Cremation equipment can be financed through equipment loans, equipment leases, lease-to-own programs, and SBA-backed loans. Most lenders will finance the full equipment package plus installation, and many defer the first payment for 1 to 3 months while your crematory is being built. Cremation Systems works with lending partners who specialize in startup, boutique, and traditional financing and can connect you with the right one for your project.
Who This Page Is For
Lenders are actively interested in human and pet cremation. Both segments are growing and offer strong long-term profitability, making financing more readily available than many first-time buyers expect. This page is written for:
- New crematory startups launching a human or pet cremation business from the ground up
- Funeral homes adding cremation to stop outsourcing and bring the service in-house
- Pet crematory entrepreneurs, including veterinary practices, pet cemeteries, and standalone pet crematories
- Established operators expanding capacity or replacing an aging retort
If you are still deciding whether cremation is the right move, start with our guide to Starting a Cremation Business, then come back here when you are ready to talk numbers.
Cremation Equipment Financing Options
There are four common ways to pay for a cremation system over time. Many buyers compare two or three of them before choosing.
Equipment Loans
A traditional commercial loan from a bank, credit union, or specialty equipment lender. You own the equipment from day one, and the retort typically serves as collateral. This is the most common route for established funeral homes with financial history.
Equipment Leasing
The lender owns the equipment, and you make fixed monthly payments for a set term. Leasing can reduce the upfront cash required and keep payments predictable, which helps new operations manage cash flow during the first year.
Lease-to-Own Programs
A lease structured so that you own the equipment at the end of the term, often for a nominal final payment. Lease-to-own combines the lower entry cost of a lease with the long-term ownership of a loan.
SBA Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing the lender’s risk and making approval easier for borrowers who might not qualify for conventional terms. Any bank or credit union can lend under an SBA program. SBA loans are not limited to startups. Established businesses that can produce earnings statements and startups with a well-prepared business plan are both strong candidates.
Does Cremation Systems Offer Financing?
Cremation Systems does not lend directly, but we work with lending partners who specialize in cremation businesses, including companies focused on startup financing, boutique lending solutions, and traditional funding programs. These lenders understand the cremation industry, the equipment, and the typical project timeline, so you spend less time explaining your business and more time getting approved. Call (708) 339-6810, and we will introduce you to the partner best suited to your project.
What Lenders Look At
Whether you pursue a conventional loan or an SBA program, lenders evaluate the same core factors:
- Credit history. Personal and business credit for startups; business credit and financial statements for established operators.
- Business plan. Startups should show projected volume, pricing, and the market they will serve. A strong plan is often what gets an SBA loan approved.
- Collateral. The cremation equipment itself usually serves as primary collateral. Some lenders also look at real estate or other business assets.
- Loan terms. Term length, rate, and payment structure. In a competitive lending market, many lenders offer deferred payment programs of 1 to 3 months to win your business, which is valuable during installation and startup.
What Can Be Financed
Most lenders will finance the full range of cremation equipment and related installation costs, including:
- The retort (human or pet cremation chamber)
- Stack hardware
- Lift table
- Processor station
- Installation charges for our two technicians
Freight is typically not eligible to be included in the financed amount, so plan to cover shipping separately.
How Financing Fits Your Project Timeline
Financing runs in parallel with manufacturing and site work. Here is the typical sequence:
- Get a quote. We spec the right chamber for your volume and site and provide a quote you can take to a lender.
- Secure financing. Apply with a lending partner or your own bank. Start this step early; approval often takes longer than buyers expect.
- Place a 50% deposit. The deposit starts the manufacturing process, air permitting if needed, and any building modifications or new construction.
- Build and prepare the site. Manufacturing a human or pet retort normally takes about 3 months. Adapting a building or constructing a new crematory takes roughly the same time, so the two usually run together.
- Install and start up. Our technicians install and commission the system. Lenders who offer deferred payments typically push your first payment 1 to 3 months out, which covers this window before revenue begins.
- Claim Section 179. Once the system is installed and operating, talk to your accountant about filing for a Section 179 deduction. Significant tax advantages may be available for qualifying equipment purchases.
Need help with the permitting and construction steps? See our pages on Zoning Hearing Preparation and Turnkey Crematories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can used or refurbished cremation equipment be financed?
Yes. Many lenders finance refurbished cremation equipment, though terms may differ from new equipment. Our Refurbished Equipment page lists current inventory, and we can connect you with a lender who works with used units.
Can installation costs be rolled into the loan?
Usually, yes. Most lenders include the retort, stack hardware, lift table, processor station, and installation labor in the financed amount. Freight is the common exception and is typically paid separately.
Can international buyers use Cremation Systems’ lending partners?
Our lending partners serve buyers in the United States. International buyers typically arrange financing through a bank or lender in their own country. We are glad to supply the quote, equipment specifications, and documentation your lender needs.
Is an SBA loan only for startups?
No. SBA loans work for established businesses as well. Any borrower who can produce earnings statements or a strong business plan is a candidate, and any bank or credit union can lend under an SBA program.
Do I need a business plan to finance cremation equipment?
Startups should expect to provide one, especially for SBA financing. Established operators can usually rely on financial statements instead. Either way, a clear plan for volume, pricing, and market helps speed approval.
How long does financing approval take?
It varies by lender and loan type. Because manufacturing and site work each take about 3 months, we recommend starting the financing conversation as soon as you have a quote so approval is in place before the deposit is due.
When should I apply for the Section 179 deduction?
After the equipment is installed, operating, and generating revenue. Consult your accountant to confirm eligibility and timing for your tax year.
Talk to Us About Financing
Every cremation project is different, and the right financing depends on your market, your timeline, and your equipment. Call (708) 339-6810 to discuss your project and get an introduction to a lending partner, or request a quote and we will follow up with financing options.