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I'm starting out and need to set up my business with the right equipment. Where do I begin?

We know hospitality. Our team is here to give you explore the financing options available through SilverChef and connect you with hundreds of equipment dealers nationwide to help you find the equipment you need.  

How quickly can I get funding for my business?

Our application process is quick, easy, and can be done online. How easy? Get approved for up to $65,000 of funding in less than five minutes.

I'm starting a new business and not sure how well it will do over the next 12 months. Is there an option for me?

Rent-Try-Buy is a 12-month agreement with flexible options. This lets you avoid the uncertainty of a multi-year finance contract for equipment you may eventually not want or need.

I don't own any assets or have collateral. Can I still apply?

While many lenders require a minimum trading history of 12 months, SilverChef offers support to hospitality veterans and newcomers alike. Our approval rate is over 96%, and for funding up to $65,000, simply provide relevant personal and business details, including the intended business and equipment location.

I need new equipment but have a lot of running expenses and am not sure if I can afford it.

When you're on a budget, SilverChef's manageable, weekly rental payments are the way to go. You can then free up important cash flow to invest in other parts of your expanding business.

My business is growing and I need to expand.

By financing your equipment with SilverChef, you'll have easy, ongoing access to funding, freeing up important cash flow to invest in other parts of your growing business.  

How could Rent-Try-Buy affect my borrowing capacity?

Equipment rental payments are ‘off balance sheet'. This means Rent-Try-Buy contracts do not need to be recorded on your balance sheet as they are treated as an expense on your profit and loss statement.

This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek independent professional advice from a financial and legal adviser.

Why would I finance when I can use my cash or credit card?

Paying for equipment outright upfront results in cash that is no longer available for use elsewhere in your business.

SilverChef's finance solutions get you the equipment you want while still allowing you to have cash on hand for other expenses, like wages, stock, rent and other operating costs.

What's the benefit of doing weekly payments when I have the cash to pay for it now?

Low upfront costs and manageable weekly payments put you in control of your cash flow, making your outgoings easier to manage.

No more $10k, $20k or $30k upfront purchases and confusing long term plans - just manageable, regular repayments that allow you to easily calculate what you'll need to sell each week to cover the equipment rental cost.

I'm not keen on having ongoing overhead. What are my options?

Not only does our industry leading Rent-Try-Buy option have a short 12-month finance term, you can also make an offer to purchase your rental equipment at any time, or return it at the end of the term if it doesn't suit your current business needs.

What happens if I decide to buy my equipment after 12 months?

If you are happy with the rental equipment, you can make us an offer to purchase it at any time and receive a generous rebate on the rent you've already paid. In the first 12 months, 50% of your first year's rental payments go towards reducing the equipment's purchase price.

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I need equipment fast. How long does approval take and how much can I get?

You can get instant approval for up to $65,000 in under five minutes. Simply go to www.silverchef.co.nz/apply and fill in the form at any time, from any device. If you'd prefer to apply in person, you can also visit one of our hundreds of equipment-dealer showrooms nationwide and be approved while you shop.

I'm still shopping around for equipment; can I get finance pre-approved?

You can apply for finance at any time. Once you are approved, you can access your new funds at any time and shop with peace of mind.

Your finance amount is available to you for 90 days from the date of approval, without the need to supply any further information  You can spend part or all of your approved finance amount at any time during this 90 day period, meaning, if you need to order more equipment during this period and you still have available funds, you can easily do so without reapplying.

I need equipment that totals more than $65,000.

While our instant approval is $65,000, we can approve customers for more. This may require some additional supporting information.

I'm worried about my equipment breaking down during a busy period. What can I do to minimise the chance of that happening?

Equipment can break down. That's just part of hospitality.

When you get started with SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy, you can easily upgrade your equipment which activates a new warranty period, when the warranty for your existing equipmenthas expired. This way, you have peace of mind that you're minimising the risk of unwanted downtime due to equipment maintenance and lost income.  

I've purchased a two-group coffee machine but sales are going through the roof and I need a bigger machine.

With SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy, you have the flexibility to upgrade to a three-group machine at any time - no questions asked. Working with your preferred dealer, we'll arrange for the exchange and delivery. 

I've purchased a small blender for smoothies but it's noisy and can't cope with the demand. Can I upgrade it?

With SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy, you have the flexibility to upgrade to a blender with a more powerful motor, noise-cancelling cover, and extra jugs.   

