Leasing vs Buying an iKAN Can Seamer: What Makes Sense for Startups

For startups in craft beverages — whether microbreweries, coffee shops canning cold brew, or bars launching canned cocktails — investing in quality packaging equipment is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make. At Eazy Canning, the iKAN can seaming machine is designed to be an affordable, reliable solution that brings professional-grade canning in-house. But should you buy or lease this machine? In this guide, we’ll walk through the financials, pros and cons of each option, and real-world scenarios to help your business choose the smartest path forward. 

What Is the iKAN Can Seamer?

The iKAN automatic can seaming machine is a compact, easy-to-use seamer capable of closing cans from 200 ml up to 1000 ml — perfect for small and medium producers looking to bring packaging operations in-house. It’s portable, EU-certified, and can seam up to ~10 cans per minute, making it ideal for startups and small batch runs.

Price Points (Real from Eazy Canning)

• Purchase price: EUR 3,280
• Lease: Starting at EUR 100/month (after 36 months), with different rates for breweries vs. restaurants/coffee shops.

These options give you flexibility depending on your cash flow, production volume, and long-term goals.

Why Startups Should Think Twice Before Buying Outright

When you buy the iKAN outright, you get complete ownership immediately. This means:

Pros of Buying

• Full Ownership – The machine is yours to keep and use without monthly payments.
• No Ongoing Obligations – Once paid for, there are no further contractual payments.
• Asset Value – You can list it as a business asset and potentially resell it later.

Cons of Buying

• High Upfront Cost – EUR 3,280 is a significant outlay for a startup, especially before cash-flow stabilizes.
  
• Cash Tied Up – Those funds could otherwise go toward marketing, inventory, staff, or other growth investments.

In many small business contexts, heavy upfront capital can slow growth, especially if your canning line isn’t running every day or your revenues are just getting off the ground.

Why Leasing Can Be an Attractive Alternative

Leasing equipment like the iKAN can seamer doesn’t just spread payments over time — it fundamentally changes your cash flow profile.

Key Benefits of Leasing

1. Lower Upfront Cost – You avoid the large capital expense and preserve working capital for other business needs.
   
2. Predictable Budgeting – Lease payments follow a predictable schedule, making financial planning easier.
   
3. Operational Flexibility – Leasing allows you to adopt professional equipment early without committing all your savings.
   
4. Tax Treatment – Lease payments are often fully deductible as operating expenses, which can improve year-end tax positions (consult your accountant).

In short, leasing can make sense if you want to get producing faster and keep your cash available for other growth priorities.

Payback Scenarios: Leasing vs Buying

To illustrate how leasing compares with buying, let’s look at a few scenarios based on realistic costs and usage patterns.

Scenario 1 — Cash-Conscious Startup (Low Volume)

Assumptions

• Leasing: EUR 100/month
  
• Purchase: EUR 3,280 upfront
  
• Can margin per unit: Assume EUR 0.40 sold price – EUR 0.20 cost of goods sold = EUR 0.20 gross margin
  

Financials

• Lease Year 1 Costs: EUR 1,200
  
• Purchase Year 1 Costs: EUR 3,280
  
• Cans Needed to Justify Cost:
  
  • Lease: 6,000 cans (at EUR 0.20 margin)
    
  • Buy: 16,400 cans

Takeaway: If you’re producing fewer than ~15,000 cans in the first year, leasing keeps more cash in your pocket and reduces financial risk — especially useful if sales ramp slowly.

Scenario 2 — Growth Phase (Growing Production)

If you project producing 30,000 cans in year 2:

• Lease cost still EUR 1,200/year
  
• Purchase cost spread over 3 years ~ EUR 1,093/year (if depreciated straight-line)

Difference: The cash impact of buying versus leasing becomes smaller. However, leasing reduces risk if sales targets aren’t certain.

These simplified calculations show why leasing is attractive for uncertain early stages — it reduces upfront risk and enhances flexibility.

Strategic Factors to Consider

Beyond the numbers, think strategically:

1. How Quickly Are You Growing?

If you expect rapid growth in volume and clear profit margins, buying may be cost-effective long term.

2. What Is Your Cash Position?

Startups often prioritize liquidity. Leasing preserves capital for marketing, ingredients, staffing, and inventory — essential to scaling.

3. Do You Need Flexibility?

Leasing allows you to upgrade, switch equipment, or adapt to market changes more easily — especially if your canning process evolves.

4. Long-Term Horizon

Smaller producers with consistent production over many years often find buying cheaper in the long run, assuming steady use.

Buy vs Lease: Which Is Right for Your Startup?

Here’s a quick decision guide:

Both options support growth — the right choice depends on your stage, goals, and cash flow.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re leaning toward leasing or buying an iKAN can seamer, the most important thing is aligning the financial commitment with your business plan. For many startups and early-stage beverage makers, leasing the iKAN at EUR 100/month delivers a low-barrier path to professional canning without tying up precious capital — letting you focus on what matters most: growing your brand and selling more cans.