Marlin Capital Solutions Reviews - Financial Lender Pros & Cons

Overview

Marlin Capital Solutions is a lending partner that offers equipment financing (EFA) and lease solutions to small businesses. The company focuses on businesses in a specific list of industries, although it does not disqualify other industries. The company claims to have a streamlined and simple application process to meet the needs of small businesses. 

Services Offered 

Equipment financing and leasing

Industries Served

• Manufacturers
• Manufacturer groups
• Distributors
• Suppliers
• Resellers
• Dealers
• Telecom
• Commercial vehicles
• Security and surveillance
• Technology
• Construction and industrial
• Office equipment
• Healthcare 
• Food services

Borrower Qualifications

Marlin considers applications for equipment finance up to $100,000 in approved industries based on various criteria including commercial bureau reports (for example, D&B or Paynet), time in business under current ownership, confirmation of business operation and ownership, pay history, financial strength, and essential use equipment, among other factors.

For financing of over $100,000 in approved industries, Marlin also looks at the audited/reviewed financials for the past two years, or two years of tax returns if audits are not available, current personal financial statements, equipment quote, and current interim financials PGs (when applicable). 

All approvals are subject to review by the Marlin's underwriting department

Terms & Fees

Amount

Marlin provides small ticket equipment financing with funding amounts ranging from of $5,000-$250,000. 

Term length

Term lengths for this lender range between 24-60 months, depending on the size of the loan and a variety of other factors. 

Interest rate

Interest rates at Marlin start at 7%. 

Down payment

Marlin’s down payments are variable, and can range from zero to 15%, depending on the value of the equipment and the borrower profile. 

Buyout agreement

Marlin offers customers several buyout options. One option is the $1 buyout, which is essentially the option to finance the entire cost of the equipment with only a $1 residual value. In other words, when the lease payments are completed, customers can purchase the equipment for $1. During the lease period, Marlin registers the equipment and pays the taxes which are billed to the customer. In addition, Marlin offers a 10% buyout option, which is basically the same as the $1 buyout, except that the borrower pays 10% of the value of the leased item at the end of the lease term, and therefore the monthly payments during the leasing period are lower. 

Marlin also offers fair market value (FMV) buyout options, meaning that at the end of the lease period, the borrower has the option to purchase the equipment at its market value, if he/she so chooses, or to return the equipment. 

Additional costs

Marlin fees include, but are not limited to, a document fee of $125 (up to $50,000), $150 (from $50,000-$99,999), or $250 (from $100,000 and up); $350 for titled vehicles up to 2 vehicles (rates vary for more vehicles—contact Marlin); $35 for sending packages overnight (per package); $40 per wire (no charge for ACH); and a $100 pre-funding fee.

Application Process (with screenshot of app)

The application process begins with an online application, and requires a signed credit application, equipment invoice, PG (for anyone with more than 51% ownership), and bank statements for three months per discretion. 

Sales & Advertising Transparency

Marlin does not offer detailed information about conditions and pricing on their website. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the company by phone or through the contact form on their website to receive information and offers. 

Customer Service & Technical Support

Marlin’s customer care representatives can be reached by phone at (888) 236-2409, and the company’s financing consultants can be reached at (877) 318-6756. 

User Reviews

Negative Reviews & Complaints

This lender has numerous negative reviews on Yelp (average of two stars), primarily related to customer service and to auto-pay cancellations or problems, lack of credit card payments, and payments not being recorded after being received. Other dissatisfied customers complain about a lack of transparency with regards to fees, unauthorized charges, lack of a cancellation policy, charges for issues that the customer cannot control (such as mail delays), and charges for equipment that does not function properly. 

Positive Reviews & Testimonials

Customers appreciate the attentive service they received from specific members of the Marlin staff in resolving a variety of problems. 

Final Verdict

Marlin offers attractive rates for borrowers in approved industries. However, it is important that borrowers ensure that they have a dependable payment method set up with the company so as to avoid late fees, an issue that was mentioned repeatedly in reviews. Likewise, borrowers should review the contract carefully and take note of all fees, terms, and conditions of the loan/lease before signing the contract.