Quick answer

Yes — many UK printers can finance pre-owned machinery such as presses, guillotines and die cutters. UK Business Loans does not lend directly; we match printing businesses with lenders and brokers who specialise in asset and equipment finance. If you need £10,000 or more to buy second‑hand equipment, complete a Free Eligibility Check to get matched and receive fast, no‑obligation quotes. Get Quote Now.

At a glance: can used printing machinery be financed?

• Short answer: Yes — used printing equipment is routinely funded via asset finance and other commercial products.
• Typical products: hire purchase, finance lease, chattel mortgage, equipment refinance, and commercial loans or bridging for quick purchases.
• Minimum amount: we typically arrange finance from around £10,000 upwards.
• Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or give regulated financial advice. Your enquiry helps us match you to lenders or brokers who can provide formal quotes.

Which types of finance are commonly used for pre‑owned printing machinery?

Asset finance — hire purchase (HP)

Hire purchase is one of the most common routes. The lender buys the machine and you pay fixed instalments. Ownership transfers to you once the final payment is made. Pros: predictable payments and clear path to ownership. Cons: you’re responsible for maintenance and the asset is usually used as security.

Finance lease

With a finance lease you effectively rent the equipment for an agreed term. This can suit businesses that upgrade regularly or want lower monthly costs. Pros: lower upfront cost; flexible end‑of‑term options. Cons: you may not automatically own the asset.

Chattel mortgage

Similar to a mortgage on moveable property — you own the equipment from day one, but the lender registers a security charge against it. Pros: immediate ownership; can be tax efficient in some cases. Cons: deposit and lender security required.

Asset refinance / refinance existing equipment

If you already own machinery you can refinance to release cash for new tooling, refurbishment or working capital. This is useful for freeing up balance sheet capital.

Commercial loans & bridging

For quick purchases (for example if a vendor requires immediate payment) a commercial loan or short‑term bridging finance can be arranged, then repaid or refinanced via asset finance. Pros: speed. Cons: usually higher cost.

Which to choose?

• Hire purchase suits most printers buying used presses and cutters who want to own the machine at the end.
• Finance lease suits businesses that plan to upgrade within a few years.
• Chattel mortgages can benefit established firms wanting ownership immediately.
• Smaller tools or lower‑value purchases may be suitable for shorter‑term loans but most lenders prefer deals from £10k up.

What lenders look for when financing pre‑owned presses, guillotines & die cutters

Lenders assess both the asset and the business. They want confidence the machine holds value and the business can meet repayments.

• Asset condition & age: make/model, serial numbers, working condition and maintenance history. Many lenders prefer younger machines but specialist lenders accept older equipment if well‑maintained.
• Valuation & resale value: independent valuations or dealer quotes help. Lenders check likely secondary market value.
• Service history: recent service records, parts replacement history and proof of routine maintenance.
• Location & transport: where the machine is kept and whether it’s easy to repossess / remarket if needed.
• Business financials: company trading history, turnover, bank statements and management accounts.
• Borrower profile: directors’ credit history, previous defaults and whether guarantees are required.
• VAT treatment: whether finance needs to cover VAT on the purchase invoice — some lenders include VAT in the finance.

Tip: gather photos, service records and a recent valuation before you submit an enquiry — it speeds up matching and improves the quality of quotes.

Typical terms, deposit & rates you can expect

Actual terms depend on asset age, borrower credit and lender appetite. The figures below are indicative only and vary by provider.

• Terms: 12–84 months are common for asset finance; longer terms reduce monthly cost but may increase total interest.
• Deposits: 0%–20% depending on lender, asset age and borrower profile; older machines usually require a higher deposit.
• Indicative rates: typical commercial finance rates for used machinery often range from around 6%–20% APR or more, based on risk and product type.

Cost drivers: asset age & condition, sector risk, your company accounts, and whether a personal guarantee or director security is required. Any lender will provide written terms and representative examples before you accept an offer.

Get a free, no‑obligation quote

Compare specialist lenders and find the right solution for presses, guillotines and die cutters — Free Eligibility Check. Submitting an enquiry is free and usually won’t affect your credit score.

How UK Business Loans helps printers finance pre‑owned machinery

1. Complete a short enquiry: tell us about your business and the machine (make/model/age/asking price). It takes a few minutes.
2. We match you: we connect your enquiry to lenders and brokers experienced in printing machinery finance.
3. Receive offers: lenders or brokers contact you with quotes or an eligibility check and list likely terms.
4. Compare & proceed: choose the best offer — the lender/broker handles the application and funding. We do not make lending decisions or provide regulated advice.

Most matches generate a response within hours during business days. Start a quick enquiry now: Get Quote Now.

Practical checklist before you apply

• Prepare the machine details: make, model, serial number, year, hours run (if applicable) and current condition.
• Take clear photos and assemble maintenance/service records.
• Get a written valuation or dealer quote where possible.
• Gather business documents: company registration number, latest accounts, VAT registration and recent bank statements.
• Decide whether VAT needs financing (some lenders include VAT in the financed amount).

After you submit the form, a broker or lender may request further documents and will explain next steps. You’re under no obligation to accept any offer.

Benefits of financing pre‑owned machinery vs buying outright

• Conserve cash and preserve working capital for stock or payroll.
• Spread the cost over months or years to match revenues.
• Potential tax advantages — many finance payments are treated as allowable business expenses (check with your accountant).
• Ability to upgrade later without a large one‑off outlay.

Note: we do not provide tax advice — speak to your accountant about capital allowances and lease vs buy tax implications.

Risks & things to watch for

• Older equipment depreciates — resale value may be lower than expected.
• Used machines may lack warranty or a service contract — factor potential repair costs into your plan.
• Higher finance rates for older or specialist machinery.
• Some lenders may request personal guarantees or cross‑collateral security.

How to reduce risk: use an independent inspection, ask for service records, and choose a lender/broker with experience in heavy or printing machinery.

Real examples (anonymised)

Example A: A small print shop financed a second‑hand Heidelberg press via hire purchase. They paid a 10% deposit and spread the balance over 48 months, preserving working capital for inks and consumables.

Example B: A packaging provider refinanced an existing die cutter to release cash for new tooling and used asset finance to buy an additional guillotine — the refinance improved monthly cashflow.

Want similar options for your business? Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Frequently asked questions

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later if you proceed with an application.

Can start‑ups or young companies get finance for used equipment?

Some lenders specialise in businesses with limited trading history, but terms and rates will vary. Evidence of contracts, purchase orders or a strong trading plan helps.

How old is too old for a press?

There’s no fixed limit. Many mainstream lenders prefer assets under 10 years old; specialist lenders can accept older machines if there’s a clear valuation and good service history.

Do lenders inspect the machine?

Often — either a lender’s valuator will visit or they’ll accept an independent inspection report from a recognised engineer or dealer.

Do you charge for matching me to lenders?

No — our introduction service is free to businesses. We earn revenue when a completed enquiry leads to a broker/lender contact that progresses to a funded arrangement.

Can I finance the VAT on a purchase?

Some lenders will include VAT within the financed amount; others require the VAT to be paid separately. Declare VAT status when you complete the enquiry.

Get started — Free Eligibility Check

Ready to explore finance for pre‑owned presses, guillotines or die cutters? Complete a short enquiry now and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who understand printing equipment. No obligation — just quick quotes and practical options. Get Quote Now

UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Submitting your enquiry gives consent to share details with lenders/brokers to obtain quotes. We typically arrange finance from £10,000 and above.

For more industry‑specific support and sector resources, see our printing business loans page.