Can retailers finance shelving, signage, refrigeration and other shop equipment? Asset finance explained

Refitting a shop or replacing equipment can be costly — but you don’t always need to pay up-front. Asset finance lets many UK retailers spread the cost of shelving, signage, refrigeration and other store equipment over months or years, preserving cashflow while you keep trading. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

We don’t lend — we connect businesses with trusted lenders and brokers to help find suitable retail equipment finance options. Our enquiries are free and non‑binding.

---

Short answer — Yes. Asset finance can cover shelving, signage, refrigeration and many types of shop equipment

Yes — most retailers can use asset finance to fund new or used shelving & racking, point-of-sale and digital signage, display units, chillers, freezers and a wide range of shop fit-out items. Lenders offer a variety of products (hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease and vendor finance) that let you spread cost, preserve cash and keep trading while upgrading equipment.

• Typical assets covered: shelving, display units, tills/POS, signage (static & digital), refrigeration, HVAC, coffee machines, kiosks and security systems.
• Typical terms: short-to-medium terms (often 2–7 years depending on asset type) — some longer leases are available for larger investments.
• New and used equipment: many funders will finance used kit subject to age, condition and residual value.

Free Eligibility Check

Why retailers choose asset finance for shop equipment

Retailers commonly choose asset finance because it helps match the cost of equipment to the revenue it generates. Rather than tying up working capital in a single up-front purchase, asset finance lets you spread payments to smooth cashflow and avoid interrupting trading or seasonal spending.

Key benefits:

• Preserve cashflow: keep money in the business for stock, wages or marketing while paying for equipment over time.
• Budget certainty: predictable monthly payments make planning easier than one-off capex.
• Access to modern tech: finance makes it easier to upgrade to energy-efficient refrigeration or modern POS systems.
• Flexibility: options like operating leases or rental can suit businesses that want regular upgrades rather than ownership.
• Possible tax/allowance effects: some products may have tax or accounting implications — check with your accountant for how different finance types affect capital allowances and balance sheet treatment.

Common finance routes for retailers include hire purchase (ownership at term end), finance leases (rental-like with options) and operating leases (use without ownership). Vendor finance and supplier programmes are also common for equipment bought through suppliers.

What shop equipment is typically financeable?

Shelving & racking

Free‑standing shelving, gondola units, bespoke fixtures and heavy-duty racking can often be financed. Lenders will consider new or used shelving; condition and expected resale value influence terms. Typical finance term: 2–7 years depending on asset life.

Signage & POS displays

Indoor and outdoor signage, illuminated signs, and digital displays or video walls can be included. Many funders will finance POS and integrated systems (hardware + software) — check whether software licences are treated as part of the asset.

Refrigeration & HVAC

Commercial chillers, display freezers, refrigerated counters and HVAC units are commonly funded. Because refrigeration often has higher upfront cost and a defined useful life, lenders typically offer medium-length terms (3–7 years). Bear in mind maintenance, warranty and compliance requirements — some funders require proof of installation and maintenance arrangements.

Other shop equipment & fit-outs

Display cabinets, tills, card terminals, security cameras, coffee machines, trolleys, kiosks and some aspects of fit-out work (flooring, lighting, shelving installation) can be included. Some lenders will accept installation and delivery charges as part of the funded amount; others may only fund hardware.

New vs used: many funders will accept used equipment if age and condition meet their criteria. For bespoke or specialist items, provide detailed specs and expected residual values to get accurate quotes.

Typical eligibility & what lenders will assess

While individual criteria vary, lenders commonly assess:

• Business trading history and performance (how long you’ve been trading, recent turnover).
• Credit profile of the business and directors.
• Nature and value of the asset(s) — expected useful life and resale/residual value.
• Security or deposit requirements — some deals need a small deposit or personal guarantee.
• Cashflow and management accounts — lenders will want reassurance you can meet monthly payments.

Preparation checklist for faster quotes:

• Supplier or manufacturer quote and equipment specifications.
• Company registration number and VAT status (if applicable).
• Recent bank statements and management accounts.
• Estimate of deposit (if any) and preferred term.

Costs, terms and bookkeeping — what to expect

Costs vary by lender, product, asset age and your credit profile. Typical elements to consider:

• Interest & fees: asset finance carries interest or rental charges plus arrangement/admin fees in some cases.
• Deposit or initial rental: some deals require an upfront payment (0–30% typical, depending on lender and asset).
• Term length & residual/balloon: terms usually reflect asset life — refrigeration often 3–7 years, POS and displays shorter. Some agreements include a balloon payment or residual at the end.
• Early repayment & end-of-term fees: lenders may charge for early settlement or for returning assets in poor condition.
• Maintenance & insurance: you’re usually responsible for upkeep and must insure assets as required by the contract.

