SilverChef's Hospitality Handbook

SilverChef has helped businesses just like yours turn their hospitality dreams into reality for 35 years. As the leading provider of hospitality equipment funding, this guide has been created to help answer your questions as you embark on your next hospitality project. Whether you’re starting up, needing equipment in a hurry or deciding on whether to use cash or finance, SilverChef is here for you when you need your questions answered. 

Stop dreaming, start doing today.

Click to expand each chapter to read how SilverChef can help you stop dreaming and start doing today.

When you’re starting up or growing

Almost 40% of SilverChef’s customers don’t qualify for loans from traditional lenders.

That’s way too many businesses that can’t get their dream off the ground.

Fortunately, SilverChef offers a range of finance options to support customers through every stage of their hospitality journey.

While many lenders require a minimum trading history of 12 months, SilverChef proudly supports start-up businesses, offering a variety of flexible finance options that help our customers focus on making their dream a reality.

Unsurprisingly, business growth often increases the need for new equipment, inventory and staff. This can put unsustainable pressure on cash flow. By financing your equipment with SilverChef, you can free up important cash flow to invest in other parts of your expanding business.

So, regardless of whether you’re just starting out, or you’re getting ready to grow, our simple application process takes less than five minutes to complete, with potential initial funding of up to $50,000, and easy access to further funding when the time comes. 

  • Ease cash flow pressures and help your business grow
  • Get started with up to $50,000 in less than five minutes
  • No minimum trading history required

 

FAQ

Response 

I’m starting out and need to set up my business with the right equipment. Where do I begin?

We know hospitality. Our team is here to help you explore the financing options available to you through SilverChef and connect you with hundreds of equipment dealers nationwide to help you find the equipment you need.

How quickly can I get funding for my business?

Our application process is quick, easy, and can be done online. How easy? Get approved for up to $50,000 of funding in less than five minutes. Learn more here.

I’m starting a new business and not sure how well it will do over the next 12 months. Is there an option for me?

Rent–Try–Buy is a 12-month agreement with flexible options. This lets you avoid the uncertainty of a multi-year finance contract for equipment you may eventually not want or need.

I don’t own any assets or have collateral. Can I still apply?

While many lenders require a minimum trading history of 12 months, SilverChef offers support to hospitality veterans and newcomers alike. Our approval rate is over 96%, and for funding up to $50,000, simply provide relevant personal and business details, including the intended business and equipment location.

I need new equipment but have a lot of running expenses and am not sure if I can afford it.

When you’re on a budget, SilverChef's manageable, weekly rental payments are the way to go. You can then free up important cashflow to invest in other parts of your growing business. 

My business is growing and I need to expand.

By financing your equipment with SilverChef, you’ll have easy, ongoing access to funding, freeing up the cash you need to invest in other parts of your growing business. 

How could Rent-Try-Buy affect my borrowing capacity?

Equipment rental payments are ‘off balance sheet’. This means Rent–Try–Buy contracts do not need to be recorded on your balance sheet as they are treated as an expense on your profit and loss statement.

This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek independent professional advice from a financial and legal adviser.

Why would I finance when I can use my cash or credit card?



Paying for equipment outright upfront results in cash that is no longer available for use elsewhere in your business.

SilverChef’s finance solutions get you the equipment you want while still allowing you to have cash on hand for other expenses, like wages, inventory, rent and other operating costs.

What’s the benefit of doing weekly payments when I have the cash to pay for it now?

Low upfront costs and manageable weekly payments put you in control of your cash flow, making your outgoings easier to manage.

No more $10k, $20k or $30k upfront purchases and confusing long term plans – just manageable, regular repayments that allow you to easily calculate what you’ll need to sell each week to cover the equipment rental cost.

What’s the benefit of doing weekly payments when I have the cash to pay for it now?


Not only does our industry leading Rent–Try–Buy option have a short 12-month finance term, you can also purchase your rental equipment at any time, or return it at the end of the term if it doesn’t suit your current business needs.

What happens if I decide to buy my equipment after 12 months?

