Fit-Out Finance — Can Retailers Finance POS Systems, Displays & Counters?

Short answer: Yes — retailers can usually finance POS systems, display units and counters using fit-out and equipment finance. UK Business Loans introduces retailers to lenders and brokers who specialise in retail fit-outs so you can compare options quickly. Get a no‑obligation quote — Get Quote Now.

What types of fit-out finance cover POS, displays and counters?

Retailers have several funding routes when upgrading or installing POS systems, display units and counters. The right choice depends on how long you want to finance the items, whether you want to own them at the end of the term and your cashflow needs.

• Asset finance / Equipment finance — Includes hire purchase (HP) and finance leases. Ideal for POS hardware, tablets, printers and physical fittings. Typical terms: 1–5 years. Pros: predictable monthly payments; cons: may require a deposit and can be secured against the asset.
• Fit-out finance / refurbishment loans — Designed for larger shop refits (shelving, counters, lighting and displays). Terms often 2–7 years. Suited for projects where fixtures are the main cost.
• Commercial business loans — Secured or unsecured loans for general retail investment. Can be used for mixed packages (stock plus fit-out) when other finance types aren’t suitable. Typical sizes from £10,000 upwards.
• Vendor/supplier finance — Suppliers sometimes offer credit or rental plans that bundle hardware, software and installation into one payment.
• Short-term cashflow options — Invoice finance or overdrafts can help fund short lead-time purchases or deposits during a fit-out but are usually not used for long-term asset finance.

Each option has trade-offs: hire purchase gives ownership at term end, leases may not, and commercial loans can be flexible but might need security. For tailored options, get matched with specialist lenders — Free Eligibility Check.

Will lenders we’re matched with fund POS hardware, software licensing and installation?

Yes — many lenders and brokers will finance the full package where costs are capital in nature. Typical funded items include:

• POS hardware: terminals, contactless card readers, tablets, barcode scanners and receipt printers.
• Fittings and displays: counters, shelving, display stands, branded fixtures and signage.
• Installation and cabling: professional installation, wiring and on-site configuration.
• Software and subscriptions: where software licences are essential to run the hardware (initial licence fees are often capitalised by lenders).

What may be excluded or treated differently:

• Consumables (paper rolls, pens) and stock are typically not funded under asset finance unless packaged separately.
• Pure consultancy or design fees with no tangible asset may be declined unless shown as part of a capital project.

Where a single invoice covers hardware, installation and a small amount of stock, lenders commonly fund the asset portion. Provide clear supplier quotations so lenders can split costs where needed. For tailored matching, Get Quote Now.

Typical eligibility & what lenders look for

Lenders assess the business and the proposed asset purchase. Key factors include:

• Business age and trading history — Many lenders prefer at least 12–24 months trading for unsecured deals; equipment finance is often available to younger businesses but on different terms.
• Turnover and profitability — Demonstrates ability to service repayments.
• Sector and use-case — Retail-specific experience helps: lenders familiar with retail fit-outs understand asset lifecycles and resale values.
• Credit profile — Business and director credit histories influence rates and security required.
• Asset value and supplier quotes — Clear invoices and warranties help lenders underwrite the asset.
• Security and guarantees — Some deals require personal guarantees or security (especially for larger sums).

Start-ups and early-stage retailers can access equipment finance but may pay higher rates or need larger deposits. Submitting a short, accurate enquiry increases your chance of a better match — Get a Free Eligibility Check.

How UK Business Loans helps — matching process & benefits

UK Business Loans doesn’t lend. We introduce retailers to lenders and brokers who specialise in the type of finance you need. Our process is fast and straightforward:

1. Complete a short enquiry (it takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match your request to lenders and brokers that commonly fund retail fit-outs and equipment.
3. Selected partners contact you with quotes and next steps.
4. Compare offers and decide — there’s no obligation to proceed.

Benefits of using our introducer service:

• Save time — one enquiry reaches multiple specialist partners.
• Better matches — we aim to connect you with lenders who understand retail fit-outs.
• No upfront cost — our enquiry is free and non-binding.
• Access to options from hire purchase to fit-out loans and vendor finance.

For more detail on fit-out options and how they apply to shop refits, see our dedicated fit-out finance information on our fit-out finance page: fit-out finance. Ready to compare offers? Get Quote Now.

