Race to the Bottom Dollar

Anyone who has ever requested information on a new copier, or printer, knows just how competitive the industry is.

It usually begins with someone indicating his or her general desire for a new machine on an online form. Within a matter of minutes, after they clicking “submit”, their phone lights up like a North Pole Christmas tree, as every copier salesman within 500 miles tries to offer them the best deal.

We Understand

We have been in the business long enough to know exactly what it is like to be on both sides of that phone call. 

Unfortunately, most consumers don’t.  So what ends up happening is a majority of the unsuspecting potential customers find themselves blindsided by hundreds of options and their natural instinct is to just keep it simple by focusing on the lowest initial price.

Tricks of the Trade

Since there are a variety of loopholes that salesman can use to get your money, many buyers end up in long term contract spending far more than they would have by going with a slightly higher initial cost.

In our free book, “Copier Vampire”, we illustrate all of the major methods that you can be manipulated out of your hard earned money when purchasing a new copier or printer.

Without going into details, here are a few basic pointers when beginning your purchase process.

Step 1:

• Determine as closely as possible, your average number of both black and white and color copies each month.
• Decide which paper sizes you use most, including 11X17 paper
• Determine your budget for both purchasing outright and leasing.

Step 2:

• If you plan to purchase a service plan (a good option if you don’t have time to order your own toner and parts) take about 80% of your estimated monthly print volume and ask for that to be the number of copies included in your service plan.  That way you know you aren’t paying for more copies than you need.
• If you do a low number of tabloid (11X17) copies each month, consider going with a letter/legal machine while having your larger copies made at a local office supply store.  Printers and copiers with tabloid capabilities are generally cost twice as much as letter/legal machines.
• If it’s possible to purchase outright, do so.  It could end up costing you double the value of the copier by the time a long-term lease is complete.  At the same time, it’s not worth going with a cheap printer/copier if you do a high volume of prints because you will end up spending more on supplies in the long run.

One Last Thought

You should also consider used or refurbished machines and aftermarket toner or ink.  While there are many BAD aftermarket companies, there are also several really good ones.  Ask us about pricing to see how you can save up to 50% with quality aftermarket products.