Investing in new printing equipment doesn't mean paying the full cost upfront. Printing equipment finance lets you spread the cost over manageable repayments, so you can upgrade sooner while protecting your cash flow.
A new digital press, wide format printer, or finishing machine can help you increase capacity and take on more work. The challenge is finding a way to invest without tying up cash your business needs elsewhere.
This guide compares the most common printing equipment finance options in Australia, so you can choose the one that best fits your business.
Quick Facts
- Finance terms: 1–7 years*
- Approval: Same day to 5 business days*
- Common options: Equipment loans, finance leases, operating leases, chattel mortgages, and Managed Print Services (MPS)
- Typical documents: Equipment quote, ABN details, and recent financial information
*Timeframes and terms vary depending on the lender and your business circumstances.
Choosing the right finance option isn't just about finding the lowest repayment. It's about choosing a solution that supports your business today and your plans for tomorrow.
What Is Printing Equipment Finance?
Printing equipment finance lets you purchase commercial printing equipment without paying the full purchase price upfront. Instead, you spread the cost over regular repayments while putting the equipment to work straight away.
If you're investing in equipment you'll use for years, financing can help you preserve working capital and upgrade sooner. Rather than waiting until you've saved enough to buy outright, you can invest now and let the equipment start generating value for your business.
The best finance option should fit your cash flow, ownership goals, and future plans. That's why it's worth comparing your options before making a decision. If you're specifically financing printing or signage equipment, explore our dedicated printing and signage equipment finance solutions.
Not Sure If Financing Is Right for You?
Every print business has different goals, equipment needs, and cash flow priorities.
Talk to the Ecolease team and we'll help you compare your options before you commit to a finance solution.
Talk to Ecolease →Why Finance Instead of Buying Your Equipment Outright?
Paying cash isn't always the smartest way to invest in new equipment. Financing lets you upgrade sooner while keeping more cash available for the day-to-day running of your business.
Think about a $95,000 wide format printer. Paying upfront could limit your ability to hire staff, buy materials, or take on larger jobs. Financing spreads the cost over time, allowing the equipment to start generating revenue while you repay it.
For many print businesses, protecting cash flow is just as important as investing in the right equipment. It's also one reason many businesses upgrade sooner instead of waiting until they've saved the full purchase price.
Benefits of Printing Equipment Finance
Preserve your cash flow. Keep more working capital available for payroll, stock, marketing, and operating expenses.
Reduce upfront costs. Upgrade your equipment without paying the full purchase price on day one.
Grow sooner. Invest when your business needs new equipment instead of waiting until you've saved enough.
Increase production capacity. Take on larger jobs, improve turnaround times, and reduce production bottlenecks.
Support tax planning. Depending on the finance option you choose, you may be eligible for tax benefits. Speak with your accountant about what applies to your business.
Buying Outright vs Printing Equipment Finance
| Buying Outright | Printing Equipment Finance |
|---|---|
| Large upfront payment | Spread repayments over time |
| Immediate ownership | Ownership depends on the finance option |
| Reduces available cash | Preserves working capital |
| May delay future upgrades | Upgrade equipment sooner |
| Full payment upfront | Equipment can generate revenue while you repay |
The right choice comes down to your priorities. If protecting cash flow and investing in growth matter more than paying upfront, financing may be the better long-term option.
Need Help Choosing the Right Finance Option?
Comparing finance products can be overwhelming, especially if you're weighing up ownership, repayments, and future upgrades.
The Ecolease team can help you compare finance options from multiple lenders and recommend a solution that fits your business and growth plans.
Book a Free Consultation →Compare Your Printing Equipment Finance Options
Every finance option has its place. The best choice depends on how long you'll keep the equipment, how often you upgrade, and whether ownership is important to you.
Use the comparison below to find the option that best matches the way you run your business. You can also explore our full range of finance options to understand how each solution works before deciding.
Equipment Loan (Chattel Mortgage)
Best for: Businesses planning to own their equipment long term
An equipment loan is one of the most common ways to finance commercial printing equipment. In Australia, these loans are typically structured as a chattel mortgage, meaning your business owns the equipment from day one while the lender holds a security interest until the loan is fully repaid.
This option is ideal for businesses that want to preserve cash flow while building long-term business assets.
Ideal if you:
- Run a commercial print shop
- Plan to keep the equipment for many years
- Want immediate ownership
- Prefer predictable repayments
Key benefits
- Immediate ownership
- Fixed or predictable repayments
- Preserve working capital
- Potential tax benefits*
- Own the asset outright once repaid
*Speak with your accountant about the tax implications for your business.