Typical finance examples and costs

Below are illustrative examples to help you estimate likely costs. These are examples only — your lender will produce exact terms.

• Example 1 — Small POS upgrade: £4,000 financed via hire purchase over 36 months. Deposit 10% (£400). Monthly payment (illustrative, excluding fees): ~£113–£125 depending on rate.
• Example 2 — Display units & counters: £25,000 over 48 months using an asset finance facility or finance lease. Possible deposit 5–20%, monthly payments scaled to term and rate.

Costs vary by lender, term, deposit, and business credit profile. Compare APRs, fees, early settlement charges and ownership terms before you sign. Get matched to lenders to see exact quotes — Free Eligibility Check.

Practical tips for getting a better quote

• Collect clear supplier quotes that separate hardware, installation and any consultancy fees.
• Decide whether you want ownership at term end (hire purchase) or a lease agreement.
• Prepare recent business bank statements, VAT registration (if applicable) and proof of trading.
• Be realistic about deposit capacity — a modest deposit can reduce rate or improve acceptance.
• Ask about maintenance, software upgrades and what happens to leased equipment at term end.
• Use one short enquiry to get multiple quotes — it saves time and improves comparison power: Get Started.

Risks, exclusions and compliance notes

Be aware of the main risks and limitations:

• Secured assets can be repossessed if repayments are missed.
• Some lenders exclude consumables, stock and non-capital costs.
• Hidden fees, originations charges and early settlement penalties can affect cost — always read the lender’s T&Cs.
• Lenders or brokers may perform credit and identity checks if you progress to an application stage.

UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who will provide full terms and disclosures directly.

Case study: local coffee shop fit-out

A two-site coffee retailer needed new POS tablets, a card terminal and counters after a remodel. They completed a quick enquiry and were matched with a broker offering equipment finance. In 5 working days they accepted a hire purchase offer for £18,500 over 36 months. Result: minimal upfront cost, predictable monthly payments and ownership at the end of the term.

Want similar outcomes for your shop? Get Quote Now.

FAQ

Ready to get a no‑obligation quote?

Complete our short enquiry now — it takes less than 2 minutes. We’ll match your retail fit-out or POS request with lenders and brokers who can help, and you’ll receive tailored quotes to compare. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We connect businesses with lenders and brokers who will supply full terms, disclosures and any regulatory information directly. Submitting an enquiry is free and non‑binding. Lenders or brokers may perform credit or ID checks if you progress with an application.

1. Can retailers finance POS systems, display units and counters with fit-out finance?
Yes — retailers can usually fund POS hardware, displays and counters using fit-out finance, equipment finance (hire purchase or leases) or commercial loans, and we match you to specialist lenders.

2. What types of finance are available for retail fit-outs and POS upgrades?
Common options include asset/equipment finance (HP and leases), dedicated fit-out or refurbishment loans, commercial business loans, vendor/supplier finance and short-term cashflow facilities.

3. Will lenders fund POS hardware, software licences and installation costs?
Yes — many lenders will capitalise POS hardware, initial software licences and professional installation when presented as a single supplier quotation.

4. What do lenders typically look for to qualify for fit-out or equipment finance?
Lenders usually assess trading history, turnover and profitability, business and director credit profiles, clear supplier quotes and any required security or guarantees.

5. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — completing our enquiry form does not affect your credit score; lenders or brokers may perform credit checks only if you progress to a formal application.

6. How quickly will I be matched with lenders and receive quotes for fit-out finance?
You will often be contacted by suitable lenders or brokers within hours on business days, though full underwriting and formal offers can take several days depending on complexity.

7. Does it cost anything to use UK Business Loans and am I obliged to accept offers?
No — our introducer service is free and there is no obligation to proceed with any quotes you receive.

8. Can start-ups or businesses with poor credit still get fit-out or equipment finance?
Yes — some specialist lenders and brokers work with start-ups and higher-risk businesses, but expect higher rates, larger deposits or additional security in some cases.

9. What documents should I prepare to get an accurate fit-out finance quote?
Prepare supplier quotes that separate hardware and installation, recent business bank statements, company accounts or management accounts, VAT registration (if applicable) and ID for directors.

10. Is the enquiry form the same as a loan application and what happens next?
No — the enquiry form is not a formal application; it lets us match your business to appropriate lenders and brokers who will contact you with quotes and only carry out credit/ID checks if you proceed to apply.