When you start to look into new coffee grinders and accessories for your business, you may be faced with higher price tags than you expected. This might get you thinking about the best options when it comes to buying the your coffee grinder. Should you lease or rent the grinder, and spread the cost over the long term and save yourself the upfront fee, or should you purchase the grinder outright to save over the long term?
The answer depends on your own financial situation, business goals and priorities, but there’s other factors at play rather than just upfront vs spread out costs. This includes warranty, service packages, the question of ownership, flexibility, and resale concerns. So, in this article we’ll outline all the positive and negatives of renting vs buying vs leasing a coffee grinder, so you can make the decision for yourself. Many of the points listed in this article are also relevant to your coffee machine, and you can read that article here.
Renting a Coffee Grinder – What are the Pros and Cons?
Renting a coffee grinder is likely the most risk-free finance option for you and your business. You’ll pay a fixed fee over a longer period of time for use of the grinder, typically monthly payments over 3-5 years, and are covered by the wholesale supplier if anything goes wrong. The main downside is that you do not own the coffee grinder, you’re simply paying for the privilege of use.
Pros
- Low upfront cost
- Protected from any faults (it’s not yours if it goes wrong)
- Covered with repairs from the supplier, it’s their responsibility to maintain upkeep and performance
- Potential to swap to a different grinder if the initial model proved unsuitable
- Can upgrade the grinder immediately after the contract period, not tied in through ownership
Cons
- The coffee grinder is not yours. Like renting a car, you’re paying a premium to borrow someone else’s property that you’ll eventually give back.
- Tied into a contract, you’ll have to rent through that particular supplier typically for 3-5 years, full payment typically required on early exit.
- Total payments may be greater than the cost of the grinder.
Leasing a Coffee Grinder – Should you?
Leasing a coffee grinder works in a very similar way to renting, in that you’re paying for the grinder over a longer period of time rather than in one lump sum. Where leasing differs from renting, is that you typically own the grinder after the payment period contract ends. Or, at least, you get the option to own the grinder, sell it back or upgrade to a newer model.
Pros
- Option to own, upgrade or return the grinder at the end of the lease
- Spreads the cost of the coffee grinder over a long period of time.
- No large upfront payment affecting your cash flow.
- Lease payments can be offset against corporation tax claiming up to 19% back.
- Rates of borrowing are currently very competitive.
Cons
- Total payments will be greater for having the privilege of paying over time.
- Locks you into a long-term contract that typically requires a full payment on early-exit.
- You’ll be making payments towards a coffee grinder that is owned by another business.
Purchasing a Coffee Grinder Upfront – Pros and Cons
The most obvious way of purchasing a coffee grinder for your business is in one upfront payment. Here you’ll typically pay list price for the grinder, which is often cheaper than spreading the payments out over the long term, but the grinder becomes your full responsibility.
Pros
- The coffee grinder is yours.
- Paying upfront means you’ll save in the long-term with no interest payments.
- You’re investing in a positive commercial asset, not paying a supplying to rent theirs.
- VAT can be reclaimed as a business expense.
- No long-term commitments or contracts.
Cons
- Impact on cash flow with a large upfront cost.
- Value of the grinder will decrease over time, unlikely you’ll recoup the costs after resale.
- If the grinder is unsuitable, breaks down or you just want to sell it, it’s your responsibility to dispose of it.
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So, now the you know the pros and cons of renting, leasing and purchasing a coffee machine, let’s now put each method against each other.
Renting vs Buying a Coffee Grinder – Which is Best?
When deciding between renting and buying a coffee grinder for your business, it ultimately comes down to your unique circumstances and priorities. Renting offers a low upfront cost, protection from equipment faults, and flexibility in terms of upgrading or switching models, but you won’t own the grinder.
On the other hand, buying upfront grants you ownership, long-term savings, and the ability to reclaim VAT as a business expense, but it requires a substantial initial investment and comes with the responsibility of managing the grinder’s value over time. The choice depends on your financial situation, business goals, and how you weigh factors like ownership, cash flow, and long-term costs.
Buying vs Leasing a Coffee Grinder
Buying outright provides full ownership and long-term cost savings with no interest payments, while leasing allows for spreading the cost and potential tax benefits but entails higher total payments. Ownership, flexibility, and cash flow impact are key considerations.
Buying grants you complete control, but you must manage depreciation, whereas leasing offers flexibility and potential tax benefits but may lead to payments for equipment owned by another entity. Your specific business needs and financial situation should guide this decision.
Leasing vs Renting a Coffee Grinder
Both options involve spreading the cost over time, providing cash flow relief, and offering the potential to upgrade or return the equipment. Leasing, however, typically leads to ownership options at the end of the contract, potentially favourable tax benefits, and competitive borrowing rates.
Renting, on the other hand, provides a risk-free solution with no long-term ownership commitment and protection from equipment faults. The choice hinges on whether you prefer ultimate ownership or the flexibility to adapt your equipment as your business evolves.
