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October 6, 2009
Buying a copier? Here are three things to help you decide which one is right for you. As with other major purchases, buying a new copier can become stressful and confusing very quickly. There are so many brands, models, options and speeds… well, you get the picture. Our suggestion is that anyone buying a copier should figure out three things: what budget they have, what kind of copier they really need, and how they want to purchase the copier. What is your budget?
A realistic budget is the first thing to consider. How much money do you want (and have) to allocate to buying your copier? It is also important to know your financial status to determine if purchasing or leasing would be better for you.
What do you really need?
There are two parts to this question: volume and features. Volume is how many copies and prints you make on a monthly or quarterly basis. Knowing your volume determines how big of a copier engine you need to get. Just like you wouldn’t want to buy a Hummer for taking your toy poodle to the groomer or try pulling a 21-foot boat with a Hyundai Accent, you want to make sure you have the right strength of copier for your needs. Features include things like black-and-white versus color printing, extra paper capacity, finishing options and multi-function capabilities. Finishing options can include features such as three-hole punching, stapling and folding, while multi-function capabilities consist of networked printing, scanning and faxing. Although these extra features are all nice to have, they make the price of the copier rise very quickly. Determining which features you really need versus the ones that you can live without will help keep your cost down. One extra thing to consider about multi-function copiers is that their faxing, scanning, and printing capabilities have become part of the workflow of most businesses. The most essential component is scanning, because of the variety of things that can be done with documents once they have been scanned. Companies can route electronic documents to computer folders, email them inside or outside the company, or even send them to a software application such as Laserfiche, imageWARE, or other document management programs.
Do you want to lease or purchase?
How do you want to purchase your new copier? Copy machines are a necessary part of business, and typically they cost thousands of dollars. While buying your copier outright will save you from paying a monthly lease bill and let you own the equipment, there are also several benefits to leasing. First, you don’t need to be able to pay for the whole cost of the copier up front. Also, many companies will allow you to upgrade your leased copier as more technologically advanced models come out. If you decide to lease, be realistic about your credit and consider how long of a term you want to lease for. Overall, the best thing customers can do when buying a copier is to be prepared. Do your research and know what you can get for the money you have to spend. Find someone you trust who can act as a “consultant” and give good, independent advice throughout the process of buying a copier. Davis Business Machines has been the area's most trusted business partner since 1963. Contact us today. | 
