05AprApril 5, 2023 By Patrick

Equipment Financing Mistakes | Huntington Coast Capital

Regardless of size and sector, businesses at some point will need equipment financing to expand operations and/or improve efficiencies. However, this requirement can often come with a high price tag.

Luckily, you can access financing through an equipment loan if you don’t have enough funds to buy the equipment. This financing lowers your initial expense, which is helpful, especially when starting a business. Furthermore, equipment financing allows you to acquire the equipment fast, any many programs come with maintenance options to handle unexpected equipment breakdowns or failures.

However, the impact of your decision to take out an equipment loan will depend on how you manage and use it. To ensure that the loan benefits your business in the long run, here are some mistakes to avoid while financing equipment.

Failure to Set a Budget

Setting a budget can help you determine how much you can afford to borrow and what you need the loan for. As tempting as it may be to acquire a particular piece of equipment, you must consider whether you can comfortably repay the loan.

First, establish how much you can raise as a down payment. Then, consider how much you will pay each month and over the loan term.

You can easily set a budget by considering how much the equipment will earn for your business. Evaluate the expected income, and if it exceeds the loan repayment cost, you can proceed with the loan.

Failure to Plan

Don’t just borrow a loan for the sake of it. You must plan how to use the loan and repay it. Ensure that you develop an achievable repayment plan before taking out the loan.

Before you conclude that you need the loan, consider if your business would function without it. Could you work with your current equipment for a while longer? Can you make minimal adjustments or repairs to keep it functioning? Otherwise, you will likely make huge financial mistakes that will take time to recover.

Failure to Set Realistic Expectations

Numerous aspects determine if you qualify for an equipment loan, and if you do qualify, understand how much you can borrow and on what terms. The lender will consider your creditworthiness and income factors when determining whether to issue the loan and what restrictions they will place.

Therefore, take your time to assess where your business stands, so you will know how much you can borrow and pay. Don’t overestimate the amount of money available or what your business can manage; set realistic expectations to avoid over-borrowing.

Failure to Explore Different Options

Some business owners assume that banks are the only source of equipment loans, but that’s not true. You have the option to choose where to source your financing, and equipment financing offered by credit unions, finance companies, and equipment dealers, may suit your business’s needs.

Take your time to research and explore different options. By doing so, you will likely secure equipment financing that meets your payment terms, interest rates, and document fees.

Failure to Consult an Expert

You may be excited about qualifying for the equipment loan, but you should consult an expert before committing to the loan. You need the right partner and adviser to guide you on the best financing option for your business.

An expert will assess your income, creditworthiness, and other factors before recommending the best financing option. The adviser will also offer a financing proposal that best fits the needs of your business.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure you have a successful borrowing experience. Explore, research, and consult an expert to ensure you get the best terms for your equipment loan. With the right strategy, you can ensure the loan works for your business.

You can trust us at Huntington Coast Capital to help you secure the best equipment financing terms. We are a capital market advisory firm offering equipment loan options and solutions to help businesses grow. Contact us for a consultation or call us at 844-239-2632.

04OctOctober 7, 2019 By Patrick

Working Capital. Every Business Needs It!

How long would your business last without enough money to cover expenses? Most businesses fail within the first three years due to lack of enough working capital, and even well established operations can experience cash crunches. Competitors are a constant. How financially strong your business is, will determine how well you can compete.

The frustration for many business owners is this – traditional lending sources either require you to be financially solid before they lend you money to grow or are conservative in the amount of credit they extend to the seasoned business operator.

So where do most business owners obtain the financing they need to grow their business? In short, asset based lenders. There is a 2nd tier of lenders below bank financing that finance purchase orders, equipment needs, inventory, real estate and accounts receivable. Essentially any asset listed on a given company’s balance sheet can be eligible for financing. Their focus is either on the quality of the asset they are financing or the financial strength of the customer placing the order (in the case of purchase order and accounts receivable financing). This approach makes financing growth much more obtainable for business owners.