I purchased a gas oven with a six-burner range but my gas supply isn't strong enough to cook food properly. Unfortunately, the supplier won't take it back because it's been used. Would this be a problem using SilverChef?

Nope - no problem at all.

Protect yourself from the unexpected with SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy. If a piece of equipment isn't working for you, just get in touch and upgrade to one that will.

For a situation like this, you could easily upgrade to a similar sized oven with a gas cooktop and an electric oven.

I don't have time to compare the cost of finance over cash and what the options look like. Is there any easy way to figure out what my financing will look like?

The SilverChef online calculator is easy to use and provides a breakdown of your weekly payments and the eventual cost of ownership if you decide to purchase later down the road.

For a detailed view, visit silverchef.co.nz/pages/equipment-rental-calculator 

FAQ

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I don't need finance, I have cash and a credit card.

Paying for your hospitality equipment upfront can put pressure on your business' cash flow.  

Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now via manageable weekly payments.

Forget about those initial money worries and start generating income from your new equipment without stressing about the large outlay upfront or waiting to recoup your sunk costs.

And remember, all of this means you can use your available cash to pay for expenses that aren't financed, such as staff wages, rent, stock and utilities. It's that easy.

Isn't it cheaper to buy the equipment outright?

The cost of financing equipment through Rent-Try-Buy can be as little as 14.25% once you've included your tax deductions. That's a small price to pay for flexibility and peace of mind - both of which you won't find with cash, credit card, or any other financier.

This flexibility includes the option to upgrade or buy the equipment at any time - or, if it's not what you're looking for - return it after 12 months.

This is a huge plus if you're just starting out, expanding or changing direction, and aren't certain about the equipment you need. 

Finance is too expensive - only people who don't have cash use it

Finance can be expensive - but it doesn't have to be.

Even successful operators with multiple venues use finance.

Why?

Because they understand cash flow, and the vital role it plays in business growth, expansion and protection against the unexpected.

SilverChef's diverse selection of finance solutions are structured to help you maximise tax benefits, give you access to ongoing funding, and provide enough flexibility to help your business pivot when the time comes. 

What about interest? Shouldn't that make cash cheaper?

There are several reasons why finance is superior to cash:

1. While cash payments are interest-free, they can put pressure on your cash flow — one of the most critical success factors for small businesses. 
2. Cash limits what you can purchase at any given time. Less cash on hand means less equipment at a generally lower quality. Financing gives you more money to spend, allowing you to buy exactly what you need, right now— no need  to settle for second-best.
3. When you pay cash, there's usually no going back. If the equipment isn't the right fit, or your business outgrows the equipment, your only solution is to sell it (most likely at a significant loss) before buying another machine, further draining your cash reserves.
4. If for some reason you have to close your doors for good, you'll need to sell the equipment or leave it in the building. And of course, abandoning equipment is money that'll never be recovered.
5. With Rent-Try-Buy, you're not shackled to the equipment, which you can upgrade at any time. If things don't work out, simply return your equipment after 12 months without having to pay the full purchase price. 

It's cheaper to use a credit card and I get points

Small business credit cards typically charge a high interest rate (18 - 30%). That interest can add up quickly if your card activity is not repaid on time and in full each month. And let's not forget about all the fees and annual costs associated with having a card.

You can easily end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest charges and fees, adding on unwanted time and money to your repayment schedule.

In addition, merchants (e.g. hospitality-equipment dealers) sometimes apply a surcharge when you pay with a credit card, typically 0.5-2% of the total transaction cost.

So, while it may seem cheaper to use a credit card, these hidden costs and a lack of flexibility mean you could end up paying much more in the long run.

Can I get tax benefits if I use SilverChef?

With Rent-Try-Buy, your rental payments are 100% tax-deductible. 

With Lease-to-Keep, you can claim the interest component of your payments, as well as the equipment's depreciation , and claim all of the GST input tax credits upfront.

What are the tax implications for Rent-Try-Buy?

With Rent-Try-Buy (RTB), your rental payments are 100% tax deductible. 

At purchase you may be able to start claiming the depreciation on the purchase amount over the remaining useful life of the asset.

What are the tax implications for Lease-to-Keep?

With Lease-to-Keep (LTK), you may be eligible for tax benefits including asset depreciation, deductions for interest paid, and upfront claim for GST input tax credits:

1. Asset depreciation: you may be able to claim depreciation on the cost of funded assets against income on your income tax return. 
2. Interest Tax Deduction: you may be able to claim the interest portion of the monthly payments in your annual income tax return across the life of the lease.
3. Upfront GST Input Tax Credits: you may be eligible to immediately claim a credit on your next GST return upfront for all of the GST payments to be made across the life of your LTK contract.

