Equipment Financing Mistakes | Huntington Coast Capital

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. 

Myths About Small Business Loans | Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

Myths About Small Business Loans | Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

 

 

A business may occasionally require additional cash for short or long-term purposes. As a business owner, you can invest your own money or seek external investment. A small business loan, however, is a more common option.

However, some business owners, especially those who have never taken a business loan, can have several doubts about business loans. Indeed, the process involved in arranging a business loan, its benefits, and many other issues are commonly misunderstood.

Here are some common myths about business loans and the facts that all business owners should know.

 

Loans Only Benefit Businesses That Aren’t Doing Well

Many assume that any company in need of a loan is facing a hard financial time. Distressed companies have a particular motivation to get loans, but plenty of strong businesses also require occasional loans.

The type of business determines the need for additional financing. Your business can acquire a loan to finance growth and expansion, for instance, through hiring more staff or installing additional equipment. Such improvements can boost your business’ success and make it more competitive.

 

You Need to Have a Perfect Credit Rating to Get a Loan

To be clear, you should always maintain good credit scores on your personal and business accounts. Having a good credit rating makes borrowing easier and gives you more options for deals you can choose from. However, a low credit score isn’t an indication that you can’t get a loan.

Bad credit does happen, and lenders recognize that. The lenders also recognize that a lower credit score does not necessarily mean you are a lending risk. Therefore, you may still be able to find a lender willing to work with you. You may have to make a trade-off, such as accepting a higher interest rate.

 

Small Businesses Cannot Apply for Larger Loans

In no way should the size of your business prevent you from approaching a lender for a larger loan. Many lenders prefer high-amount loan applications, including mainstream banks.

However, repayment capability is key for a small business looking to borrow a larger sum of money. Thus, you should be able to provide proof to your lender that your business can afford to repay the loan. If your company lacks adequate cash flow, you may still get a loan if you convince the lender that your business plan will allow you to repay the loan.

 

All Business Loans Are the Same

Your business may want to borrow money for many reasons, and you have many options for financing your endeavor. Numerous loan options can be advantageous, but they also necessitate research before you apply.

Choosing the right business loan is the first step to obtaining business financing. Some of the types of business loans can include:

  • Working capital loans for every day variable expenses the business has
  • A term loan to finance the cost of fixed expenses or a business acquisition
  • Equipment financing
  • Inventory financing
  • Accounts receivable financing
  • Purchase order financing

You can determine what business loan is best for you by considering factors such as your loan purpose and desired loan terms.

 

Loan Applications Are Time Consuming

The myth was true years ago — getting business finance approval could take months due to paper-based submissions and employee evaluations. Thanks to paperless digital solutions and software, the process is much faster today. You can complete your application within minutes and get approval in days.

But don’t ignore the importance of doing some preparation beforehand. The lender can turn your business loan request around faster if you provide all of the necessary items they need to underwrite your loan request quickly. The count down to closing starts when the lender has 100% of what they need to issue an approval on your loan.

The misconceptions about business loans can prevent you from being able to take advantage of a favorable financing opportunity. Hopefully, having busted a few myths on business loans has given you a good idea about why loans can be an excellent financing source.

For more information on business funding or to complete a funding application, feel free to contact us at Huntington Coast Capital, Inc., today. Call 844-239-2632 and learn how a business loan can help grow your business!

 

The Difference Between Bank Asset Based Loans And Private Asset Based Loans

The Difference Between Bank Asset Based Loans And Private Asset Based Loans

Huntington Beach, CA  Owning a business takes a lot of cash on hand. Cash to make payroll, pay rent (or a commercial mortgage), purchase supplies, marketing and advertising, etc. Business owners reach out first to the bank they have their business deposits with to see if they can provide them with a loan. Their bank is a good place to start, and if they can qualify, their journey ends there.

Different types of asset based loans.

Asset based loans can be made against any asset seen on a company’s balance sheet. The common assets used as a collateral for a loan are real estate loans, equipment loans, inventory and accounts receivable. Other collateral considered assets by a lender are purchase orders and supply chain funding lines.

Asset Based Loans Obtained From Banks. 

Banks provide asset based loans, but have stricter requirements than the private sector. The first difference you will notice is that a bank will most typically require you to open a deposit account with them in exchange for doing the loan. Depending on the size and type of asset based loan, the bank will require you to switch you entire banking relationship over them as a requirement for doing the loan. Switching your banking relationship is no easy or convenient task.

If deposits are not required, that means that the bank will look to fit you in to an SBA loan program. Banks mainly offer term loans under the SBA loan program versus revolving lines of credit. Loans made against accounts receivable, purchase orders or for supply chain funding are not on the menu for most banks.