What about financing for the established companies? A challenge remains here as well. Financing available for the established business owners is often inadequate to meet growth needs. Banks are most typically conservative and provide small lines of credit, even to companies with strong net worth and income. Companies need creative solutions when seeking additional capital and this creativity comes from the non-regulated, more entreprenuerial thinking, capital sources in the market. Could your business benefit from knowing a partner like this?

About Huntington Coast Capital.

Huntington Coast Capital secures funding for companies in a broad base of industries. Our clients come to us to find a more flexible lending partner to meet their growth needs. Many are declined by the bank and are in need of a more creative and entrepreneurial funding solution.

We consult on a wide range of funding options for business owners throughout the United States in the following areas:

Supply chain financing
Equipment loans and lease programs (learn more about our equipment loan platform offered through our subsidiary)
Lines of credit for working capital needs
Term loans for marketing, hiring staff and general expansion needs
Factoring services for accounts receivable financing that also provides for back office credit and collection functions
Purchase order financing
Asset based loans
Business acquisition financing
Inventory financing
Private commercial real estate bridge loans
SBA loans for business and real estate needs

Whether you are a startup or established, in need of $100,000 or $10,000,000 we have the capital partners to meet your needs. Contact us to see how we can assist in taking your business to the next level. To your success!

23Dec By Patrick

Introducing Equipment Finance Quotes.com!

Huntington Beach, CA Huntington Coast Capital has launched a sister company specializing in asset based equipment loans and lease programs for asset based equipment loan requests of all sizes.

Equipment Finance Quotes (www.equipmentfinancequotes.com) brings business owners and/or their consultants together with the right lender for their asset based equipment loan request. It works by matching the questions asked on the online application with the requirements from lenders on the platform. Once all of the questions are received, a preliminary estimate on the chances of approval is issued. From there, a list of required items is requested from the business owner to complete the underwriting review. If approved, a term sheet is issued by the lender and the business owner and lender are placed in direct contact.

The inspiration for Equipment Finance Quotes.com was similar to what inspired Huntington Coast Capital. We want to simplify the process of finding a loan for business owners. Additionally, we want to not only find the right loan for the business owners request, we want to provide them with some options to choose from and get some lender competition going for their request. Through our online platform we are taking the time, frustration and energy out of the process and providing the business owner with a user-friendly customer experience.

We launched Equipment Finance Quotes.com to handle the amount of equipment loans being received. Our inquiries in this area required a separate platform to better streamline these requests.

If your business could use additional equipment for growth or a line of credit against existing equipment, we would like to hear from you. Please visit us at www.equipmentfinancequotes.com.

To your success!
The Huntington Coast Capital Team.

01DecDecember 1, 2017 By Patrick

Huntington Coast Capital Presents At The Cove At UC Irvine Applied Innovation

Huntington Beach, CA Entrepreneurs from around the southwestern United States came to The Cove Applied Innovation Center at UC Irvine to pitch their business plans in an effort to raise capital from venture capitalists and equity investors. The companies in attendance ranged from pre-revenue, startup concepts to established companies looking to take their business to the next level. A broad range of industries were represented some of which were video game developers, niche apparel companies, foam mattress engineers, craft tea brewers, education service platforms, and airline sanitation concept companies. There were also medical technology companies represented in the area of liver function testing and patient records management.

The energy in the room was high with business owners given either 1-minute or 5-minutes to present their business and plans for the future and the opportunities that existed. The time frames were offered at different ticket price levels. The pressure was on from the beginning as the moderator kicked of the program by stating bluntly, if you can not explain your business and justification for investment in the first minute, the investors will not listen to what you have to say in the second minute!

After the entrepreneurs were placed in the hot seat to present with hundreds of eyes fixated on them, the panelists were given the opportunity to ask questions about the business to dig deeper to see if an investment opportunity existed. Feedback was direct and pointed as the venture fund and equity groups inquired about the financial details and assessed the likelihood of earning a return on an investment. Investor comments were direct, cold and objective as they assessed the quality of the opportunities being presented.

