Generally speaking, we suggest that you apply for finance whether you end up using it or not (although you should be aware that for freelancers this will affect your credit score). Although we would love you to use our services, you are under absolutely no obligation to accept our quote. We do suggest that you apply before you start talking to suppliers though. In some ways, it works a bit like applying for a mortgage: it is easier to go house hunting when you know how much you can afford. Once you have a credit line you can start having serious conversations with dealers. To apply in the first instance, use our online application system. It’s easy to use and will provide you with an instant decision. If you are accepted for finance, the quote is valid for up to three months.

Aside from the fact that we’re lovely people to deal with, there are three great reasons why you should choose finance from Azule:

First up, we specialise in your industry. Assuming you work in media, photography, events etc, we know the pitfalls and the risks and we understand your equipment. As such we won’t ask you endless silly questions about why you need to spend £7000 on a camera;

Secondly, you don’t have to explain to us how you spend every one of your hard earned pennies. We don’t need to know that;

Finally, we are going to be significantly cheaper than using a credit card. We term our loans to the useful life of the equipment. This makes repayment much easier and almost certainly reduces the amount of interest you pay.

Your monthly repayments will depend on the value of the equipment you want to buy and how quickly (or slowly) you want to pay for it. Other factors we consider are the length of time you have been trading as a company (or sole trader) and how well you have been doing financially. To find out more, try using our online calculator. This will give you a rough idea of the payments you can expect.

For the purpose of accounting a Lease Purchase (where you take ownership of the equipment at the end of your agreement) is considered to be a capital expense. The interest on your Lease Purchase payments is considered to be operating expense. A Lease Rental (where you return the equipment at the end of your agreement) is treated the same way for tax purposes similarly, although you should always speak to a financial advisor regarding tax advice. An Operating Lease is considered to be purely a revenue expense.

We can guide you on the most suitable type of finance. Call us on +44 (0) 1753 580 500 and speak to one of our expert advisors. Before you do, though, please take a look at our quick start guide to finance.

The whole process – from applying for finance to your supplier shipping the equipment – should take between 48 and 72 hours, providing that you can provide us with all the information we need. But rest assured that we understand the importance of speed where new equipment is concerned. That is why we you can apply for finance online with Azule and receive an instant decision on equipment finance up to £25,000 or a business loan up to £10,000.

When using our online application system you need to provide us with information about you or your business and where you live (including how long you have lived there) plus details about the equipment you would like to buy and over how many months you would like the finance to be repaid. That covers deals up to £25,000. If you want finance to cover more than £25,000, we will also ask you for some information about your historical accounts. If you have been trading for fewer than three years we may also you for some bank statements and, occasionally, a business plan or forward bookings.

Your quote from Azule is valid for three months. You can come back to us anytime within that period and we will honour it.

Yes you can. You just need to let us know which company you would like to buy the equipment from. There is no limit to the number of suppliers that you can have on one contract. Please be aware, however, that we do credit checks on suppliers too. As a general rule of thumb, we will be happy to work with the supplier of your choice but if they are a new company or they have a poor credit rating, we may recommend that you look at an alternative source. This advice would be provided for your benefit as well as ours.

You can do either. We are very flexible. You may place the order directly with the supplier and refer them to us as the finance company. Or you can ask us to request an invoice from the supplier – whichever option suits you the best.

Yes you can. If there is any interest due on your agreement, you will be given a discount against future payments.

Yes you do. Your insurance should cover the entire value of the equipment you’ve bought for the length of time that your agreement lasts. But as a responsible owner of equipment, you knew that, right?

Until the final payment is made at the end of your agreement, Azule has legal ownership of the equipment.

The first rule of having payment problems is to call us on +44 (0) 1753 580 500. Please don’t stick your head in the sand. We understand that from time-to-time over the course of an agreement that people have cashflow problems. This is not uncommon. We are reasonable people. We will try to help you out as best we can within the confines of the agreement.

Yes all manufacturers warrantees are valid if you buy equipment using asset finance. In many cases we prefer that you take out additional warrantees as well. These can be bundled into your finance package.

If you are looking to upgrade your equipment you have several options. Please have a read of our finance guide here.