
Frequently Asked Questions
Financing equipment doesn’t have to be confusing. We’ve answered the most common questions our clients ask — from credit concerns to leasing options and auction approvals. This page is your shortcut to faster, more confident decisions.
Contact usEverything You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is equipment financing?
Equipment financing is a business-friendly way to get the tools, machinery, or vehicles you need without paying the full cost upfront.Instead, you spread the cost over time through fixed monthly payments. At the end of the term, you either own the equipment (if you financed it) or return or buy it (if you leased it).
How does equipment leasing work?
Leasing allows you to use the equipment while making lower monthly payments compared to buying. At the end of the lease, you can often buy the equipment for $1, return it, or upgrade. Leasing is ideal if you want to preserve cash flow, use equipment short-term, or stay up to date with newer models.
Can I qualify with bad credit or no business credit?
Yes. We work with many small business owners who have low or no business credit. Instead of relying on one score, we review the full picture: time in business, income, equipment type, and your growth plans. Many applicants get approved within 24 hours — even with credit challenges.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
No. Our application uses a soft credit check, so your score stays intact. We only run a hard inquiry if you accept an offer and move forward. That means you can explore your options without risk.
How fast can I get funded?
You can get pre-approved in as little as one business day, and funding can follow within 24–48 hours depending on the equipment and documents. For auctions or urgent needs, we can move even faster.
Do you finance used or auction equipment?
Absolutely. We finance used, pre-owned, refurbished, and even auction-purchased equipment. Whether it’s from a private seller or public listing, we’ve built our process to support fast-moving deals.
What documents do I need to apply?
Usually just the basics
- Business info (name, EIN, contact)Equipment details (price or auction link)
- Personal ID
- Optional: revenue proof or bank statements (case-by-case)
We keep it simple and skip the bank-style red tape.
Is there a down payment required?
Not always. Many deals qualify for no-money-down financing or flexible payment deferrals. Your approval terms will depend on the equipment, credit profile, and repayment length.
What types of equipment do you finance?
We finance a wide range of business-critical gear, including:
- Construction machinery
- Commercial trucks & trailers
- Medical & dental equipment
- Restaurant & foodservice gear
- Agriculture & farming machinery
- And more
If it helps you generate income, we can likely finance it
Can I get financing as a startup?
Yes. We have financing programs built for new businesses. Startups with limited history can still qualify, especially if you have solid equipment, a growth plan, and clean credit — or a co-signer.
Do you offer Section 179 tax benefits?
Yes. If you choose to buy (not lease), you may be able to deduct the full cost of the equipment in the same year using Section 179. Ask your tax advisor or read our guide on Section 179 for more.
Should I lease or buy?
It depends on how long you plan to use the equipment and your cash flow goals.
- Lease if you want flexibility and lower payments
- Buy if you want ownership and tax deductions
Try our Lease vs Buy Calculator to see which fits best.
Can I get pre-approved before an auction?
Yes. In fact, we recommend it. Pre-approval ensures you know your budget and can bid with confidence. It’s especially useful for time-sensitive purchases.
Is Smart Business Credit a direct lender?
We’re not a direct lender—we’re an independent equipment finance broker. That means we work with a network of top-tier lenders & investors to secure the best terms and approvals for your unique situation.
Instead of being tied to one source of funding, we shop multiple lenders on your behalf, giving you more flexibility, faster answers, and better chances of approval.
What makes Smart Business Credit different?
We specialize in helping real business owners — not perfect applicants. We move fast, we fund used and auction gear, and we give you honest answers without burying you in paperwork. If you’re looking for speed, flexibility, and real-world service, you’re in the right place.