Finance Lease
Best for: Flexibility with future ownership options
A finance lease gives you access to new equipment through regular repayments. At the end of the agreement you settle the residual value set out in your contract, either by paying it out, refinancing it, or trading the equipment in and upgrading.
Ideal if you:
- Are growing your business
- Need high-value production equipment
- Want lower upfront costs
Key benefits
- Flexible end-of-term options
- Predictable repayments
- Preserves cash flow
Operating Lease
Best for: Regular equipment upgrades
An operating lease lets you use the equipment for an agreed period before returning or replacing it. It's a practical choice if keeping up with new technology is more important than ownership.
Ideal if you:
- Run a signage business
- Upgrade equipment regularly
- Prefer predictable monthly costs
Key benefits
- Lower upfront commitment
- Easier technology upgrades
- Predictable operating costs
Managed Print Services (MPS)
Best for: An all-in-one print solution
Managed Print Services combines your equipment, servicing, maintenance, and consumables into one monthly payment. Unlike the options above, MPS is arranged through print vendors rather than lenders, so it sits outside standard equipment finance.
Ideal if you:
- Operate multiple sites
- Have high print volumes
- Want simpler print management
Key benefits
- One monthly payment
- Maintenance often included
- Easier budgeting
Which Printing Equipment Finance Option Is Right for You?
The best finance option depends on how you use your equipment, how often you upgrade, and your plans for the future. The guide below will help you narrow your options based on the type of print business you run.
If you're still unsure, the Ecolease team can help you compare finance options and choose a solution that fits your business.
Commercial Print Shops
If you're investing in equipment you expect to use for many years, ownership usually delivers the best long-term value.
Common equipment includes:
- Offset printing presses
- Digital production presses
- High-speed finishing equipment
- Folding and binding machinery
Best fit: Equipment Loan, Chattel Mortgage. These options help you build business assets while spreading the cost over manageable repayments.
Signage Businesses
Keeping up with technology can give you a competitive advantage. Newer wide format printers can improve turnaround times, print quality, and production efficiency, making regular upgrades an important consideration.
Common equipment includes:
- Wide format printers
- CNC routers
- Laminators
- Vinyl cutters
- Flatbed printers
Best fit: Operating Lease, Finance Lease. These options offer greater flexibility if you expect to upgrade your equipment regularly.
Packaging & Label Printing
Packaging and label production often relies on specialised equipment built for long-term use. If you're planning to keep your equipment for years, ownership-focused finance may be the better choice.
Common equipment includes:
- Label printers
- Packaging machinery
- Inspection systems
- Finishing equipment
Best fit: Equipment Loan, Chattel Mortgage.
Growing Print Businesses
Growing your business often means increasing production without putting pressure on your cash flow.
Financing lets you invest in new equipment sooner, so it can start generating revenue while you spread the cost over time.
Best fit: Finance Lease, Equipment Loan, Operating Lease. The right option depends on whether ownership, flexibility, or cash flow is your highest priority.
Replacing Older Equipment
Older machinery can slow production, increase maintenance costs, and limit your ability to take on new work.
Upgrading before equipment becomes a bottleneck can improve productivity and reduce unexpected downtime.
Best fit: Equipment Loan, Chattel Mortgage.
Quick Decision Guide
Still deciding? Use this table as a starting point.
| Your priority | A good place to start |
|---|---|
| Own the equipment immediately | Chattel Mortgage |
| Own it over time | Equipment Loan or Chattel Mortgage |
| Upgrade regularly | Operating Lease |
| Keep your options open | Finance Lease |
| Bundle equipment and servicing | Managed Print Services |
| Preserve cash flow | Finance Lease or Operating Lease |
The best option also depends on your trading history, equipment value, cash flow, and future plans. If you'd like a second opinion, Ecolease can compare finance options from multiple lenders and help you choose the solution that best fits your business.
Ready to Compare Your Options?
Every print business has different goals, equipment, and growth plans.
Whether you're replacing an ageing wide format printer or investing in a new production press, we'll help you compare finance options and find the right fit for your business.
Book a Free Consultation →How Printing Equipment Finance Works
Getting printing equipment finance is usually quicker than most businesses expect. Once you've chosen your equipment, the process typically involves five simple steps.
