Buying computers for your business can be a huge financial burden, so it makes sense to consider computer leasing as an alternative. Here's a look at some of the reasons why computer leasing might be right for you – and when it might not be right.

Expense
As with most equipment leasing decisions, the main financial tradeoff is between the up-front expense and the long term cost. Since computer leasing requires only a small initial investment, it's a great choice if you're facing an urgent technology need and don't have the cash on hand.

If you take a more long-term view, though, you'll find that leasing is usually more expensive over the lifespan of the computer. The type of computers has an impact here: if you need basic, relatively inexpensive workstations, the cost of leasing will quickly surpass that of purchasing the equipment directly.

A leasing decision is about more than cost, though. Leasing makes later upgrading easy: at the end of the term, you simply return the old computer and start a new lease for a newer machine. Some computer leasing contracts include stipulations for inexpensive buyouts at the end of the term, allowing you to keep the old machines.

Maintenance
When making any computer equipment decisions, it's important to keep in mind that computers require ongoing maintenance to work correctly. Security against viruses and other computer security threats requires continued maintenance and software updates, and we've all been around enough inexplicable computer problems to know that it's pretty easy for things to go wrong.

If you don't have an IT resource on staff, look for a computer leasing option that includes a maintenance contract. While it may be more expensive, it's cheaper than hiring a new employee – and certainly better than suffering computer breakdowns during critical moments.

Choosing a computer leasing service
Start by asking for quotes from multiple qualified equipment leasing dealers. You'll have to talk to several providers to make sure you're getting the best deal, and they'll need detailed info from you. Be prepared with information on your credit history and company financials.

Get detailed, written quotes from each of the providers. Look for differences in the payment schedule, upfront costs, and type of equipment they're offering – if necessary, go back and ask them to adjust their quotes to make a more direct comparison with your other bids.

Finally, if you decide that leasing computers is the right route for your business long-term, choose your leasing provider carefully. You'll be dealing with them for a long time to come, and a healthy business relationship can be the key to getting good deals on the right equipment.