Before You Sign on the Dotted Line — Know This

Ten Questions to Ask Before Signing a Finance Agreement

We recommend businesses ask the following 10 questions before signing a finance agreement. These questions take into account the "before, during and after" stages of a finance agreement.

Before
1. How am I planning to use this equipment?
2. Does the finance representative understand my business and how this transaction helps me to do business?

During
3. What is the total finance payment and are there any other costs that I could incur before the finance agreement ends?
4. What happens if I want to change or end the finance agreement early?
5. How am I responsible if the equipment is damaged or destroyed?
6. What are my obligations for the equipment (such as insurance, taxes and maintenance) during the finance agreement?
7. Can I upgrade the equipment or add equipment under this finance agreement?

After
8. What are my options at the end of the finance agreement?
9. What are the procedures I must follow if I choose to return the equipment?
10. Are there any extra costs at the end of the finance agreement?