Illustrative example (indicative only): Financing £10,000 of refrigeration equipment over 5 years could produce monthly payments in the low hundreds depending on the lender and interest rate. This example is illustrative only — exact costs depend on product type, term, deposit and lender pricing. Check details with a broker or lender and with your accountant on the accounting/tax treatment.

Pros and cons — what retailers should weigh up

Before you commit, consider these points:

• Pros: preserves cashflow, predictable payments, access to newer equipment, potential tax/timing benefits (check with your accountant), ability to scale or renew at term end.
• Cons: total interest/rental cost over time, contractual obligations on asset condition and insurance, possible personal guarantees or security, early repayment penalties in some products.

Tip: get multiple quotes and compare not only headline payments but also fees, maintenance obligations and end-of-term options. Ask about including installation and delivery if relevant.

How UK Business Loans can help retailers get quotes quickly

UK Business Loans connects retailers with a panel of lenders and brokers experienced in retail equipment finance. Our process is free, quick and non‑binding:

1. Complete a short enquiry with a few details about the business and the equipment you want to fund (Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check).
2. We match your enquiry to suitable lenders/brokers who can provide tailored quotes.
3. Receive calls or emails with offers or requests for further information — then compare and decide. You choose whether to proceed.

We are an introducer — not a lender and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Completing our enquiry is free and does not guarantee an offer. UK Business Loans commonly arranges finance from around £10,000 upwards.

FAQs — financing shelving, signage, refrigeration & shop equipment

Can I finance used equipment?

Often, yes. Many lenders will finance used items depending on age, condition and expected resale value. Be ready to provide photographs, service history and supplier info. Check specific lender criteria.

Do lenders require a deposit?

Maybe. Some funders accept 0% deposit, while others may ask for a small deposit or a higher rate for zero-deposit deals. It depends on the asset, lender appetite and your credit profile — compare offers.

Will I own the equipment at the end of the term?

That depends on the product. Hire purchase generally transfers ownership once the final payment is made. Leases often give options: return, renew or purchase the asset at the end of the term. Confirm with the lender which contract matches your goals.

How long does it take to get a quote?

Often hours to a few working days. Having supplier quotes, asset specs and recent accounts to hand speeds the process. After matching, lenders or brokers typically contact you to finalise terms.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting our enquiry form does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you proceed — we’ll make this clear before any checks occur.

Can I include installation and delivery costs?

Often yes — many providers will include installation, delivery or commissioning costs within the funded amount, subject to lender policy. Confirm this when you request quotes.

---

Get your free eligibility check

Ready to explore finance options for shelving, signage, refrigeration or shop fit-out equipment? Complete a short enquiry (takes less than 2 minutes) and we’ll match your business to suitable lenders and brokers.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. Offers are subject to lender checks and status. UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. For personalised advice, speak directly with the lender or your accountant.

If you’d like a broader overview of retail funding options and sector-specific support, see our retailers shop business loans page: retailers shop business loans.

1. How can I finance shelving, signage or refrigeration for my retail shop?
Asset finance (hire purchase, finance lease or operating lease) lets you spread the cost and UK Business Loans connects you to lenders and brokers who can provide tailored retail equipment finance options.

2. Can I finance used shop equipment like second‑hand shelving or chillers?
Often yes — many funders will finance used equipment depending on age, condition and expected residual value, though criteria vary by lender.

3. Will submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — completing our free eligibility check is a soft enquiry that does not affect your credit score; lenders may carry out formal checks later if you choose to proceed.

4. How long does it take to get quotes for retail equipment finance?
You can often receive quotes within hours to a few working days, and having supplier quotes and recent accounts to hand speeds the process.

5. What information do I need to get an eligibility check or finance quote?
Typical requirements are a supplier or manufacturer quote, asset specifications, company registration and VAT details, recent bank statements and management accounts, plus your preferred term and deposit estimate.

6. Will I own the equipment at the end of the finance term?
It depends on the product — hire purchase usually transfers ownership after the final payment, while leases commonly offer return, renewal or purchase options.

7. What loan amounts and terms are available for shop fit‑out and equipment?
UK Business Loans commonly arranges asset finance from around £10,000 upwards with typical terms of 2–7 years depending on asset type and useful life.

8. Can installation, delivery or commissioning costs be included in the finance?
Often yes — many lenders will include installation and delivery within the funded amount, but you should confirm this when requesting quotes.

9. What costs and fees should I expect with asset finance for retail equipment?
Expect interest or rental charges, possible arrangement/admin fees, a deposit or initial rental (0–30% typical), potential balloon/residual payments and obligations for maintenance and insurance.

10. Can start‑ups or businesses with imperfect credit get retail equipment finance?
Yes — some brokers and specialist lenders work with start‑ups and businesses with poor credit, though offers, rates and deposit requirements may differ.