Common Mistakes When Buying an Office Copier

Calendar Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

sign that says oopsPurchasing a copier is a big decision for any company, regardless of the size of the business. As a copier should last for a number of years, it is important to make the right decision the first time around. Learn from the following common mistakes that companies make when buying copiers so that you don’t make them yourself.

  1. Buying a copier online. For most people, the biggest attraction of purchasing a copier online is the price. While the number may look great, it often comes with a lot of uncertainty. Many online prices do not include accessories such as a document feeder or a finisher for the copier. Most businesses are unprepared to set up a copier, connect it to a network, and train employees on it on their own. When you work with UCI, we take care of the entire set-up and training process for you.
  2. Not understanding the lease. Before you sign a lease, you should understand what it means. Have a salesperson go through the lease with you and answer any questions that you have. Make sure to find out the length of the term, whether it is a fair market value or dollar out lease, and if changes can be made as the needs of your company change.
  3. Not understanding the service contract. Similar to the lease, you must understand the details of the service contract before you sign it. Go over how many copies are included, what is and is not covered in it including printing and network issues, the overage rate, and if it can be changed on an annual basis.
  4. Underbuying or overbuying. It is frustrating using a copier that doesn’t meet the needs of your business, but it is also a waste of money to buy a copier that is overkill. Be realistic about your budget and requirements for a copier, and stick with them.
  5. Getting caught up on a single train of thought. Sometimes people get so focused on a single factor such as a specific brand or the speed per minute that they don’t make a rational decision about which copier to buy. It is best practice to take all of the important factors into consideration and weigh them appropriately to narrow down the best overall option.

Are you in need of a full-service copier business in the Amarillo region? Look no further than UCI. We provide some of the best copiers, printers, scanners, and related services in the Texas Panhandle. You get a peace of mind knowing that your company is in good hands when you work with UCI. Contact us today to learn more about our office copiers.


photo courtesy of digitalart /Free Digital Photos