If you are happy with the rental equipment, you can make us an offer to purchase it at any time and receive a generous rebate on the rent you’ve already paid. In the first 12 months, 60% of your first year’s net rental payments go towards reducing the equipment’s purchase price.



Note: The information contained in this guide is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek independent professional advice from a financial and legal adviser.


When you’re in a hurry

With an approval rate of over 96%, you can get instant funding for up to $50,000 in under five minutes.

You can apply online at any time, from any device at www.silverchef.ca/pages/apply.

Or, visit any one of our hundreds of friendly equipment-dealer showrooms nationwide.

Our Rent-Try-Buy® service lets you take advantage of the warranty offered with your new equipment to avoid downtime, with an option to upgrade at the end of term and keep that same warranty in place. 

  • Instant approval for up to $50,000
  • Over 96% funding-approval rate
  • Leverage warranty periods for a hassle-free experience
  • Visit our website or one of our equipment dealers to apply

 

 FAQ 

 Response 

I need equipment fast. How long does approval take and how much can I get?

You can get instant approval for up to $50,000 in under five minutes. Simply go to www.silverchef.ca/pages/apply and fill in the form at any time, from any device.

If you'd prefer to apply in person, you can also visit one of our hundreds of equipment-dealer showrooms nationwide and be approved while you shop.

I'm still shopping around for equipment, can I get finance pre-approved? 

Your finance amount is available to you for 12 months from the date of approval, without the need to supply any further information.

You can spend part or all of your approved finance amount at any time during this 12 month period, meaning, if you need to order more equipment during this period and you still have available funds, you can easily do so without reapplying.


I need equipment that totals more than $50,000. 

While our instant approval is $50,000, we can approve customers for more. This may require some additional supporting information.

I'm worried about my equipment breaking down during a busy period. What can I do to minimize the chance of that happening? 

Equipment can break down. That’s just part of hospitality.

When you get started with SilverChef’s Rent-Try-Buy, you can easily upgrade your equipment to new equipment which activates a new warranty period, when the warranty for your existing equipment once the previous one has expired. This way, you have peace of mind that you’re minimising the risk of unwanted downtime due to equipment maintenance and lost income.

I've purchased a two-group coffee machine but sales are going through the roof and I need a bigger machine. 

With SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy, you have the flexibility to upgrade to a three-group machine at any time - no questions asked. Working with your preferred Dealer we'll arrange for the exchange and delivery.

I've purchased a small blender for smoothies but it's noisy and can't cope with the demand. Can I upgrade it?

With SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy, you have the flexibility to upgrade to a blender with a more powerful motor, noise-cancelling cover, and extra jugs.

I purchased a gas oven with a six-burner range but my gas supply isn't strong enough to cook food properly. Unfortunately, the supplier won't take it back because it's been used. Would this be a problem using SilverChef? 

Nope - no problem at all.

Protect yourself from the unexpected with SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy. If a piece of equipment isn't working for you, just get in touch and upgrade to one that will.

For a situation like this, you could easily upgrade to a similar sized oven with a gas cooktop and an electric oven.

I don't have time to compare the cost of finance over cash and what the options look like. Is there any easy way to figure out what my financing will look like?

The SilverChef online calculator is easy to use and provides a breakdown of your weekly payments and the eventual cost of ownership if you decide to purchase later down the road.

For a detailed view, visit www.silverchef.ca/pages/equipment-finance-calculator


When you want to keep your cash

Hospitality equipment can be expensive, there’s no doubt about it. Large upfront costs can put pressure on your business’ cash flow and leave you struggling to invest in other sections of your business. 

Thankfully, our flexible finance solutions help you get the equipment you need now via manageable weekly payments - so you can start generating income without stressing about recouping large upfront costs or capital outlays. Which can help you to free up cash flow to pay for other expenses such as staff wages, rent, stock and utilities. Less pressure on your cash flow means more time dedicated to living your hospitality dream!

  • Small upfront outlay
  • Affordable weekly payments
  • Pay for equipment as you are generating revenue
  • More cash on hand to pay for other critical business expenses

FAQ

Response 

I don’t need finance, I have cash and a credit card.

Paying for your hospitality equipment upfront can put pressure on your business’ cash flow.  

Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now at a fraction of the cost – all via manageable weekly payments. 

Forget about those initial money worries and start generating income from your new equipment without stressing about the large outlay upfront or waiting to recoup your sunk costs.

And remember, all of this means you can use your available cash to pay for expenses that aren’t financed, such as staff wages, rent, stock, and utilities. It’s that easy.

Isn’t it cheaper to buy the equipment outright?

The cost of financing equipment through Rent–Try–Buy can be as little as 10% once you’ve included your tax deductions. That’s a small price to pay for flexibility and peace of mind – both of which you won’t find with cash, credit card, or any other financier.

This flexibility includes the option to upgrade or buy the equipment at any time – or, if it’s not what you’re looking for – return it after 12 months.

This is a huge plus if you’re just starting out, expanding or changing direction, and aren’t certain about the equipment you need.

Finance is too expensive – only people who don’t have cash use it



Finance can be expensive – but it doesn’t have to be.

Even successful operators with multiple venues use finance.

Why?

Because they understand cash flow, and the vital role it plays in business growth, expansion and protection against the unexpected. 

SilverChef’s diverse selection of finance solutions are structured to help you maximize tax benefits, give you access to ongoing funding, and provide enough flexibility to help your business pivot when the time comes.

What about interest? Shouldn’t that make cash cheaper?

There are several reasons why finance is superior to cash:

  1. While cash payments are interest-free, they can put pressure on your cash flow — one of the most critical success factors for small businesses. 
  2. Cash limits what you can purchase at any given time. Less cash on hand means less equipment at a generally lower quality. Financing gives you more money to spend, allowing you to buy exactly what you need, right now— no need to settle for second-best.
  3. When you pay cash, there’s usually no going back. If the equipment isn’t the right fit, or your business outgrows the equipment, your only solution is to sell it (most likely at a significant loss) before buying another machine, further draining your cash reserves.
  4. If for some reason you have to close your doors for good, you’ll need to sell the equipment or leave it in the building. And of course, abandoning equipment is money that’ll never be recovered.
  5. With Rent–Try–Buy, you’re not shackled to the equipment, which you can upgrade at any time.  If things don’t work out, simply return your equipment after 12 months without having to pay the full purchase price. 

It’s cheaper to use a credit card and I get points

Small business credit cards typically charge a high interest rate (18 – 30%). That interest can add up quickly if your card activity is not repaid on time and in full each month. And let’s not forget about all the fees and annual costs associated with having a card.

You can easily end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest charges and fees, adding on unwanted time and money to your repayment schedule.

So, while it may seem cheaper to use a credit card, these hidden costs and a lack of flexibility mean you could end up paying much more in the long run.

Can I get tax benefits if I use SilverChef?

With Rent–Try–Buy, your rental payments are 100% tax deductible. 

With Lease-to-Keep, you can claim the interest component of your payments.

What are the tax implications for Rent-Try-Buy?

With Rent–Try–Buy (RTB), your rental payments are 100% tax deductible. 

What are the tax implications for Lease-to-Keep?

There can be tax benefits to leasing commercial kitchen equipment rather than buying outright. When you lease restaurant equipment you may be eligible for tax deductions. It’s important to seek advice from a professional tax advisor before making any decisions based on this information.

Am I eligible for provincial or federal government rebate programs?
This is dependent on the rebate program. We recommend seeking financial advice.


Note: The information contained in this guide is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek independent professional advice from a financial and legal adviser.


When you need flexibility

Your choice of commercial kitchen equipment can make or break your business. If you’re unsure which equipment you need and want to try it first, Rent-Try-Buy® is the ultimate solution. This 12-month rental agreement gives you unrivalled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business. 

Should your business outgrow your current rental equipment or require something more modern or better suited, Rent-Try-Buy allows you to upgrade at any time.

If the equipment is exactly what you need, then why not hold on to it for good? Simply make us an offer to purchase the Equipment at any time, and when you do, 60% of the net rental you paid during the first 12 months will contribute towards the purchase price.

Still unsure about the equipment? Maybe you just want to try it out a little bit longer before making a decision?

