It’s extremely important when selecting the best photocopier for your workplace that you research the market, check out their features and reviews and have an overall better idea of what’s out there before you go to a dealer. Not only this, but researching into cost prices and plans (for example buying versus leasing), to find out what exactly is best for you. We have provided a brief guide into copier pricing and buying before you take the leap and choose which photocopier it is you would like to purchase or lease.

 

Copier prices and how to buy 

Thanks to the technological revolution, digital copier pricing has come down remarkably and particularly in recent years. However, there remains a large degree of variance in pricing, even among similar or even identical models. Some vendors have been known to overcharge simply because they can get away with it, while others do price their base machines far below market value â€" even below cost â€" to lure you in, then charge considerably more for service contracts and add-on features which of course affects your total cost of ownership greatly. Before signing any contract, you must make sure you that you understand all current and future costs to calculate your cost of ownership. It is often advisable to speak to a non-aligned sales expert to ensure that you are getting the right deal, or get second and third opinions. Visit our Contact Us page now and we can connect you with such a sales expert.

 

Buy or lease a copier?

If you do not have the money or are unsure of your monetary future, leasing a photocopier does have many benefits. The cash flow and tax relief benefits of leasing a machine can provide a very strong case against an upfront cash purchase.

If you do buy equipment outright the capital invested becomes, in effect, tied up in a gradually depreciating asset that you are pretty much stuck with until you are forced to purchase another one. Photocopier Leasing does on the other hand allow you to save your resources for other purposes or opportunities. In addition, because technology changes so quickly as discussed earlier, a lease makes it simpler to trade up to a newer model, keep up with technological advances and allowing you to upgrade without buying anew. Ensure you speak to your accountant who can advise upon what is best for your company financially.

It must be noted that leasing a copier over a five year period would give a capital cost at around 20% higher than an outright purchase. So, if you think that you will be holding onto a machine for its entire lifespan then it is suggested that you purchase the copier.

 

Copier Pricing Advice

1.   Be equally as meticulous with a special offer. What may sound like a terrific deal (and sometimes it may well be a terrific deal) often comes with a catch. Ensure you are aware of all arrangements and total cost of ownership in the long run.

2.   If it appears too good to be true it probably is, although not always. Many offers are often finance options finessed or worded differently and are often not actually the most cost-effective or suitable option overall for your particular business. What you really should be looking for is honest pricing with a competitive edge from a company that can actually deliver.

3.   Have a direct approach: Every company, organisation, business and workplace is different, and can expect to experience different expected income and copy patterns. Many different finance solutions can be set up in a variety of ways, and each can be geared towards the customer’s greatest interests. Your business may benefit from various leasing options for example, from 1 year up to a maximum of 5 years, or perhaps you would be best off buying the copier outright if you are certain of your future. Work out the best option and then ask for the best deal. A competent and suitable sales advisor should be able to help you with budget advice.

4.   Remember additional payments: Yes, you may find it useful at the time to purchase or lease a new printer at a low overall price but ensure that you are careful to check other obligatory payments such as cost per copy and as well as the service agreement (whether toner is included, consumable and non-consumable parts. Make sure you're all covered.

5.   Cash back offers; be careful: Cash back offers are often indeed very inviting, and certainly useful. However ensure that you make sure it’s a genuine offer â€"and that repayments are not advertently too high. Some businesses and dealers are very good at disguising compensation plans to their price structure. It may very well be the real thing but make sure you check or consult with an advisor to be sure.