Logbook loans are a special type of business loan secured by motor vehicles. Basically, you apply for the financing, and if successful, you cede temporary ownership of the car to the lender by surrendering its logbook to them.
One noteworthy benefit of logbook financing is that it lets you continue using the collateralized car while servicing the loan. That’s particularly significant when the vehicle is a critical asset to your company’s operations. The lender would only assume full ownership of the car in the unfortunate event of a default.
However, merely having a vehicle shouldn’t be sufficient incentive to seek out logbook financing. Like any credit facility, weighing your options before applying for a logbook loan is imperative.
Here are the five scenarios where exploring logbook financing can be a smart financial choice for your business.
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1. Need to Fund Unexpected Expenses
The success of most business ventures depends on their ability to manage ongoing and unforeseen expenditures effectively.
Many investment experts recommend a raft of interventions, such as creating an emergency fund and income diversification. Conducting routine risk assessments might also help to forestall unexpected financial emergencies.
However, depending on the emergency in question, these strategies may fall short. That’s where logbook loans come in.
A logbook loan provides quick funds to cover unforeseen business expenses, without which your company’s operations would grind to a halt. Some of those expenditures include;
- Adding inventories
- Funding a marketing campaign
- Undertaking office renovations
- Repairing malfunctioning equipment
- Offsetting accounts payables
In fact, you could utilize a logbook loan to finance unforeseen expenditures that aren’t directly business-related but critical to the company’s smooth operation. Examples include footing emergency medical bills or paying for your children’s tuition fees as you wait for your accounts receivables to clear.
That said, don’t utilize a logbook loan to fund personal expenditures with ZERO economic value, such as vacation or purchasing household furniture.
2. Need to Make Capital-Intensive Purchases
Every business requires certain equipment to maintain operational resilience. These range from computing devices to conveyor belts, depending on your industry.
Having the right equipment is critical before setting up a business venture.
However, it could happen that your current machines have suddenly become obsolete and you must seek a replacement on short notice. Or perhaps your company has scaled, and you require equipment to meet your growing needs.
Either way, a logbook loan can help fund the acquisition of essential business equipment.
Simply conduct an in-depth market research of the appliance in question, identify a suitable distributor, and then apply for logbook financing with the market rates in mind.
Note that certain equipment, such as medical appliances like MRIs, may be better to rent than buy. Therefore, you’ll need to weigh the merits and demerits of either option.
That choice would typically come down to long-term cost implications, the frequency with which you’ll require the appliance and the rate at which the appliance undergoes technological transformations.
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3. You’re A Busy Entrepreneur
Lengthy approval processes are one of the biggest drawbacks to traditional business loans.
First, you’ll need to select the type of credit financing you need and find a lender that provides reasonable terms. Next comes the more rigorous part of getting preapproved for the loan.
Even if you’re prequalified, most lenders will still conduct extra due diligence to ensure you’re not a high-risk borrower.
Although researching lenders is important while seeking logbook financing, these loans typically process incredibly faster than regular business loans. Most lenders will dispense with document verification and loan processing within 24 hours.
Due to their faster turnaround, logbook loans aren’t the only ideal way to fund unforeseen expenses. They’re also perfect for busy entrepreneurs with limited time to explore multiple funding options.
To accelerate the loan processing time even further, consider applying for logbook financing online and submitting your application within business hours on weekdays.
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4. You’re Seeking to Build Your Credit Score
Getting a business loan can be remarkably difficult if you have a poor credit rating. That’s regardless if you’re seeking a secured loan, where a deplorable credit score may still have many lenders disqualifying you.
Fortunately, logbook loans let you access quick funding even if your credit rating isn’t up to scratch.
Most logbook lenders are happy to advance credit facilities upon authenticating ownership of the collateralized vehicle. Concerns about your poor credit score will seldom surface.
More interestingly, accessing a logbook loan doesn’t only provide quick cash to fund various business needs. You could also leverage the opportunity to build your credit score by repaying the loan in time.
Each timely repayment will improve your credit rating, enabling access to other business loans where a good credit score is an essential eligibility criterion.
To maximize your chances of obtaining higher loan amounts, get your vehicle independently valued and ensure it’s up to date on all insurance payments, MOT tests, and applicable taxes.
5. You’re Self-Employed
Many logbook lenders will require proof of income to prequalify you for the loan. While that might indicate that logbook financing is skewed in favor of the formally employed with a steady income, it’s reassuring to know that these loans are available to self-employed individuals, too.
Whether you’re a freelancer, independent contractor, or SME proprietor, logbook loans are well within reach.
Sure, your lender may still require proof of income through bank statements before advancing logbook financing. But the fact that you’re collateralizing your vehicle, whose value could be more than twice the loan amount you’re applying for, is sufficient incentive to obtain a logbook loan.
Besides, proof of income doesn’t always need to come directly from employment benefits. Many logbook lenders accept evidence of impending windfalls, such as inheritance, dividends, and pensions.
Due to this flexibility, logbook loans remain accessible to borrowers of varied economic statuses.
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Final Word
Numerous reasons can justify seeking a logbook loan.
While some companies apply for logbook financing to fund unexpected but high-priority equipment purchases, others seek out these loans to cover operational costs like accounts payables and inventory procurement. You could also apply for logbook loans and use the funds for business expansion, product launch, credit building, and start-up capital. The limit is only your imagination.
However, the decision to apply for a logbook loan should be carefully considered rather than impulsive.
Determine whether you require a business loan in the first place or if you can access financing elsewhere, such as in your emergency fund. If you’re convinced that a loan would be ideal, establish that any of the above scenarios apply to your company before seeking a logbook loan.