Rent-Try-Buy also gives you the opportunity to return the equipment, continue renting after 12 months, or switch to a longer term ownership plan – flexibility that cash, credit card or other financiers simply can’t match.

  • Your choice of equipment can be critical to your business' success
  • Flexibility puts you at ease when you are unsure
  • Rent-Try-Buy® allows you to try equipment before making a commitment
  • Upgrade or buy the equipment at any time, or return it after 12 months.

 

FAQ

Response 

I'm looking to renovate my venue and need new equipment and furnishings

SilverChef can quickly tailor a solution to fund part or all of your renovation and fit out.

There's a new menu trend that I'd like to offer

Offering new menu items can be risky, especially when it requires further investment. 

If you’re unsure about the equipment you need, and want to try it before you put up the cash, Rent-Try-Buy® is the ultimate solution.

You can try the equipment for 12 months with the option to return the Equipment at the end of the 12 month term, giving you the peace of mind if things don't work out.

Not what you’re after? Simply return it.

Is your new menu a hit? Make us an offer to purchase the equipment at any time and we will give you with a 60% rebate on your first year net rental payments made in the first 12 months.

I recently bought a lot of equipment and now I'm struggling with cash flow. What should I do?

With SilverChef’s Buy Back financing option, we’ll purchase your equipment and rent it back to you for manageable weekly payments. This can give you an injection of cash back into your business without losing your essential equipment.

I don't own any assets or have collateral. Can I still apply?

While many lenders require a minimum trading history of 12 months, SilverChef offers support to hospitality veterans and newcomers alike. Our approval rate is over 96%, and for funding up to $50,000, simply provide relevant personal and business details, including the intended business and equipment location.

I much prefer to own than rent

Rent-Try-Buy allows you to try the equipment before making a commitment. If you decide the equipment's perfect for your needs, you can buy it at any time.

I'm worried about losing all the money I've already paid in rent if I decide to buy laterWith SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy, we'll give you back a 60% rebate on your first-year net rental payments, so you can put it back towards the purchase price - a great value feature you won't find anywhere else in Canada.
What are my options after 12 months on Rent-Try-Buy?

There are several options to meet your needs, all offering unrivalled financing flexibility.

You can:

  1. Continue renting at a discount
  2. Switch to a two- or three-year ownership plan
  3. Make us an offer to purchase the equipment and we will give you a  60% rebate on your net rental payments made during the first 12 months, towards the purchase price.
  4. Upgrade and keep that valuable manufacturer's warranty active
  5. Return the equipment or assign it to a new owner if you sell your business  
I'd like to keep my options open at the end of 12 months, can I continue to rent?You can absolutely continue to rent and enjoy the flexibility of Rent-Try-Buy. And to reward your loyalty, SilverChef will give you a 20% discount on your weekly rental payments for a new 12 month agreement.
What payment plans are available if I want to buy the equipment after 12 months?

For a two-year ownership agreement, you can sign up to "EasyOwn 15" and receive a 15% discount on your previous weekly rent.

For a three-year ownership agreement, you can sign up to "EasyOwn 30" and receive a 30% discount on your previous weekly rent.

These payments are 100% tax deductible and at the end of the term, the equipment is yours.

I've sold my business, what happens to my Rent-Try-Buy agreement?If you sell your business while renting equipment from SilverChef, you can assign the rental agreement to the new business owner. Once approved by SilverChef, the new owner can then continue to use the equipment for the remainder of the agreement and is entitled to all the same mid- and end-of-term options (buy, return, rent).
I need to return the equipment, what do I need to do?

If your circumstances have changed or the equipment no longer suits your needs, you can return it to us when your 12-month rental agreement expires.

Just give us four weeks’ notice and we’ll refund your security bond, minus any additional transport, cleaning and any servicing costs that may apply.


Note: The information contained in this guide is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek independent professional advice from a financial and legal adviser.


When you want high-quality equipment

SilverChef offers the largest range of pre-loved equipment in Canada. Our range of 'Certified Used' is easy to access via our friendly team at SilverChef or via one of our dealer partners. This mostly ex-rental equipment comes from businesses just like yours and is typically less than two years old.  

