Equipment leaders to talk volatile used-equipment market, fraud, tariffs

Volatile used-equipment prices, changing consumer behavior, fraud and tariffs are among topics that will be discussed during Equipment Finance News’ upcoming webinar “Dealers and Lenders: Solving Shared Challenges,” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. ET. 

The panelists for the free 45-minute webinar include Commercial Fleet Financing President Matt Manero, C.H. Brown Business Development Director Kit West and Anderson Equipment Finance and Sales Administration Manager John Boy.  

Register for the webinar here.  

Used-equipment market in flux 

Despite recent improvements in the used-equipment market, volatile pricing and depreciation remain a concern, with asking values for used heavy-duty and medium-duty construction equipment falling 6.6% year over year and 5.7% YoY for December. The spread between auction and asking values for used agriculture equipment reached historic highs in 2024.  

Unsteady pricing can make determining loan terms and trade-in values difficult and also hinder transactions. Panelists will discuss how dealers and lenders can work together to overcome this challenge and meet the specific financing needs of each customer in this climate.  

The drive to digitalize 

The days of paper-based financing processes are becoming obsolete as customers expect fast, frictionless financing. Dealers and lenders are investing in new technologies to meet this demand, with the financial automation market projected to more than triple over the next eight years to $20.7 billion, according to Global Market Insights. 

Dealers and lenders must provide fast solutions to close deals while maintaining fair and accurate lending practices. 

Lending fraud spikes 

While digitalization has become crucial for lenders, it is also a boon for increasingly sophisticated fraudsters. More than 80% of 135 surveyed professionals in the financial services industry have seen a nearly 14% increase in small- and medium-sized business lending fraud.  

Learn how lenders are bolstering their anti-fraud measures, while dealers help them verify borrowers’ identities and adhere to compliance requirements. 

Weighing tariffs’ potential impact 

In light of President Donald Trump’s proposals to place tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China, dealers and lenders are bracing for the potential impact. The panelists will discuss possible ramifications in their respective industries and their plans to navigate them. 

The third annual Equipment Finance Connect at the JW Marriott Nashville on May 14-15, 2025, is the only event for both equipment dealers and finance providers. Learn more and register here.