Huntington Coast Capital was at the program to discuss the other side of business lending, asset based loans. Successfully securing an equity investment for your company is a gratifying feeling. It is an acknowledgement from discerning and critical investors that your business plans have merit and potential. Sometimes, this endorsement and confidence can be supported with investments of over a million dollars!

The harsh reality is however, that very few companies earn the privilege of an equity investment. These equity groups are reviewing upwards of three business investment opportunities per day. I often equate companies looking for an equity investment as sea turtles. Millions are born and sadly only a few hundred make it to open water!

This success ratio can be discouraging. However, when companies can not qualify for an equity investment, capital may be available on the debt side. If you are looking for money to hire staff, complete research and development of a product, market your company or gain inroads to supplier and customer contacts, equity is a great option. Conversely, if you are looking for funds to cover purchase orders or improve your working capital cycle, an asset based loan is a better option. You should not give up equity in your company if all you are looking to do is cover your cost of goods, purchase equipment or increase your inventory to meet demand. These capital expense items are all met with asset based loans.

Huntington Coast Capital specializes in securing asset based loans for companies of all sizes throughout the United States. Our typical funding amount is anywhere from $250,000 to $1,500,000. If you have solicited an equity investment with no success, look in to an asset based loan. We would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your business goals. Call me directly at 714-719-8966.

To your success!

Patrick Zazueta | Founder
Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

13Jul By Patrick

What Is An Asset Based Loan?

Huntington Beach, CA: The term asset based loan is widely used to describe a loan secured against an asset of value as security for the money borrowed. Huntington Coast Capital has been securing asset based loans for our clients in California and across the nation since 2010. Asset based loans consist of loans secured by commercial real estate, inventory, accounts receivable, purchase orders or equipment. Below is a brief summary on how we have assisted our clients in securing asset based loans in California and across the United States in these different categories.

Commercial and investment real estate. Companies that lack sufficient business collateral are often required to pledge outside collateral as an abundance of caution in this type of asset based loan. Often referred to as bridge loans, these loans usually have terms of 6 months to 3 years and are offered through private money capital providers. These asset based loans are offered in California and throughout the country.
Inventory loans. For companies in the manufacturing, distribution, wholesale and retail spaces, inventory represents cash tied up in goods for sale. Inventory can be used as security in an asset based loan. Depending on the type of inventory however, a loan may not be available. For example, if a company is selling fresh fish, meat or poultry, finding an asset based loan will likely not be possible due to the quick turn of this type of product and the potential for spoilage. Other forms of inventory such as t-shirts, tires, dried goods and other products with long shelf lives have a much better chance of being accepted as collateral for an asset based loan.
Accounts receivable and purchase orders. These two assets represent an amount owed and an order for shipment. Both of these asset types qualify for an asset based loan. In fact, these two asset classes are the most popular asset based loan being requested from our clients in California. Companies in search of improved working capital utilize their accounts receivable as collateral for an asset based loan and their purchase orders as collateral when looking to obtain funding to cover their cost of goods to suppliers.
Equipment loans. Asset based loans used to purchase or refinance equipment are for a specific purpose. Retail sector companies such as restaurants are big users of equipment loans as well as companies in the manufacturing sector. Often times in business acquisitions, equipment loans provide a portion of the funds required for the purchase if the equipment is currently owed free and clear and has a usable life of over 10 years.

Asset based loans are vital to the economy and provide funds to companies when more traditional finance programs can not meet the need. If you are a California company in search of an asset based loan or are located anywhere in the continental United States and looking for financing to take advantage of growth opportunities, consider an asset based loan.

Need assistance navigating the capital markets? That is our specialty and we are eager to help. For advise and counsel on asset based loans or any other form of business financing, give us a call 714-719-8966.

To your success!

Patrick Zazueta
Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

10AprApril 10, 2017 By Patrick

How Will A Rise In Interest Rates Effect Business Owners?

