Leasing a copier can be a smart move for businesses looking to stay up-to-date with the latest technology without the upfront cost of purchasing. However, there are several factors to consider before signing a lease to ensure it’s the best fit for your company’s needs. At Town Business Systems (TBS), we’ve been helping businesses in Massachusetts make these decisions for over 50 years. Here are 10 important things to consider when leasing a copier:
1. Understand Your Business Needs
Before leasing a copier, assess your company’s printing, scanning, and copying needs. How many copies do you make daily or monthly? Do you need advanced features like scanning to email or cloud storage? Understanding these requirements ensures you lease a copier with the right capacity and functionality.
2. Evaluate the Lease Term
Leasing agreements typically range from 12 to 60 months. A shorter lease may give you more flexibility to upgrade sooner, while a longer lease can lower monthly payments. Consider your company’s growth plans and technology needs when choosing the lease duration.
3. Total Cost of Ownership
While leasing may offer lower upfront costs, it’s important to calculate the total cost over the lease period. This includes monthly payments, maintenance, toner, and any extra fees. TBS provides transparent pricing to ensure you understand what you’re committing to.
4. Service and Maintenance Agreement
One of the key benefits of leasing from TBS is access to our comprehensive service and maintenance plans. Regular maintenance ensures your copier stays in peak condition, minimizing downtime and costly repairs. Ask about the details of the service agreement, including response times and what’s covered.
5. Upgrade Options
Technology evolves quickly, and so do your business needs. When leasing, inquire about the option to upgrade to newer models during your lease term. At TBS, we work with leading brands to ensure you have access to the latest innovations to keep your office running efficiently.
6. Monthly Copy Volume
Most leases include a set number of copies or prints per month, known as your “monthly volume.” Be sure to assess this based on current usage, as overages can add up quickly. TBS helps you find the right plan to match your output, ensuring you don’t pay for more than you need or face high overage fees.
7. Flexible End-of-Lease Options
What happens when the lease ends? You should know your options: Can you return the copier, upgrade to a new model, or purchase the equipment at a reduced price? TBS ensures flexibility, allowing you to choose the best course of action for your business when the lease is up.
8. Training and Support
A high-quality copier is only as good as your team’s ability to use it efficiently. TBS provides training and support to ensure your employees can operate the equipment with ease, helping to improve productivity from day one.
9. Energy Efficiency
Today’s copiers come with various energy-efficient features that can help reduce your utility bills. Look for Energy Star-certified models and machines that have sleep modes or low-energy usage settings. At TBS, we offer a wide selection of eco-friendly copiers that help reduce both your carbon footprint and operating costs.
10. Reputation of the Provider
Finally, consider the reputation of the company you are leasing from. Town Business Systems has been serving Massachusetts businesses since 1973 with a commitment to quality, reliability, and exceptional customer service. Leasing from a trusted provider means you’re backed by decades of expertise and a support team that genuinely cares about your success.
Conclusion
Leasing a copier can be an excellent option for businesses that want to avoid large capital expenditures and keep up with evolving technology. At Town Business Systems, we make the process simple and transparent, providing you with all the tools and services you need to maintain a productive office environment. When you lease a copier from TBS, you’re partnering with a team that puts your business first, offering personalized solutions and ongoing support.
Consider these 10 factors before leasing, and feel confident that TBS will provide a copier solution that meets your needs and budget.