Equipment financing is the cheapest way to buy business gear because the equipment itself is the collateral. But every lender has a list of what they will and won't finance, and a credit box to match. The right lender funds you in 24-72 hours at a low rate; the wrong one declines you or wants 30% down. Here's how to land the right one.
Why one equipment lender isn't enough
Equipment lenders specialize. One only does titled vehicles. Another won't touch restaurant equipment. A third wants 650+ credit for soft costs like software. Apply to a lender whose list doesn't include your gear — or whose box doesn't fit your credit — and you're declined, even though a dozen other lenders would have funded it gladly.
One lender = one equipment list
They finance the gear they like, for the borrowers they like. Wrong equipment type or a slightly low score and you're out — or stuck with a big down payment.
50+ lenders = your gear, funded
One application reaches lenders that finance trucks, kitchen equipment, lifts, lasers, machinery, and tech. We match your equipment to the lenders that fund it and negotiate the terms.
Going to one funder vs. The Broker Shop
| What matters | Going to one funder | The Broker Shop |
|---|---|---|
| What equipment they finance | Their one approved list | Trucks, machinery, kitchen, medical, tech — 50+ lenders |
| Down payment | Often 10-30% | As low as 0-10% with the right lender |
| If your gear isn't on their list | Declined | Routed to a lender who finances it |
| Who negotiates your rate | No one | We do, across 50+ lenders |
| Cost to you | Varies | $0 — the lender pays our fee |
The equipment is the collateral — use that leverage
Because the equipment secures the loan, equipment financing is often the lowest-cost capital a business can get — 7-25% APR, far below an MCA. But that's only true if you reach a lender that finances your specific gear at a competitive rate.
The Broker Shop puts your file in front of 50+ equipment lenders at once, matches your equipment to the ones that fund it, and negotiates the rate down. Funded in 24-72 hours, free to you.
Match My Equipment to a Lender →What actually determines your cost
When financing equipment, these factors decide your cost:
- Equipment type & resale value — gear that holds value (trucks, machinery) gets the best rates.
- New vs. used — used equipment may need a slightly higher down payment.
- How many lenders compete — one lender's rate vs. 50+ bidding for the deal.
- Your credit & revenue — 550+ credit and $10K+/month open most equipment lenders.
- Whether anyone negotiates — a broker pushes the rate and down payment down.
Compare how equipment financing works, or financing vs. leasing.