If your business needs a new copier, you’ve got a couple of big decisions to make. For example, you need to decide which model to buy, and you also need to opt between leasing (renting) your new copier or buying it outright. That’s a decision that a lot of business owners struggle with, and understandably so, as there are good arguments in favor of both options. This guide looks at reasons to choose a copier lease over an outright purchase.

How Does a Copier Lease Work?

A copier lease is quite simple: instead of buying a new copier and paying the full retail price in one go, a business rents its copier from a provider. That means they pay regular fees for the privilege of having the device in your office for the full duration of their lease agreement, which will usually fall within the three to five-year timeframe.

There are different types of leases. Some have built-in maintenance agreements, which means that the provider covers the cost of any repairs the copier might require. Some also have stipulations that allow the lending party the opportunity to purchase their copier at the end of the lease agreement period, if they wish to continue using it or upgrade to a newer, better model.

Reasons to Lease a Copier Instead of Buying One

So, is a copier lease the logical option for your business? To answer that, it’s best to look at some example reasons why companies tend to opt for leases in the first place:

The Costs Are Much More Manageable

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, let’s discuss the cost benefits. When you lease a copier instead of buying one, you only have to pay relatively small, fixed payments each month or quarter to own and use that copier (though the final cost may include interest and fees). That’s much more economically comfortable for most businesses compared to having the very large and sudden singular expense of buying a brand-new copier.

So, if you’ve estimated your business’ budget and feel that the large expense of a new copier – which can cost thousands of dollars – is beyond your means, it may make much more sense to sign a copier lease instead. Of course, the lease payments add up over time, but you should find them easier to manage. Plus, you can save on maintenance fees and many providers are willing to negotiate.

You Can Access Models That Would Usually Be Beyond Your Budget

Copiers vary in many aspects, like speed, ease of use, features, and connectivity. The high-end models are much better than cheaper alternatives. They can copy more documents per minute, offer seamless user interfaces, and give you many more features – many of them are multifunctional devices that can print, scan, and fax, for instance, as well as copy.

A lot of smaller businesses can’t necessarily afford the truly top-end copiers on the market when looking to buy them. However, if you go down the copier lease route instead, these advanced models suddenly become much more accessible and affordable, as you pay a more manageable amount each month. So you can get a top-notch copier that truly elevates your business operations without a huge singular financial outlay.

Lots of Flexibility and Options

Another notable benefit of opting for a copier lease rather than a purchase is that you get more options this way. You can, as explained above, choose from a wider range of copiers, for example, including the high-end models that might be beyond your budget if you opt to flat purchase instead.

Not only that, but you can also usually choose between a variety of lease types and plans. There are some plans, for example, that allow you to purchase your copier for a small fee (sometimes as low as $1) once your lease term ends. Other plans give you the option to upgrade to a more advanced model after a set period, so you can pick and choose a lease agreement that suits you just right.

Peace of Mind When It Comes to Maintenance and Repairs

The average business owner has a lot of things to worry about and many potential sources of stress. Office equipment breakdowns and failures are among those sources, and it can be very frustrating for all involved when your copiers and printers fail to function. Not to mention the fact that when you own your own devices, you’re responsible for fixing them yourself or paying for professional repairs.

As touched on earlier, a lot of copier lease providers will actually include the costs of maintenance in their agreements. So, if anything goes wrong with your device, you can rest easy – the provider will handle it and cover the bill. This provides invaluable peace of mind to business owners and also helps with general employee morale and productivity, as any little issues should be promptly resolved.

Reasons to Consider a Copier Purchase Instead

Despite the many benefits of copier leasing, it’s not for everyone, nor is it always the superior option to simply purchasing your copier outright. There are several reasons you might like to go out and buy a copier rather than delve into the lease market, such as:

• Your business is well-established and has enough revenue to comfortably afford the cost of a new copier without any excessive level of financial risk.
• You prefer to own all of your office equipment and do what you want with it, without any limitations or rules constraining you.
• You prefer the ease and convenience of a purchase over the sometimes time-consuming process of finding and negotiating with a copier lease provider.

Invest in a Copier Lease Today

So, if your office is in need of one or more new copiers, you don’t have to rush to your nearest retailer to purchase them. Consider a copier lease instead. It may provide the value your business needs, along with a range of other benefits you might not have previously considered. For businesses based in the Mill Creek area, Copiers Etcetera is the ideal provider to turn to. Contact us today to learn more.