Choosing the Right Option to Grow Your Mobile Grooming Business
If you’re a mobile pet groomer or salon owner ready to hit the road or expand your fleet, you’ve likely asked: Should I lease or finance my grooming van? Both options can work depending on your goals—but for most grooming professionals, financing delivers greater long-term value, flexibility, and ROI.
At TruckLenders USA, we offer both leasing and financing options. However, we’ve found that most successful grooming businesses prefer financing. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each path so you can make the right call for your business.
Leasing a grooming van works a lot like leasing a personal vehicle. You pay a lower monthly rate to use the van for a set period—usually 24 to 60 months—and then return it at the end of the lease term.
Key benefits of leasing:
Lower upfront costs – minimal or no down payment
Shorter commitments – ideal for temporary use or testing the market
Lower maintenance obligations – depending on the lease, the provider may cover some costs
Predictable expenses – fixed monthly payments
But leasing also comes with limits:
No ownership – you don’t build equity in the van
Return required – you’ll return the van at lease-end unless you buy it out
Limited customization – you may not be able to install specific grooming equipment
Mileage or usage restrictions – common in many commercial leases
Financing, also known as purchasing with a loan, means you own the van once it’s paid off. This is the route most groomers take, especially those who plan to operate long-term or want full control over their van build.
Key benefits of financing:
You own the van – once the loan is paid off, it's yours
Full customization – install tubs, power systems, tables, and branding without restriction
Build equity – resell or trade in the van down the line
Tax deductions – interest payments and depreciation may be tax-deductible
Better ROI – your monthly payments go toward an asset
Unlike leasing, you’re not restricted by someone else’s rules—financing puts you fully in control.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Leasing | Financing |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | No | Yes |
| Upfront Costs | Lower | Moderate (may require down payment) |
| Monthly Payments | Typically lower | May be slightly higher |
| Customization | Limited | Full freedom |
| Tax Benefits | Lease payments may be deductible | Interest + depreciation = greater write-offs |
| Long-Term Value | No residual value | Build equity over time |
| Mileage/Usage Limits | Often restricted | None |
| Best For | Short-term or temporary needs | Long-term business growth |
While financing is usually the better long-term move, leasing can be the right option in a few scenarios:
You’re testing the mobile model – if you want to explore mobile grooming before fully committing
You need to conserve cash flow – leasing may require less upfront capital
You’re launching a temporary or seasonal service – ideal for short-term promotions or pilot programs
Leasing offers flexibility if you’re not quite ready to invest—but it’s not ideal for groomers planning to build a lasting business.
Mobile grooming vans are more than just vehicles—they’re mobile storefronts, client experiences, and income generators. That’s why financing makes more sense for most grooming professionals:
You own your equipment and aren’t subject to return conditions
You retain resale value and can trade in or sell later
You can fully customize your van with tables, tubs, power, storage, and more
You get better tax write-offs through depreciation and interest deductions
You build long-term equity—a huge advantage if you plan to scale or sell later
Bottom line: if your grooming business is here to stay, financing gives you the greatest flexibility and return.
When you work with TruckLenders USA, you're not dealing with a generic bank or auto lender. We’re a commercial-only financing company with over 30 years of experience funding small business owners in the mobile service space.
Here’s why thousands of grooming professionals choose us:
No tax returns required – we keep it simple
Soft credit pull only – no impact on your score when prequalifying
Loans up to $100,000 – new or used, dealer or private party
Fast-track approvals – get funded in days, not weeks
Industry knowledge – we understand grooming van builds, equipment, and vendor quirks
Dedicated human support – real people who guide you start to finish
Whether you’re building your first van or adding a fifth to your fleet, we’ll help you finance the right vehicle with a process built for your business.
Still deciding between leasing and financing?
Explore all options on our grooming van financing hub
Ready to grow your business?
Prequalify in 60 seconds — no hard pull, no tax returns, and expert help to find the right solution for your mobile grooming business.