The preferred type of asset based loan banks like to issue are for real estate and equipment purchases. The range of your required down payment will depend on the type of loan being considered, your business and personal credit and the amount of liquidity you have on hand post purchase. Most banks set their bottom limit at a 680 credit score or better to be considered for an asset based SBA loan.

Private Sector Asset Based Loans. 

In the private sector the whole credit picture is also considered, but not scrutinized quite as closely. The main consideration is the asset quality itself. For example, in an accounts receivable loan, the credit quality of customers, average collection days and historical bad debt write offs are of paramount importance. The private lender will look at business and personal credit scores and evaluate the company’s financial position, however they will also listen to the story. Many business owners have lower credit scores because all of their cash has gone in to their business and this sometimes creates issues meeting their obligations on time. The private asset based lender understands that an asset based loan will improve the company’s cash and allow them the growth opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have without access to capital. This especially true when considering loans to finance purchase orders or establish a supply chain line of credit.

What Asset Based Loan Is Right For Your Business? 

Our advice is to always check with your business bank first. They are the ones that have the experience with your business and it’s always prudent to confirm their ability to assist.

The facts are that most business owners do not qualify for bank loans. This is the reason there is a market for the private asset based lender. Private capital can be used as a bridge or as a permanent financing for those that prefer less oversight from their lending partner.

What Value Does Huntington Coast Capital Bring?

In a word, experience. We have decades of experience in the private capital and institutional capital markets. We navigate our clients through the options, saving them time and when finding the right asset based lending partner for their business. If your business could use some additional capital to purchase equipment, real estate or to finance growth opportunities, we would like to speak with you.

Call us to learn more 714-719-8966.

Working Capital. Every Business Needs It!

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!

Why You Do Not Need Good Credit For An Asset Based Loan

Why You Do Not Need Good Credit For An Asset Based Loan

Huntington Beach, CA

In the lending world, so much relies on personal credit as part of the analysis. Strong personal credit is something not everyone has, fewer than you think in fact. As business owners, when payments are delayed, you are forced to delay your payments to suppliers. However, because your business income is your primary source of income (in most cases), this means personal obligations can also be delayed. Timely payments on items such as your personal mortgage payments, electricity bill, car payments, and so forth all attribute toward your credit score. Delays in revenue and income from your business can quickly effect your personal life and negatively impact your credit score. A poor credit score makes it nearly impossible to be approved for additional credit.

Asset based loans come to the rescue in these cases! Asset based loans can be used for either real estate or business loan purposes. Let us explore below.

Asset Based Loans For Business.

The company balance sheet reflects all the assets of a business (remember assets, minus liabilities equals equity?). Assets that can be used as collateral for an asset based loan are accounts receivable, equipment, inventory, and real estate (more on asset based real estate loans below).

Accounts receivable are payment obligations from customers for goods purchased or services performed. An accounts receivable invoice reflects the amount due and when payment is expected (usually with 30, 60 or 90 days). These invoices are considered assets and can be used as collateral for a loan.

There are two types of asset based loans available against invoices and those are factoring loans and an asset based line of credit. A factoring loan is a buy sell agreement where the factor provides and advance against the face amount of the invoices to improve the cash flow of the business. Factoring loans are more than just an advance. In a factoring arrangement the factor manages the back office and credit and collection functions for the client. Outsourcing the back office functions is often more cost effective than hiring internal staff. For more information on factoring loans click here.

An asset based accounts receivable line of credit provides an advance against accounts on a total availability In this type of arrangement the lender looks at the accounts receivable aging and advances against the total balance outstanding. There is no back office management involved in an asset based line of credit and as such, the rates are a bit lower.

Asset based loans against inventory and equipment are just as you would expect. The lender advances against the value of the collateral. Proceeds are used to increase working capital and assist in growing the business. Equipment loans have been a major source of growth for us in the asset based loan category. For more information on this type of loan please visit our sister company Equipment Finance Quotes.

Asset Based Loans For Commercial Real Estate. 

Commercial real estate transactions also use asset based loans on a broad basis. If you have a traditional property type and have plenty of time to close using a bank is your best bet. High scrutiny in underwriting translates in to lower rates although the process can be tedious.

Asset based loans in commercial real estate are used as bridge loans to acquire property. Scenarios where time is of the essence or where a property requires creative underwriting, fit well with asset based commercial loan requests. Virtually all property types are considered and the process is much faster and much less document intensive than traditional bank loans. For more information on asset based loans for commercial real estate click here.

You noticed that I did not mention personal credit in any of the explanations above. This is because it does not come in to the analysis to any important degree. The only exception to this is if the borrower has a negative mark on his credit where a lender providing a similar loan took a loss on that loan. Poor credit due to inquiries, slow payment of personal obligations, charge off notices, default on credit cards and the like rarely come in to play. The main focus is the quality of the asset being used as collateral.

I hope you enjoyed reading this. If your business could use an asset based loan or if you need an asset based loan to acquire commercial real estate, give us a call at 714-719-8966.

