Do your research before deciding to lease or buy a copier for your business.
Flexibility in business is a key to smart growth—especially when it comes to office technology like business copiers. While owning a copier offers greater long-term control, it also demands a significant upfront investment. Leasing, on the other hand, offers adaptability, enabling businesses to upgrade when better technologies emerge.
The choice between buying and leasing hinges on factors like budget, long-term planning, and vendor terms. Buying is generally more cost-effective in the long run, if you can afford the upfront cost and handle basic maintenance yourself. Leasing offers lower upfront cost. With both, you'll also want to consider maintenance and supply contracts with your business technology partner.
Pros of Buying a Copier
Buying gives you full ownership and control of the copier.
- Buying simplifies the process because you do not have leasing or financing terms to negotiate.
- No usage limits, which is important if you sometimes have high-volume projects.
- Sell or trade the copier if you choose to upgrade or no longer need it.
- Purchasing may allow for capital equipment deductions, where owners can deduct qualifying equipment in the year of purchase.
If your business requires constant and heavy copier use, owning one maximizes your ROI. After the initial cost, every additional year of use lowers the total cost of ownership. Owning can simplify budgets because lease rates can change over time.
End-of-life Concerns
A copier's end of life typically occurs after about 6 to 10 years, but this can vary based on factors like usage, maintenance, and the availability of firmware updates.When parts or supplies get more difficult to find, it's probably time to think about replacing your copier.
Owner now have several options for recycling their old printers.You can drop it off at an e-waste recycling center, major retailers like Staples and Best Buy, or check for manufacturer recycling programs. If your printer still works, you can donate it or selling it.
If you're the kind of person who is willing to spend a little time maintaining your equipment, buying can be a good decision. You can also shop for the best prices on copier cartridges and insurance. Buying simply offers greater flexibility, especially if you find a reliable service provider.
Pros of Leasing a Copier
Business owners know that things don’t always go according to plan. Sometimes it’s better to be flexible in the decisions you make. When you lease a copier, you’re likely making a much lighter financial and contractual commitment.
- Less worry about the device not working out, leaving you stuck during the lease.
- More freedom to upgrade to a new model, or switch to a secondary option.
- Easier to keep security and copier features current.
- Lower upfront cost; spread out over monthly payments.
What to Look for in a Lease
When you’re looking to lease a copy machine, it’s not just about the hardware itself. When you are considering a lease, ask these questions:
Are There Surprise Fees?
When you work with RJ Young, you won’t have to worry about document or administrative fees. These are often tacked on and sneaked in with some companies’ lease options to inflate the price. When you are looking to save money by leasing, it only makes sense to seek a lease with no surprise fees.
Is Property Tax Billed at the End of the Year?
Property tax is another fee that can leave a company paying more than they planned. We don’t bill this at the end of the year, so there’s no worry about being hit with a hefty cost before you can close out the year – because who wants to celebrate another 12-months in business with another bill?
No Forced Insurance
With most office hardware, insurance is highly recommended – for some devices, it’s required. If you’re leasing a copy machine, some vendors may make insurance mandatory. But if you’re leasing to keep costs low, or because you plan to use the equipment sparingly or for a short time, insurance may not make the most sense. We don’t require this in an office copier lease.
Hassle-Free Pickup at Term’s End
The terms of your lease have ended, and you’ve gotten all the use out of the equipment that you need. But what now? Some companies will try to stick you with the cost of having the equipment packed up and shipped back. Not us – RJ Young makes the process easy and convenient even at the lease’s end.
Read the Fine Print?
When you’re looking to get an office copier, leasing can be the better option if you find a contract with the right terms. When you look for a lease, look for a partner who can provide you with terms that make sense.
RJ Young is here to help you lease an office copier with the best conditions available. You’ll get transparent terms that provide you with certainty and confidence about prices, fees, requirements, servicing, and pickup. You’ll get more than a piece of office hardware when you work with us – you’ll get a professional relationship designed to serve your business’s needs. Contact us today.