← Commercial Finance Answers

Deposits, VAT & purchase costs

Which fees should I ask about before signing asset finance?

Ask for all charges and when they are payable, including any arrangement, documentation, purchase-option, administration and settlement-related amounts.

The practical answer

Ask for all charges and when they are payable, including any arrangement, documentation, purchase-option, administration and settlement-related amounts.

Not every agreement has every fee, so use the written quote and contract rather than a generic list. Confirm whether figures include VAT where applicable and whether charges are paid upfront or added to borrowing.

Compare total payable alongside regular instalments and any final payment. A lower monthly figure can be offset by a larger initial outlay or contractual charges.

Important

Commercial finance is subject to status, lender approval and the specific asset and transaction. The right structure depends on the complete circumstances of the business.

What should I do next?

Have the asset details, supplier information and an outline of what the business needs ready. DCF can then discuss the requirement and identify which lenders may be suitable.

Read: VAT on asset finance →