What finance types are available for used printing equipment?

Common options include Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, and Asset Refinance. Unsecured business loans may be considered if the asset itself is not eligible.

Are there age or hours limits on funded assets?

Limits vary by lender and asset class. Newer, well-maintained machines with clear service records are generally easier to fund. Engineer reports and refurbishment documentation help.

Can I finance equipment from a private seller?

Often yes, but additional checks such as valuations, proof of ownership, and inspections may be required. Purchases from recognised dealers or refurbishers typically move faster.

Do I need a deposit for used printing equipment finance?

Deposit requirements vary by risk and product, commonly ranging from 0% to 20%. Your indicative offer will outline the deposit, fees, and any VAT deferral options on Hire Purchase.

How long does the process take?

Timeframes vary. Straightforward cases can progress quickly once documents and asset checks are complete. Private sales or complex assets may take longer due to inspections.

Can I apply if I have adverse credit?

Possibly. Lenders may still consider applications with adverse credit, although terms could differ and deposits may be higher. Provide full context and documentation.

What documents will I need to apply?

Expect to share a supplier quote or invoice, business bank statements, accounts or management accounts, director ID and address verification, and proof of insurance and VAT status. Asset details (serials, service history, engineer report) are often required for used equipment.

Do you fund used or refurbished printing equipment?

Q: Do you fund used or refurbished printing equipment?

Yes. Many lenders in our UK network consider used and refurbished printing and finishing assets, subject to status, asset condition, and provenance. We introduce you to suitable providers; we do not lend directly.

Q: Can installation, software, and training be included in the finance?

In many cases, yes—when itemised on the supplier invoice. Acceptance depends on lender policy, the asset, and the deal structure.

Q: Do you support start-ups or sole traders?

No. We currently support established UK limited companies and LLPs only—not start-ups, sole traders, franchises, or property finance.

The short answer, what’s fundable, and how we help

Yes—used and refurbished printing equipment can often be financed by lenders in our UK network, subject to status, asset condition, and provenance. Best Business Loans does not lend directly; we introduce established UK businesses to suitable lenders and brokers who consider pre-owned presses and finishing kit. Funding options typically include hire purchase, finance lease, and asset refinance.

Most mainstream and specialist providers will assess the asset’s age, hours, maintenance history, and resale value. They will also look at your business profile, trading history, and affordability. If the equipment and your application meet criteria, funding timelines can be quick once documents and checks are complete.

Types of equipment that are commonly eligible include digital production presses, litho presses, wide-format and flatbed printers, label and packaging presses, CTP systems, guillotines, folders, binders, laminators, die-cutters, and associated finishing and workflow hardware. Software licences, RIPs, installation, and training can sometimes be bundled into the facility.

Finance routes often used for used/refurbished printing kit

Hire Purchase (HP): Own the asset at term end, with options such as VAT deferral and structured deposits.
Finance Lease: Rent with potential lower monthly cost; return, extend, or upgrade at end of term per agreement.
Asset Refinance: Release equity from equipment you already own to fund new purchases or working capital.
Unsecured Business Loans: Possible alternative if the asset itself isn’t eligible or timing is tight.

Rates and terms vary by asset, age, resale profile, and your credit risk. Typical terms for used print assets range from 12 to 72 months, with deposits commonly from 0% to 20%, depending on lender appetite and your position. All finance is subject to approval and may require personal guarantees.

Important notice

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We don’t offer loans directly or provide financial advice. We currently support established UK limited companies and LLPs only—not start-ups, sole traders, franchises, or property lending. All funding is subject to status, affordability, and lender criteria. No offer is made on this page.

Eligibility—what lenders look for with used and refurbished assets

For used and refurbished printing equipment, lenders assess three pillars: the asset, the vendor and provenance, and your business profile. A robust paper trail, realistic valuation, and clear exit value are key in asset finance decisions. Lenders will seek a fair alignment between the asset’s useful life and the term of the facility.

Asset criteria that commonly apply

Age and use: Some lenders prefer assets under a certain age, or with documented service hours and maintenance.
Condition and service history: Engineer reports, servicing records, and refurbishment details help demonstrate reliability.
Serial numbers and compliance: Clear identification, CE/UKCA compliance, and safety documents are important.
Residual value: The kit should have a sensible resale profile at term end to support risk and pricing.
Inspection: For higher-value items, a third-party or vendor inspection may be required before payout.

Vendor and provenance

Recognised dealers and refurbishers: Many lenders prefer accredited vendors who can provide warranties and documentation.
Private seller purchases: These can be fundable, but may require extra checks, valuations, and more caution on condition.
Proof of ownership: Clear title, no existing charges, and verified ownership are needed to proceed.

Your business profile

Trading history: Lenders often prefer companies with at least 12–24 months’ trading; start-ups are not supported here.
Affordability: Recent bank statements, accounts, and management information help evidence repayment capacity.
Credit profile: Directors’ credit, any CCJs, and existing commitments influence offers, terms, and deposit levels.
Sector track record: Experience in print, signage, or packaging strengthens the case for used asset funding.

Indicative documents you may be asked for

Supplier quote or pro forma invoice with asset details, serials, and refurbishment scope
Business bank statements (usually 3–6 months) and latest filed accounts or management accounts
Director ID, address verification, and details of any existing asset finance
Proof of insurance, VAT status, and delivery/installation plan

Meeting these expectations doesn’t guarantee approval, but it makes the process smoother and faster. Our role is to route your enquiry to providers who actively lend in your niche and are comfortable with pre-owned printing kit.