Huntington Beach, CA – How does a change in interest rates effect business owners? Business owners borrower money in order to grow their company’s and expand. Whether the need is for an equipment loan, SBA loan, factoring services, a commercial real estate loan, inventory loan, or asset based loan or line of credit in California or any other state, the cost goes up.

Things That Traditionally Increase When the Fed Increases Interest Rates

The recent rise in the Fed funds rate will likely cause a ripple effect on the borrowing costs for consumers and businesses that want to access credit based on the U.S. dollar. That has an impact across numerous credit categories, including the following:

The Prime Rate: A hike in the Feds rate immediately fueled a jump in the prime rate, which represents the credit rate that banks extend to their most credit-worthy customers. This rate is the one on which other forms of consumer credit are based, as a higher prime rate means that banks will increase fixed, and variable-rate borrowing costs when assessing risk on less credit-worthy companies and consumers.
Credit Card Rates: Working off the prime rate, banks will determine how credit-worthy other individuals are based on their risk profile. Rates will be affected for credit cards and other loans as both require extensive risk-profiling of consumers seeking credit to make purchases. Short-term borrowing will have higher rates than those considered long-term.
Savings: Money market and credit-deposit (CD) rates increase due to the tick up of the prime rate. In theory, that should boost savings among consumers and businesses as they can generate a higher return on their savings. However, it is possible that anyone with a debt burden would seek to pay off their financial obligations to offset higher variable rates tied to credit cards, home loans, or other debt instruments.
U.S. National Debt: A hike in interest rates boosts the borrowing costs for the U.S. government and fuel an increase in the national debt. A report from 2015 by the Congressional Budget Office and Dean Baker, a director at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, estimates that the U.S. government may end up paying $2.9 trillion more over the next decade due to increases in the interest rate, than it would have if the rates had stayed near zero.

Things That Are Largely Unaffected When the Fed Increases Benchmark Interest Rates

Auto Loan Rates: Auto companies have benefited immensely from the Fed’s zero-interest-rate policy, but rising benchmark rates will have an incremental impact. Surprisingly, auto loans have not shifted much since the Federal Reserve’s announcement because they are long-term loans.
Mortgage Rates: A sign of a rate hike can send home borrowers rushing to close on a deal for a fixed loan rate on a new home. However, mortgage rates traditionally fluctuate more in tandem with the yield of domestic 10-year Treasury notes, which are largely affected by inflation rates.

Things That Traditionally Decrease When the Fed Increases Interest Rates

Business Profits: When interest rates rise, that’s typically good news for the profitability of the banking sector, as noted by investment giant Goldman Sachs. But for the rest of the global business sector, a rate hike carves into profitability. That’s because the cost of capital required to expand goes higher. That could be terrible news for a market that is currently in an earnings recession.
Home Sales: Higher interest rates and higher inflation typically cool demand in the housing sector. On a 30-year loan at 4.0%, home buyers can currently anticipate at least 60% in interest payments over the duration of their investment. Any uptick is surely a deterrent to acquiring the long-term investment former President George Bush once described as central to “The American Dream.”
Consumer Spending: A rise in borrowing costs traditionally weighs on consumer spending. Both higher credit card rates and higher savings rates due to better bank rates provide fuel a downturn in consumer impulse purchasing. (For more, read How Interest Rates Affect Spending.)

24FebFebruary 24, 2017 By Patrick

HCC Secures $700,000 Factoring Line Of Credit For A Manufacturing Client

Huntington Beach, CA: In the second tranche of financing, Huntington Coast Capital secured a $700,000 factoring line of credit for a snack food manufacturer. In the previous post we discussed the equipment loan needed to meet demand from new orders. This factoring line of credit was established for the ongoing working capital needs the company faces. Everything from managing payroll, supplier payments and other overhead burdens the company faces can now be met more quickly through the revolving line of credit.

Are your expenses piling up while you are waiting for customers to pay you? Through our network of capital providers we have most every business funding need covered. Experience the difference Huntington Coast Capital can make in your growth goals!

Call us at 714-719-8966.