It's been stripped, cleaned, serviced, and tested and comes with a three-month warranty, giving you a secure way of buying used models. No one else can match the range, quality or value of our refurbished equipment. 

  • We finance high quality hospitality equipment from leading brands
  • Equipment is available via hundreds of dealer partners nationwide 
  • Our refurbished 'Certified Used' range offers a three-month warranty

 

FAQ

Response 

What type of equipment can I finance with SilverChef?
We finance virtually any type of commercial kitchen equipment - including the world's leading brands - from hundreds of dealers nationwide. When you have SilverChef funding, you'll never compromise - you'll always find the right equipment for your business.

How does SilverChef help me find equipment?
We love to help, so when you need assistance sourcing your equipment from a dealer, we'll provide recommendations that fit your needs and location.

What other than commercial equipment can be funded?
Depending on your requirements, we can potentially fund your hospitality items. Simply get in touch with one of our friendly team members and we can review this upon your application.

Why is brand important when choosing commercial kitchen equipment?
The best quality equipment can help boost your business' efficiency and productivity, improve the standard of your food and beverages, save you time, and reduce energy costs. Over longer periods, premium quality equipment is generally more durable, giving you more time between replacements and upgrades.

Do you offer refurbished equipment?

SilverChef offers one the largest ranges of pre-loved equipment in Canada. Our range of 'Certified Used' can be rented or purchased from our friendly team at SilverChef, or one of our dealer partners. This equipment is largely ex-rental, less than two years old, and comes from businesses just like yours.

It's been stripped, cleaned, serviced, and tested - and it's backed by a three-month warranty, giving you a safe and secure way of buying used.

What does Certified Used mean?
Our high-quality used equipment has been stripped, deep cleaned, serviced, and rigorously tested. Using only genuine manufacturer parts during this process, we're so confident in its quality and reliability, all 'Certified Used' equipment comes with a three-month warranty.

How old is your Certified Used equipment?

Our Certified Used equipment is typically under three years old. That’s relatively new when you consider most commercial kitchen equipment has an effective life of 5-10 years. 

What warranty and servicing is offered with SilverChef?

Most new equipment we finance comes with at least a one-year warranty. If your equipment breaks down within the warranty period, we’ll help you arrange a free repair, replacement or refund from the manufacturer.  And to make sure you can finance with absolute confidence, our own range of ‘Certified Used’ equipment comes with an industry first,  three-month warranty. 

What assurances do I have with Certified Used?

There are many reasons why Certified Used equipment may be a suitable option for you:

  • Used equipment is cheaper, giving you access to premium brands on a budget
  • Many businesses have closed due to COVID-19, resulting in a surplus of used equipment 
Our 90 day warranty and detailed servicing logs make us the most reliable used equipment dealer on the market.


When you need support

When you need help finding your dream equipment, you need the right support from the right people.

Fortunately, many of our sales and customer service team members have worked in the hospitality industry and completed relevant credit and lending courses through the globally recognized Corporate Finance Institute. 

This combination of hospitality and finance experience places us perfectly to understand your challenges and give you the information you need to identify the right SilverChef funding solution for your business situation or financial position, in consultation with your businesses professional accouting and legal advisers.

We also draw on decades of equipment knowledge and our network of equipment dealer partners nationwide to help you find the equipment you need.  

So, if you’re ready to bring your hospitality dream to life, just get in touch. We’re easy to contact, highly responsive and will ensure everything runs smoothly – from application to settlement and beyond. In fact, SilverChef supports you through your entire journey as a hospitality operator, providing you with only the best in resources, industry expertise and equipment solutions

The SilverChef advantage: 

  • Industry experienced team understands your challenges 
  • Quick to help you find the equipment you need
  • Easy to contact, efficient, friendly and helpful.  


FAQ 

Response 

I need someone who can walk me through the different finance options


Many of the SilverChef team are experienced in both hospitality and finance. In fact, many of us hold qualifications from the globally recognised Corporate Finance Institute.  This combination of hospitality and finance experience means we can help you explore the right SilverChef funding solutions available for you and your business.

