Equipment leasing is big business. Each year, over $100 billion worth of equipment is leased by American businesses. Leasing is "bigger than stocks, bigger than bonds, and bigger than commercial mortgages," according to Fortune Magazine. Over the past decade, the average volume of equipment leasing has increased six-fold! It is now the fastest growing mode of equipment finance.

So why should I lease?

1. SMART USE OF ASSETS. No business pays their employees in advance. Employees are paid as they contribute. It should be no different with a contributing asset, like business equipment. Leasing enables you to pay as you use.

2.LONGER TERMS. Many banks only lend money short term, usually 12 to 36 months. In lease arrangements, the term can be as long as 60 months. In some cases it can be even longer.

3.CONSERVATION OF CAPITAL . Because of the sizable cash outlay involved in purchasing new equipment, many businesses lease to conserve capital.

4.SIMPLER THAN BANK LOANS. Leasing programs and procedures are specifically designed to take the red tape out of financing.

5.LITTLE OR NO DOWN PAYMENT. Special programs reflect the financing needs of specific industries. Small up-front costs make leasing very attractive.

6.PURCHASE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. At the end of the lease you may purchase the equipment at an agreed upon option or simply return the equipment.

7.FIXED PAYMENT. Monthly payments on a lease are generally fixed for the entire term of the lease. This enables you to budget and manage equipment dollars for the months or even years ahead.

8.100% FINANCING. Traditional methods of financing usually do not include "soft" terms such as installation, service contracts and freight. A good lease transaction includes all of these, thereby allowing you to finance the total package.