Lease or Buy? How to Spread the Cost of a Biepi Coffee Machine
Choose the funding route that protects cash flow, supports growth, and keeps you pouring perfect coffee every day.
Upgrading to a Biepi espresso machine is a leap forward in consistency, speed and presentation — but what’s the smartest way to fund it? As a café owner, you’re balancing cash flow, tax, and future growth. This guide explains the pros and cons of leasing vs buying, with simple ROI logic and practical examples using real machines from our range: the Biepi MC-E Compact, the Biepi MC-E, and the hand-built Biepi MC-1. We supply, install and service UK-wide from our Doncaster base.
Your Options at a Glance
There are three common routes to get a commercial espresso machine into your shop:
- Lease Rental — fixed monthly payments over a term (e.g. 3–5 years). Keeps cash in the business; often fully deductible as an operating expense.
- Hire Purchase — spread the cost with ownership at the end. Suits businesses that want the asset on the balance sheet from day one.
- Outright Purchase — pay upfront and own the asset immediately. No finance charges, but ties up capital.
Tip: Our “Brew Now, Pay Later” plans let you spread the cost of Biepi machines over up to 5 years — ideal for new sites or refurb projects.
Lease vs Buy: Which Fits Your Café?
| Factor | Lease / Hire Purchase | Buy Outright |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Flow | Low monthly payments protect working capital for stock, staff and marketing. | Higher upfront cost; minimal ongoing payments. |
| Tax Treatment | Payments may be deductible (speak with your accountant). HP may allow capital allowances. | Capital allowances may apply; no finance interest. |
| Upgrading | Easy to refresh machine at end of term to newer Biepi models. | Asset is owned; upgrading requires resale and fresh purchase. |
| Total Cost | Includes finance charges over term. | Lowest total outlay (no interest). |
| Ownership | Lease: no ownership. HP: you own at end. | Immediate ownership. |
A Simple ROI Example (Realistic Café Numbers)
Let’s say you install a Biepi MC-1 and, thanks to faster workflow and more consistent shots, you sell just 20 extra drinks per day. If your average net profit per drink is £1.20, that’s £24/day or roughly £720/month (assuming 30 trading days). Even after a typical monthly finance payment, many cafés see a positive net gain — and that’s before considering reduced repair downtime and happier reviews.
Reality check: Your figures will vary. We’ll model your volumes, pricing and margins before you decide — and recommend the right Biepi (MC-E Compact, MC-E, or MC-1) for your bar layout and menu.
Which Biepi Suits Your Site?
- MC-E Compact: Premium performance in a small footprint — perfect for tight counters, kiosks and vans. Pair with the RD-64 for speed and consistency.
- MC-E: The popular workhorse for busy shops. Programmable dosing, rapid recovery and strong steam power.
- MC-1: Hand-built precision with advanced control — great for multi-site brands or premium independents.
Finance, Installation & Ongoing Support
However you fund your machine, the real value is keeping it working. That’s where Espresso Repair comes in: UK-wide delivery, professional installation, barista training, and responsive servicing — including managed water filter changes and full PSSR boiler inspections.
Want numbers? We’ll provide a clear quote with monthly options and a side-by-side comparison so you can decide in minutes.
Brew Now, Pay Later — Make Biepi Work for Your Cash Flow
Get a tailored quote with lease, HP and purchase options — and expert guidance on the best Biepi for your growth plan.
Request a Finance QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Is leasing a Biepi machine more expensive than buying?
Leasing includes finance charges, so the total paid can be higher than an upfront purchase. Many cafés prefer leasing because the monthly payment is covered by drink margin and preserves cash for staffing, stock and marketing.
What term lengths do you offer?
Typical terms are 36–60 months. We’ll show monthly illustrations for each term so you can balance payments against expected volumes.
Can I upgrade at the end of a lease?
Yes — many clients refresh to a newer Biepi or step up from MC-E to MC-1 as volumes grow. We’ll handle install, staff refresh training and ongoing servicing.
Do you provide servicing and PSSR inspections?
Absolutely. We offer scheduled servicing, rapid repairs, managed water filters and PSSR boiler inspections UK-wide to keep your machine compliant and reliable.
Will you help me choose the right model?
Yes — we assess counter space, drinks mix, expected volumes and workflow. Then we recommend the best fit: MC-E Compact, MC-E or MC-1.