To your success!

Patrick Zazueta | Managing Director
Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

Introducing Equipment Finance Quotes.com!

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.

Asset Based Loans Versus Bank Loans. Which Is Better For My Business?

Asset Based Loans Versus Bank Loans. Which Is Better For My Business?

Huntington Beach, CA: Our clients come to us with an asset based loan or financing need that almost always is required in order to grow their business. If you are like most business owners, cash flow is tight and if you receive a big order outside the normal course of business, it could be challenging coming up with the cash to cover the cost of goods and deliver the product. Your cash need could also be to finance additional equipment and require an asset based equipment loan in order to meet the increased capacity required to fulfill a contract.

Traditional banking places the emphasis on the cash flow and financial strength of the company, the borrower. They are primarily concerned with how financially solid the company they are lending to is. This is good practice, and it makes sense that the companies that the banks deal with are in good financial health. The obstacle to clear however, is that most companies are leveraged to a high degree and can not meet all of the required ratios banks look for when making a credit decision.

If your company is growing quickly and every dollar is going back out the door to cover ongoing working capital needs, it is likely that you will not meet all the requirements of bank lending. For example, banks look at the leverage ratio of the company. This ratio is figured by dividing the total debt of the company by the equity of the company. Equity being the total assets minus the total liabilities. If you have more than 3 or 4 times the liabilities as you do equity, banks will shy away from offering you more credit for fear that your profits and company cash flow will not be able to pay off the new debt. Again, a prudent way to look at things, but the problem is that most borrowers do not qualify.

The advantage to bank lending is the cost. If your company can qualify, then banks will be able to offer the lowest borrowing rates.

The other option are asset based loans. Asset based loans have a broad spectrum of categories. An asset based loan can be used for commercial real estate purchases, inventory loans, equipment loans and purchase order financing to name a few. In an asset based loan, the lender is looking at the asset being used as collateral in the transaction. For example, if your company received a large purchase order and needs additional cash to pay the upfront costs or deposit required by the supplier, and asset based loan is a good option. The asset in this instance is the purchase order itself. Purchase order financing is often accompanied by a factoring loan. Factoring loans are asset based loans secured by the invoice sent to the customer versus the purchase order sent to the supplier. For more information on factoring loans click here.

In our experience, business owners are qualified for asset based loans more often than bank loans. We explore each option as appropriate and the obvious choice is always revealed in the end. Our clients like the unbiased consultation and industry insight we bring to the table. Because we are not lending our own money and acting in a consultant capacity, we are able to align ourselves on your side of the table and deliver the best options for you and your funding needs. Additionally, in the majority of cases, our services are free to our clients. Our lender network compensates us for bringing them asset based loan opportunities.

If your business would benefit from an asset based loan or equipment loan, give us a call. My direct line is 714-719-8966.

To your success!

Huntington Coast Capital Secures $400,000 Equipment Loan For Southern California Manufacturer

Huntington Coast Capital Secures $400,000 Equipment Loan For Southern California Manufacturer

Huntington Beach, CA  A $400,000 asset based loan secured by equipment was obtained for a long time Huntington Coast Capital client. The company came back to Huntington Coast Capital for some additional equipment loan needs for their expanding business. The assembly line equipment will enable them to meet growing customer orders. The asset based loan secured exclusively by the equipment offered better terms than other equipment finance companies and even the equipment supplier’s terms!

The production manager said, the new equipment will allow us to deliver the additional orders being requested by our customer and enable us to deepen our relationship with them.

Asset based loans are a great way to leverage specific collateral for a loan. Equipment loans and factoring loans are great examples of this. In factoring loans, the asset being pledged is the accounts receivable of the company. Business owners in need of cash flow to sustain operations often turn to a factoring loan for the flexibility, speed and fewer restrictions involved in the loan agreements. When compared to traditional bank financing, asset based loans offer a more user-friendly experience and allow you to grow your business without the bank hassle.

Could your business benefit from an asset based loan? Are you looking for a less complicated lender experience? Through our network of lenders throughout the United States, we have most every business loan request covered. To learn more, give us a call 714-719-8966.

To your success!
Patrick

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

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.

Asset Based Loans In California In Demand!

Asset Based Loans In California In Demand!

Huntington Beach, CA: Business owners have been increasingly inquiring about asset based loans in California and nationwide. Frustrated with the banks, they come to us for answers. We have successfully secured loans for inventory purchases, equipment lease and purchase programs, purchase order financing, lines of credit, term loans and SBA loans to name a few. Is your bank making it difficult to get a loan to grow your business? Contact us and explore your options 714-719-8966 or at patrick@huntingtoncoastcapital.com. How far can your business go?

Patrick Zazueta - Huntington Coast Capital - Orange County CA 4 - Half DR