Am I eligible for federal government rebate programs?

This is dependent on the rebate program. We recommend seeking financial advice. 

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I'm looking to renovate my venue and need new equipment and furnishings

SilverChef can quickly tailor a solution to fund part or all of your renovation and fit out.

There's a new menu trend that I'd like to offer

Offering new menu items can be risky, especially when it requires further investment.

If you're unsure about the equipment you need, and want to try it before you put up the cash, Rent–Try–Buy® is the ultimate solution.

You can try the equipment for 12 months with the option to return the Equipment at the end of the 12 month term, giving you the peace of mind if things don’t work out.

I recently bought a lot of equipment and now I'm struggling with cash flow. What should I do?

With SilverChef's Buy Back financing option, we'll purchase your equipment and rent it back to you for manageable weekly payments. This can give you an injection of cash back into your business without losing your essential equipment.

I much prefer to own than rent

Rent–Try–Buy allows you to try the equipment before making a commitment. If you decide the equipment's perfect for your needs, you can make us an offer to purchase it at any time.

I'm worried about losing all the money I've already paid in rent if I decide to buy later

With SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy, we'll give you a 50% rebate on your rental payments made during the first 12 months towards the purchase price – a great value feature you won't find anywhere else in New Zealand.

What are my options after 12 months on Rent-Try-Buy?

There are several options to meet your needs, all offering unrivalled financing flexibility.

You can:

1. Continue renting at a discount
2. Purchase the equipment with a 50% rebate on your first-year rental payments
3. Upgrade and keep that valuable manufacturer's warranty active
4. Return the equipment or assign it to a new owner if you sell your business  

I'd like to keep my options open at the end of 12 months, can I continue to rent?

You can absolutely continue to rent and enjoy the flexibility of Rent-Try-Buy. And to reward your loyalty, SilverChef will give you a 25% discount on your weekly rental payments for a new 12 month agreement.

I've sold my business, what happens to my Rent-Try-Buy agreement?

If you sell your business while renting equipment from SilverChef, you can assign the rental agreement to the new business owner. The new owner can then continue to use the equipment for the remainder of the agreement and is entitled to all the same mid- and end-of-term options (buy, return, rent).

I need to return the equipment, what do I need to do?

If your circumstances have changed or the equipment no longer suits your needs, you can return it to us when your 12-month rental agreement expires.

Just give us four weeks' notice and we'll refund your security bond, minus any additional transport, cleaning and any servicing costs that may apply.  

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What type of equipment can I finance with SilverChef?

We finance virtually any type of commercial kitchen equipment - including the world's leading brands - from hundreds of dealers nationwide. When you have SilverChef funding, you'll never compromise - you'll always find the right equipment for your business. 

How does SilverChef help me find equipment?

We love to help, so when you need assistance sourcing your equipment from a dealer, we'll provide recommendations that fit your needs and location.

What other than commercial equipment can be funded?

Depending on your requirements, we can potentially fund your hospitality items. Simply get in touch with one of our friendly team members and we can review this upon your application.

Why is brand important when choosing commercial kitchen equipment?

The best quality equipment can help boost your business' efficiency and productivity, improve the standard of your food and beverages, save you time, and reduce energy costs. Over longer periods, premium quality equipment is generally more durable, giving you more time between replacements and upgrades

I'm buying new equipment but have existing equipment I don't need. Do you offer Trade-in?

If you finance your new equipment through a 12-month Rent-Try-Buy agreement and one of our friendly team members has conducted an assessment on your existing equipment, you could be eligible for a cash reimbursement on your old equipment.

Do you offer refurbished equipment?

SilverChef offers the largest range of pre-loved equipment in New Zealand. Our range of 'Certified Used' can be rented or purchased from our friendly team at SilverChef, or one of our dealer partners. This equipment is largely ex-rental, less than two years old, and comes from businesses just like yours.

It's been stripped, cleaned, serviced, and tested - and it's backed by a three-month warranty, giving you a safe and secure way of buying used. 

What does Certified Used mean?

Our high-quality used equipment has been stripped, deep cleaned, serviced and rigorously tested. Using only genuine manufacturer parts during this process, we're so confident in its quality and reliability, all 'Certified Used' equipment comes with a three-month warranty. 

