost of purchasing forklifts and related equipment presents a financial challenge for many companies.

Commercial Financing for Forklifts and Material Handling Equipment

Equipment Loans

An equipment loan is specifically designed to fund equipment purchase, including forklifts. In this scenario, the equipment is collateral for the loan, reducing the lender’s risk and often leading to more favourable terms. This collateral provides security, making business owners more confident in financing.

• Loan Amount: Typically covers 80-100% of the equipment cost.

• Repayment Terms: Terms range from 3 to 10 years, depending on the equipment’s useful life.

• Interest Rates: Rates vary based on creditworthiness, the type of equipment, and lender policies but are generally lower due to the secured nature of the loan.

Equipment loans are ideal for businesses wanting their forklifts outright without straining their working capital upfront. However, they are responsible for ongoing maintenance and depreciation costs.

Equipment Leasing

Leasing is a popular alternative to buying forklifts, especially for companies that need equipment for a shorter period or want to avoid the significant upfront capital investment. The two primary types of equipment leases are:

1. Operating Lease:

   • A short-term lease where the lessee uses the forklift without assuming ownership.

   • Lower monthly payments than a loan.

   • At the end of the lease, the business can return the equipment, extend the lease, or buy the equipment at fair market value.

2. Capital Lease:

   • Functions more like a loan, with the lessee eventually owning the equipment.

   • Higher monthly payments often come with an option to purchase the equipment at a nominal price, aka buyout, at the end of the lease term.

Leasing is an excellent option for businesses that prefer flexibility and want to stay up-to-date with the latest technology without worrying about equipment depreciation.

Hire Purchase

In a hire purchase agreement, businesses acquire equipment by paying for it over time, but ownership only transfers once all payments are complete. This option is similar to a loan but offers more flexible payment options. Key advantages include:

• Spreading the Cost: Payments are spread over time, making it easier to manage cash flow.

• Ownership: The business owns the forklift at the end of the payment term.

• Tax Benefits: Interest payments and depreciation might be tax-deductible.

Hire purchase is a valuable method for companies that want to own the equipment but need a flexible way.

Vendor Financing

Some forklift manufacturers or dealers offer financing directly to businesses, known as vendor financing. In these cases, the supplier acts as the lender, providing financing options tailored to the product. Vendor financing benefits include:

• Convenience: Streamlines the purchasing and financing process.

• Competitive Rates: Manufacturers often offer promotional rates or financing deals to encourage sales.

• Flexible Terms: Payment plans can be structured based on the buyer’s cash flow needs.

Vendor financing may include deferred payments or zero-interest promotions, depending on the manufacturer.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

For small businesses, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers financing programs that can be used for material handling equipment. The most relevant programs are:

1. SBA 7(a) Loan Program:

   • Offers funding up to $5 million for general business needs, including equipment purchases.

   • Longer repayment terms and lower down payments compared to traditional loans.

   • Lower interest rates due to the SBA guaranteeing a portion of the loan.

2. SBA 504 Loan Program:

   • Specifically for large equipment purchases and real estate.

   • Provides up to $5.5 million in funding, with long repayment terms and low interest rates.

   • Requires at least 10% equity from the business, with the SBA covering up to 40% of the loan and a lender financing the remaining 50%.

SBA loans can be a game-changer for small businesses struggling to qualify for traditional financing.

Managing Working Capital for Material Handling Equipment

Working capital is the lifeblood of any business, and managing it effectively is crucial when purchasing or leasing forklifts. Working capital refers to the funds available for day-to-day operations, calculated as:

For instance, Current Assets could be the cash in your business account, the money your customers owe you, and the value of your inventory. On the other hand, Current Liabilities could be the bills you need to pay soon and any short-term loans you have.

Why Working Capital Matters

• Liquidity: Sufficient working capital ensures a business can cover its short-term liabilities and maintain operations smoothly.

• Flexibility: With adequate working capital, businesses can take advantage of opportunities like discounts on bulk purchases or emergency repairs without disrupting cash flow.

• Growth: Well-managed working capital allows businesses to invest in new equipment, expand operations, and seize new market opportunities.

Purchasing or leasing forklifts can strain working capital, making planning for these expenditures strategically essential.

Sources of Working Capital

1. Line of Credit:

   • A revolving line of credit can help manage short-term working capital needs. It allows businesses to access funds to cover unexpected expenses or seize opportunities.

   • Companies can draw on the line of credit to finance forklift repairs, upgrades, or seasonal increases in demand.

2. Invoice Financing (Factoring):

   • Businesses can sell their outstanding invoices to a factoring company to unlock immediate cash.

   • This is useful for businesses that need quick liquidity to cover the purchase or lease payments for material handling equipment but are waiting on customer payments.

3. Inventory Financing:

   • Some lenders offer loans or lines of credit secured by inventory, allowing businesses to borrow against the value of their stock.

   • This provides liquidity to fund equipment purchases without disrupting daily operations.

4. Trade Credit:

   • Businesses can negotiate extended payment terms with suppliers, allowing them to preserve cash for other needs while acquiring forklifts or other equipment.

5. Managing Cash Flow During Equipment Purchases

Ensuring the transaction doesn’t require your working capital when purchasing forklifts. Some strategies for managing cash flow include:

• Deferred Payment Plans: Many financing options include deferred payment structures, which allow businesses to acquire equipment immediately but delay payments until later.

• Seasonal Payment Structures: For industries with fluctuating revenue, seasonal payment plans allow companies to make larger payments during peak seasons and smaller payments during slow periods.

• Maintenance Contracts: Forklifts require regular maintenance to function efficiently. Many financing options bundle maintenance costs into the payments, spreading out these expenses and reducing the risk of unexpected repair costs.

Financial Considerations for Material Handling Equipment

Before committing to any form of financing, businesses should conduct a thorough financial analysis, considering:

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): This includes not just the purchase price but also maintenance, insurance, fuel, and operational costs. Leasing may offer lower upfront costs, but ownership provides long-term value once the equipment is paid off.

• Cash Flow Projections: Forecasting how the purchase or lease will impact cash flow is crucial. This ensures that the company can meet its obligations without straining working capital.

• Tax Implications: Financing methods like leasing or loans may offer tax benefits, such as deductions for interest payments or depreciation. Consult a tax advisor to determine which option provides the best financial advantage.

Conclusion

Material handling equipment, especially forklifts, is vital for efficient operations in industries ranging from warehousing to manufacturing. However, the high costs of acquiring and maintaining this equipment make commercial financing and effective working capital management critical.

Businesses can finance forklifts and related equipment through equipment loans, leasing options, hire purchases, vendor financing, and SBA loans. Moreover, prudent working capital management—through lines of credit, invoice financing, and other liquidity strategies—ensures that companies can maintain operational stability while acquiring the necessary equipment for growth.

Ultimately, the choice of financing method will depend on the company’s financial position, cash flow needs, and long-term equipment plans. By carefully evaluating these factors, businesses can acquire material-handling equipment while maintaining financial flexibility.

Commercial Financing Now ® is a Money Service Business (MSB) operating as a Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) that abides by Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations. These policies and procedures are internally published and meet reporting requirements while considering sanctions screening and transactional monitoring.

Commercial Finance Now does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This post has been drafted for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your tax, legal, and accounting advisors before considering any tax treatments.