Salon, Beauty & Spa Equipment Finance
For hair salons, barbers, beauty therapists, cosmetic clinics, day spas and massage studios. Tell us what you're buying and how your business runs, and we'll pass your enquiry to a licensed finance broker who works with a range of lenders. It takes about 60 seconds and there's no credit check to enquire.
- No credit check to enquire
- Free to enquire, with no obligation to go ahead
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day
Check my eligibility
About 60 seconds. No credit check to enquire.
Who we help
- Hair salons and barbers: styling chairs, backwash units, colour processors and dryers
- Beauty and skin clinics: microdermabrasion, hydrodermabrasion, LED and facial equipment
- Laser and IPL clinics: hair removal and skin treatment systems
- Day spas and massage studios: electric treatment beds, massage tables and steam equipment
- Nail salons: manicure stations and pedicure chairs
- Mobile and home-based operators: including newer ABN holders starting out
Equipment, fit-out and what lenders prefer
Lenders are most comfortable with equipment that holds value and can be resold: laser and IPL systems, treatment beds, pedicure chairs and branded machines from established suppliers. The salon fit-out itself (joinery, plumbing for basins, lighting, signage and décor) is a "soft" cost that's harder to finance on its own. It's often bundled with hard equipment, funded through a separate business loan, or needs stronger financials behind it.
A few other things come up often in this industry:
- New businesses: many salons are started by experienced stylists or therapists on a new ABN. Your years in the industry, and any existing client base, can count for a lot.
- Cash and card takings: lenders rely on bank statements and BAS, so takings that are banked consistently make your income easier to show.
- Cosmetic lasers and IPL: the rules on who can operate these devices vary by state. Check with your state health or radiation safety regulator, as lenders may ask about licensing for high-value machines.
- Supplier finance: some equipment suppliers offer their own payment plans. Compare the total cost and terms against other options before you sign.
Comparing your options
| Option | Who owns it | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Chattel mortgage | Your business | Chairs, beds and machines you plan to keep long term |
| Finance lease | The lessor, with a residual | Higher-value machines where you want fixed payments and options at the end |
| Hire purchase | You, after the final payment | Owners who want to own the gear outright by the end |
| Rental | The rental provider | Laser and skin technology that may be superseded within a few years |
With a chattel mortgage your business can generally claim interest and depreciation, and a GST-registered business may claim the GST credit upfront. Lease payments are generally deductible. Small businesses with turnover under $10 million can use the instant asset write-off for eligible assets costing less than $20,000 each, which covers many individual salon items. Your accountant can confirm what suits your business.
Low doc or full doc? Low doc may suit established salon owners who are up to date with BAS but behind on tax returns. Brand-new businesses usually need more supporting evidence, such as industry experience or a deposit.
How it works
- Tell us about the equipment and your business in the short form below.
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day, to talk through your options.
- If it suits you, they handle the application with a lender that fits your circumstances.
What you'll usually need
- Photo ID and ABN details
- Supplier quote or invoice, separating equipment from fit-out and installation
- Low doc: recent BAS and business bank statements. Full doc: financials and tax returns
- Evidence of your industry experience if your business is new
- Licence or certification details for laser or IPL equipment where your state requires it
- Existing business debts, including any supplier payment plans
Every lender has its own criteria, so your broker will tell you exactly what's needed for your situation.
Small business finance guides
- Equipment finance: all equipment types
- Low doc finance for startups: what you need to know
- How long do I need an ABN to get finance?
- Low doc finance without GST registration
- What is a chattel mortgage and how does it work?
- Using an accountant's letter for low doc equipment loans
Common questions
Can I finance equipment for a salon I'm just opening?
Often, yes. Lenders will look closely at your experience in the industry, any existing clients and your plans. A deposit or a guarantor can help with a brand-new ABN.
Can the salon fit-out be financed?
Sometimes, but it's harder than equipment because joinery, plumbing and lighting can't be resold. It is often bundled with hard equipment or funded with a separate business loan.
Should I take the supplier's payment plan?
It may be convenient, but compare the total amount you'll repay, the term and any end-of-term conditions against other options. A broker can show you how they stack up.
I'm not registered for GST. Can I still apply?
Yes, some lenders consider ABN holders who aren't registered for GST, usually with bank statements or tax returns as evidence of income. You won't be able to claim GST credits on the purchase.
Does enquiring affect my credit score?
No. Filling in our enquiry form isn't a credit application. A credit check only happens if you choose to go ahead with an application through the broker.