1. Choose Your Equipment
Select the equipment you need and request a supplier quote.
2. Compare Your Finance Options
Decide what's most important to you, whether that's ownership, flexibility, or preserving cash flow. Want an estimate before you apply? Use our equipment finance calculator to explore potential repayments.
3. Submit Your Application
Provide your equipment quote, ABN details, and any financial information required by the lender. Having these documents ready can help speed up the process.
4. Receive Approval
Many applications receive a decision within the same day to five business days, although more complex applications may take longer.
5. Put Your Equipment to Work
Once your finance is approved, your supplier can arrange delivery and installation so you can start putting your new equipment to work.
Need a hand? Ecolease will help you compare lenders, prepare your application, and guide you through the process from enquiry to settlement.
What Affects Your Approval and Repayments?
No two finance applications are the same. The finance options available to you depend on your business, the equipment you're purchasing, and the lender's assessment criteria.
Here's what lenders typically consider:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Business trading history | Demonstrates your trading track record |
| Credit profile | Can influence available finance options |
| Equipment value | Affects the finance amount |
| Equipment age | Newer assets may have more finance options |
| Loan term | Influences your repayments |
| Deposit | May reduce the amount you need to finance |
| Financial documents | Help lenders assess your application |
As a guide, most Australian equipment finance agreements run between one and seven years. Decision times vary by lender and application. Straightforward applications with complete documentation can move quickly, while larger or more complex deals take longer.
Why Choose Ecolease?
Finding the right finance option is important. Finding the right finance partner can make the process much easier.
Ecolease has been arranging equipment finance for Australian businesses since 2009 and works with a panel of more than 30 lenders. We take the time to understand your business before recommending a finance solution. Rather than sending you to a single lender, we'll compare suitable options and explain the differences, so you can make a confident decision.
Whether you're upgrading one machine or investing in a complete production line, we're here to help every step of the way. See how other Australian businesses have partnered with Ecolease to finance their equipment.
Why businesses choose Ecolease
We compare multiple lenders
You don't need to spend hours comparing finance products yourself. We'll do the research, explain your options, and help you find a solution that suits your business.
We recommend what's right for your business
Every print business is different. Your cash flow, equipment, and growth plans all influence which finance option makes the most sense. We'll help you choose a solution that fits your goals, not a one-size-fits-all product.
We make the process simple
From your first enquiry to settlement, we'll guide you through each step and help keep your application moving.
We're here as your business grows
Your finance needs don't stop after one purchase. Whether you're adding new equipment, replacing ageing machinery, or planning your next upgrade, we'll continue to support your business as it grows.
Ecolease is a finance broker. We are paid a commission by the lender when a finance agreement settles, at no additional cost to you. We will always tell you which lenders we have approached and why we are recommending a particular option.
Looking to finance sustainably? Ecolease also supports businesses looking to invest in equipment that aligns with their environmental goals through its Green Finance initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about printing equipment finance.
Can I finance used printing equipment?
Yes. Many lenders finance both new and used printing equipment, provided it meets their lending criteria. They'll typically consider the equipment's age, condition, expected lifespan, and resale value.
Can startups apply for printing equipment finance?
Sometimes. Most equipment finance lenders want to see at least 12 months of ABN registration and trading history. Newer businesses can still get approved, though lenders may ask for a director guarantee, property backing, or a deposit to offset the shorter track record. Your industry experience and financial position will also be considered.
Is a deposit required?
Not always. Many finance solutions are available without a deposit. In some cases, contributing one may reduce the amount you need to finance and lower your repayments.
Is printing equipment tax deductible?
It can be. Depending on your finance structure, you may be able to claim deductions for depreciation, interest, or other eligible expenses. Speak with your accountant or refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for advice specific to your circumstances.
How long does approval take?
Decision times vary by lender and application. Straightforward applications with complete documentation can move quickly, while larger or more complex deals take longer.
Can I refinance my existing equipment?
Yes. Refinancing may help improve cash flow, consolidate repayments, or fund future equipment purchases. The right approach depends on your existing finance agreement and your business goals.
Let's Find the Right Finance Solution for Your Business
The right equipment can help you increase capacity, improve efficiency, and take on more work. The right finance solution helps you invest with confidence while protecting your cash flow.
At Ecolease, we'll compare finance options from multiple lenders, explain your choices clearly, and help you find a solution that supports your business today and as it grows.
Book a free consultation with the Ecolease team and let's find the right printing equipment finance solution for your business.
