Equipment Rental vs Purchase: Scanning Equipment Acquisition Strategy
An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.
| Feature | Equipment Rental | Equipment Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Per-project | Long-term |
| Cost | $500-$2,000/day | $30,000-$200,000 |
| Maintenance | Included | Owner responsibility |
| Latest Tech | Available | At purchase |
| Service Pricing | $500-$2,000/day typical | $30,000-$200,000 purchase |
Equipment Rental
Per-project rental with no upfront investment
Equipment rental provides access to scanning technology on a per-project basis with no upfront investment and included maintenance.
Pros
- No upfront cost
- Latest equipment
- Maintenance included
- Try before buy
Cons
- Availability issues
- Per-project costs
- No ownership
- Learning curve
Best For
Equipment Purchase
Own your equipment for always-available access
Equipment purchase provides permanent ownership with always-available access and long-term value for regular scanning operations.
Pros
- Always available
- Long-term value
- Full control
- Team familiarity
Cons
- High upfront
- Depreciation
- Maintenance costs
- Technology aging
Best For
Our Expert Verdict
Rental for occasional use, Purchase for regular operations.
Choose Equipment Rental if...
Choose rental for occasional projects or to test before purchasing.
Choose Equipment Purchase if...
Choose purchase when scanning is a regular part of your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does purchase become cost-effective?
Typically 20-30 rental days equals purchase cost - calculate your usage.
Professional Services Using This Equipment
TheFuture3D offers professional services utilizing Equipment Rental and Equipment Purchase for superior results.
3D Virtual Tours
Immersive Matterport virtual tours for properties and spaces
3D Laser Scanning
Millimeter-accurate point cloud capture with Trimble and NavVis
Scan-to-BIM
Transform scan data into intelligent Revit models
Digital Twins
Living 3D models with real-time IoT integration
As-Built Documentation
2D CAD Floor Plans and PDF Documentation from 3D scanning
Google Street View
Google Trusted Photographer services for business interiors
Industries That Benefit From This Technology
Equipment Rental and Equipment Purchase technology drives innovation across these key industries.
Schools & Education
Virtual campus tours, facility documentation, and safety planning
Real Estate
Immersive property tours and marketing assets
Retail
Store planning and virtual store tours
Hospitality
Hotel virtual tours and event space showcases
Insurance
Property documentation and claims support
Property Management
Portfolio documentation and move-in/out inspections
Available Nationwide
TheFuture3D provides professional 3D scanning services across the United States.
Florida (Headquarters)
Northeast
West Coast
South & Midwest
Need Help Choosing?
Our experts can recommend the right equipment for your specific project requirements.