How old is your Certified Used equipment?

Our Certified Used equipment is typically under three years old. That's relatively new when you consider most commercial kitchen equipment has an effective life of 5-10 years.

What warranty and servicing is offered with SilverChef?

Most new equipment we finance comes with at least a one-year warranty. If your equipment breaks down within the warranty period, we'll help you arrange a free repair, replacement, or refund from the manufacturer. 

And to make sure you can finance with absolute confidence, our own range of 'Certified Used' equipment comes with an industry first, three-month warranty.

What assurances do I have with Certified Used?

There are many reasons why Certified Used equipment may be a suitable option for you:

• Used equipment is cheaper, giving you access to premium brands on a budget
• Many businesses have closed due to COVID 19, resulting in a surplus of used equipment 
• Our 90 day warranty and detailed servicing logs make us the most reliable used equipment dealer on the market.

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I need someone who can walk me through the different finance options 

Many of the SilverChef team are experienced in both hospitality and finance. In fact, many of us hold qualifications from the globally recognised Corporate Finance Institute.  This combination of hospitality and finance experience means we can help you explore the right SilverChef funding solutions available for you and your business. 

I need recommendations on equipment, including where I can buy it 

With almost four decades in the industry, our equipment knowledge and wide network of dealership contacts provides you with every opportunity to find the exact equipment you need. 

Is there customer support available? 

Whether it's a query about your finance payments, or an urgent call for help to replace broken-down equipment, SilverChef has a dedicated team of representatives available via phone, web and email. And if you need us to come out and visit you on-site, we're also on the road and can schedule visits to your venue if you'd like an in-person meeting. 

Our customer success team is available to help you with: 

• completing your finance application
• answering your enquiries in no time at all 
• warranty enquiries via our concierge service, connecting you to the right manufacturer or repairer 
• ongoing support across your hospitality journey, with access to resources, industry partners, hospitality events and equipment solutions. 

What services and support do you offer franchisees? 

Our finance solutions can help franchise businesses add new store locations and build their business quickly and easily. If you're part of a franchise, you may also be eligible for special offers with SilverChef. 

Our dedicated Franchise team can help you access funding for: 

• store refurbishments - spreading the cost over five years, and at our lowest rate 
• replacing equipment as it reaches the end of its useful life 
• new locations - an often difficult task when approaching traditional lenders for finance. 

What services and support do you offer Coffee Roasters? 

Our 'Equipment on Loan' product helps support coffee roasters' cash flow when they're on-boarding new coffee accounts, enabling them to grow their business with minimal financial risk.

Here's how it works:  

• The roaster selects the equipment from their preferred supplier. SilverChef then purchases the equipment. 
• The roaster rents the equipment from us for 12 months for an affordable weekly amount. 
• The roaster then provides the rental equipment to their customer (café or coffee shop) for 'free', and in return, the roaster's customer agrees to purchase a minimum quantity of coffee, effectively covering the roaster's rental payments on the equipment, plus any additional profit. 

Roasters can also use SilverChef finance to: 

• get the equipment they need now to secure new wholesale accounts while maintaining an adequate cash flow 
• earn profit from day one rather than waiting months (if not years) to recoup a large equipment investment 
• avoid getting stuck with equipment they no longer need if they lose a wholesale account 
• adapt the equipment to the changing needs of their customers' businesses (e.g. ability to upgrade at any time) 
• get access to wholesale pricing from certain suppliers and brands (thanks to our collective buying power), giving them a competitive edge over roasters who are not partners of SilverChef.

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What does SilverChef do and how can it help me?

Established in 1986, SilverChef is Australia's largest independent provider of hospitality-equipment rental services. Over the years we've grown in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. We've financed more than $1.4 billion of commercial-grade appliances for more than 58,000 hospitality businesses including cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs and bakeries.

We've been financially backing our customers through thick and thin. This includes during economic downturns, national and global recessions, and periods of financial crises including COVID-19.

Where in New Zealand do you operate?

SilverChef operates nationwide. We service businesses in urban, rural and remote areas. So no matter where your business is, we can help you source and finance your equipment and bring your hospitality journey to life.

What is SilverChef's stance on sustainability and corporate responsibility?

As a certified B Corporation (B Corp), we believe in using business as a force for good, making thoughtful decisions that create a positive impact for our workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

By partnering with SilverChef, you are partnering with a business that operates ethically and responsibly across our whole operation.