11DecDecember 11, 2016 By Patrick

HCC Funds $1,300,000 In Business Loans In The Month Of December

Huntington Beach, CA. During the month of December Huntington Coast Capital secured a $650,000 equipment loan and two SBA loans for $500,000 and $150,000 for a total of $1,300,000 in business loans! The scenarios are outlined below:

$650,000 equipment loan for a southern California contractor – The company was paying a high rate of interest on the equipment they used in their day to day operations – The high cost of financing was impacting their cash flow. They engaged Huntington Coast Capital for their equipment loan needs and we were able to reduce their financing costs by almost half, saving them thousands in monthly finance expense.
$500,000 SBA loan for a growing company in the stencil business – The company produces custom stencils for any design and application. The company had an existing SBA loan and were looking to borrow an additional $350,000 to purchase additional equipment to meet growth demands. Huntington Coast Capital secured a $500,000 SBA loan to cover the equipment costs and refinance the existing SBA loan.
$150,000 SBA Express Loan for a custom glass manufacturer – An established custom glass manufacturer was looking for additional funds for advertising and marketing to break in to new markets and broaden their customer base. They have a profitable business serving general contractors and are looking to expand in to direct commercial work.

Whether your business loan needs are for equipment purchases, inventory or general working capital demands, we can assist. We serve companies of all sizes from startup to established.

13OctOctober 13, 2016 By Patrick

Equipment financing, inventory financing, and working capital loans are easy to find right? Not if you’re in one of these two scenarios…

Huntington Beach, CA: Business owners looking to obtain a business loan for equipment financing, inventory financing or working capital have many options to choose from. Capital is plentiful for companies on the rise and in need of financing to meet their growth potential. In fact, most of our clients come to us with equipment financing, purchase order financing, inventory financing, and working capital loan needs. Huntington Coast Capital has a extremely high success ratio in placing these loan requests.

However, there are a couple of situations where this may not be so easy. On a rare occasion we will get a funding request for a company in the medicinal marijuana industry. While the selling of marijuana is legal in some states, there is still a stigma attached to it, even if it is legitimately prescribed by a doctor. As you can imagine, obtaining funding for the growers and distributors in this industry, even if completely legitimate, is very difficult to secure. Some lenders simply do not lend in this industry and lump it together with other unsavory industries like gambling and adult content distribution. Is this fair? I have no idea. This article isn’t about providing an opinion on what the lender’s moral compass should be when analyzing loan requests in this industry. I can say, however, that finding a lender to fund your expansion in this business is very difficult. In fact, even with our extensive contacts in the industry, we only know of one. That’s right one. However, we were happy to have this contact when we received a call from a company in Colorado inquiring about an equipment loan along with funding for tenant improvements for his budding (no pun intended) business. The fact is that his cash flow and profit margins are extremely strong and his business could grow substantially with the right capital partner. Looks like we found them a solution after months of searching on their own in vain. A satisfying moment for us indeed. Now his Cannabis business is set to catapult to the next level!

The second difficult spot to be in is when you are looking for accounts receivable financing for consumer accounts receivable. The market is flooded with options for financing accounts receivable when you are selling business to business, but business to consumer is a ghost town. Most all lenders have the perspective that financing against these debt pools is risky and the credit process for business credit and personal credit is much more subjective and difficult to manage. I have to say, that I agree. To manage risk in this area requires having a specialty and sole dedication to the industry. Like other types of lending, you need to manage losses through diversifying the risk over several separate exposures and minimize credit to any one debt holder. However, this said, it is possible, just not popular among the lending community. As before, we have only one lender in this industry! We don’t come across these requests too often, but when we do, it is satisfying to say, “we may have a solution.”

Do you have a difficult loan request? Has everyone told you “no” because you fit one of the scenarios above? If so, we would like to speak with you!

Be on the lookout for our next blog article that features auto mechanics and why that experience also requires a knowledge of the options! I think we can all agree that we are paying too much for our cars to be serviced in most cases and it pays to know who else can do it for less!