How the process works—steps, timelines, and supplier options

The goal is to give you a quick, clear path from enquiry to decision in principle, then to documentation and payout. While each case varies, most used equipment deals follow a predictable set of steps. Being prepared with documents and supplier details can shorten timelines.

Step-by-step journey

1) Quick Quote: Share your company, asset, and budget details. This is free and without obligation.
2) Matching: Our AI routes your case to suitable lenders or brokers in our network for a soft check and feedback.
3) Conditional terms: You may receive an indicative approval subject to asset checks, underwriting, and documents.
4) Asset verification: Lenders verify the supplier, inspect details, and confirm valuation and residuals.
5) Final approval and documents: Sign finance documents, arrange insurance, and confirm delivery dates.
6) Delivery and payout: The lender pays the supplier on delivery/installation per the agreement, and your repayments begin.

Buying from a dealer vs private seller

Dealer or refurbisher: Often faster; warranties and refurb standards reduce lender risk. Documentation is usually thorough.
Private seller: Possible, but expect added diligence, engineer reports, and a clearer valuation trail.

Bundling extras into the deal

Installation, training, calibration, and RIP/software licences may be included when listed on the supplier invoice.
Delivery, removal of old kit, and extended warranties can sometimes be wrapped into the finance, subject to lender policy.
Many lenders offer VAT deferral options on HP, though availability varies—ask at quote stage for clarity.

For more sector-specific insight, see our guide to printing business loans and finance options. You’ll find practical context on cash flow, seasonal demand, and funding choices across print, signage, and packaging.

Use cases, costs, and alternatives if the asset isn’t eligible

Every print business has different goals—adding capacity, reducing downtime, improving margins, or entering new work types. Used or refurbished kit can reduce upfront costs and shorten ROI cycles when compared to buying new. Below are common scenarios we see in the market.

Practical scenarios

Digital press upgrade: A B2B printer replaces an ageing toner press with a refurbished production unit and includes a service plan and RIP in HP funding.
Wide-format expansion: A signage firm adds a used flatbed to unlock rigid media jobs, funded via a finance lease with a lower initial outlay.
Finishing line efficiency: A packaging business acquires a used folder-gluer and guillotine; the two assets are financed together under one agreement.
Equity release: A company refinances an owned litho press to raise capital for recruitment and workflow software investment.

Costs and terms—what to expect

Deposits: From 0% to 20% are common, influenced by asset age, strength of business, and credit profile.
Terms: Typically 12–72 months for used print kit; longer may be possible for higher-quality assets with strong residuals.
Pricing: Rates vary; lenders price for asset risk, credit, and deal structure. A decision in principle will outline indicative costs.
Fees: Some deals include documentation or option-to-purchase fees—these are disclosed by the provider before you decide.

If the asset can’t be funded

Unsecured business loan: Useful if the asset is too old or lacks clear provenance, subject to credit and affordability.
Invoice finance: Unlock cash from receivables to pay for equipment outright or to bolster working capital.
Refinance different assets: Release equity from vehicles or other machinery you already own.

Refurbished equipment also supports sustainability goals by extending the life of high-embodied-energy machinery. Several lenders view quality refurb routes positively when documentation and warranties are robust.

FAQs, next steps, and compliance information

Below are concise answers to the most common questions we receive about funding used and refurbished printing equipment. These answers are general; your exact terms will depend on your circumstances and the lender’s criteria. Always review the provider’s documentation before proceeding.

Can you fund used or refurbished printing equipment?

Yes—many lenders in our network consider pre-owned printing and finishing assets. Approval depends on the asset, your business profile, and documentation. We introduce you to suitable providers; we do not lend directly.

What types of finance are available?

Hire purchase, finance lease, and asset refinance are the most common. Unsecured loans may be possible if the asset itself isn’t eligible. Your matched provider will explain structures, fees, and end-of-term options.

Are there age or hours limits?

Lenders set their own limits based on asset class and residual value. Newer and well-maintained machines are easier to fund. Engineer reports and service records can help older assets meet criteria.

Can I buy from a private seller?

Often yes, but expect extra checks, valuations, and clear proof of ownership. Buying via a recognised dealer or refurbisher usually speeds things up. Warranties and refurbishment documentation add confidence.

Do I need a deposit?

Deposits vary from 0% to 20% or more depending on risk and structure. Your indicative offer will explain any deposit and fees. VAT deferral may be available on HP, where applicable.

Can I include installation, software, and training?

These can sometimes be bundled when itemised on the supplier invoice. Acceptance depends on lender policy and deal structure. Ask at quote stage to ensure clarity.

How fast can funding be arranged?

Simple deals can progress quickly once documents are in and asset checks are complete. Complex assets or private sales may add time for inspections. Early document readiness helps shorten timelines.

Do you support start-ups or sole traders?

No—our platform currently supports established UK limited companies and LLPs only. We do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, or property finance. This helps us focus on sectors and profiles lenders are actively funding.

What if I have some adverse credit?

It may still be possible, although terms could be different and deposits higher. Provide full context and supporting documents to strengthen your case. Your matched provider will discuss viable options.

Ready to check eligibility?

Submit a free Quick Quote in minutes.
Get matched with suitable providers for used/refurbished print kit.
Receive indicative terms and next steps—no obligation to proceed.

Transparency and compliance

We aim to ensure our information is clear, fair, and not misleading. Best Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and does not provide financial advice. All finance is subject to status, affordability, and lender criteria; terms and availability can change.

Updated: October 2025