I need recommendations on equipment, including where I can buy it 


With almost four decades in the industry, our equipment knowledge and wide network of dealership contacts provides you with every opportunity to find the exact equipment you need.

Is there customer support available? 



Whether it's a query about your finance payments, or an urgent call for help to replace broken-down equipment, SilverChef has a dedicated team of representatives available via phone, web and email. And if you need us to come out and visit you on-site, we're also on the road and can schedule visits to your venue if you'd like an in-person meeting. 

Our customer success team is available to help you with: 

  • completing your finance application
  • answering your enquiries in no time at all
  • ongoing support across your hospitality journey, with access to resources, industry partners, hospitality events and equipment solutions. 

What services and support do you offer franchisees?

Our finance solutions can help franchise businesses add new store locations and build their business quickly and easily. If you're part of a franchise, you may also be eligible for special offers with SilverChef. 

Our dedicated franchise team can help you access funding for: 

  • store refurbishments – spreading the cost over five years, and at our lowest rate 
  • replacing equipment as it reaches the end of its useful life 
  • new locations – an often difficult task when approaching traditional lenders for finance.

What services and support do you offer Coffee Roasters? 



Our 'Equipment on Loan' product helps support coffee roasters' cash flow when they're onboarding new coffee accounts, enabling them to grow their business with minimal financial risk.  

Here's how it works:  

  1. The roaster selects the equipment from their preferred supplier. SilverChef then purchases the equipment.
  2. The roaster rents the equipment from us for 12 months for an affordable weekly amount.
  3. The roaster then provides the rental equipment to their customer (café or coffee shop) for 'free', and in return, the roaster's customer agrees to purchase a minimum quantity of coffee, effectively covering the roaster's rental payments on the equipment, plus any additional profit.

Roasters can also use SilverChef finance to: 

  • get the equipment they need now to secure new wholesale accounts while maintaining an adequate cash flow
  • earn profit from day one rather than waiting months (if not years) to recoup a large equipment investment 
  • avoid getting stuck with equipment they no longer need if they lose a wholesale account 
  • adapt the equipment to the changing needs of their customers' businesses (e.g. ability to upgrade at any time)
  • get access to wholesale pricing from certain suppliers and brands (thanks to our collective buying power), giving them a competitive edge over roasters who are not partners of SilverChef.



When you, want to stop dreaming and start doing

To date we’ve helped more than 58,000 hospitality entrepreneurs start and grow their business with more than $1.4 billion in finance for commercial-grade appliances used in cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bakeries. We're growing in Australia, New Zealand and Canada - and we're not stopping there. We have ambitious plans to bring our flexible finance solutions to more hospitality entrepreneurs around the world, helping them to stop dreaming, and start doing. 

We’ve financially backed our customers through thick and thin, including economic downturns, national and global recessions, and periods of financial crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

And as a certified B Corporation (B Corp), we believe in using business as a force for good, making thoughtful decisions that create a positive impact for our workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment.

A bit more about SilverChef: 

  • Over 35 years of experience as a hospitality-equipment financier
  • Financed more than $1.4 billion of equipment
  • Helped more than 58,000 hospitality entrepreneurs realize their dream 
  • Certified B Corp that balances purpose and profit  

FAQ 

Response 

What does SilverChef do and how can it help me? 

Established in 1986, SilverChef is Australia’s largest independent provider of hospitality-equipment rental services. Over the years we’ve grown in Australia, New Zealand and Canda. We've financed more than $1.4 billion of commercial-grade appliances for more than 58,000 hospitality businesses including cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bakeries. 

We’ve been financially backing our customers through thick and thin. This includes during economic downturns, national and global recessions, and periods of financial crises including COVID-19.  

Where in Canada do you operate? 


SilverChef operates nationwide. We service businesses in urban, rural and remote areas. So no matter where your business is, we can help you source and finance your equipment and bring your hospitality journey to life.

What is SilverChef’s stance on sustainability and corporate responsibility? 

As a certified B Corporation (B Corp), we believe in using business as a force for good, making thoughtful decisions that create a positive impact for our workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. 

By partnering with SilverChef, you are partnering with a business that operates ethically and responsibly across our whole operation.