Livingston Enhances its Rent to Buy Resource

Companies can rent equipment for a fixed 12 or 6 month period, then convert the payments made towards purchasing that equipment when the period comes to an end (or extend the rental period at a reduced rate if cash reserves still remain constrained). It is also possible to upgrade to another model at any point after the initial hire period when new test requirements need to be addressed.

To enhance this offering calibration, replacement equipment cover, access to Livingston’s asset management software and round the clock technical support are now all included in the package. In addition, manufacturers’ guarantees are extended throughout the entire rental term. Among the manufacturers whose equipment is available through Easy2Source are JDSU, Anritsu, Tektronix, Lecroy, EXFO, Spirent, Agilent, Fluke Networks and Rohde & Schwarz.

A rental rebate is made to buyer upon conversion to purchase to keep the costs of this level of flexibility to a minimum. With the equipment available off the shelf in most cases, there are no manufacturer’s lead times to worry about. Furthermore, since this is considered an operational expense, long drawn out Capex approval processes can be avoided. As a result of these two factors, engineers are able to get their hands on the test tools they want far quicker.

As Livingston’s CEO, Mel Porter, explains “Easy2Source has already proved popular with our customer base, and by adding further dimensions to it we are confident it will be even more effective at meeting the needs of companies as they continue to deal with the current difficult economic climate. It combines all the advantages of equipment purchase with the adaptability and convenience provided by utilising a rental approach. Engineering staff can carry out test activities using the models that best fit their specific criteria, while still having the option to migrate to higher end equipment should those criteria change, or to return equipment if the project it was required for ends prematurely. Also, as this is categorised as an operational expense it remains off the balance sheet and is therefore tax deductable.”