How To Choose A Copier For Your Size Business

Calendar Thursday, July 24th, 2014

person using copierPicking the right business equipment is important to the success of any company, whether it is a home-based business, a mom-and-pop shop, or a multinational corporation. One such piece of equipment, that’s importance is often overlooked, is the copy machine. Copy machines have been around, in one form or another, for many years, and the role they play in the success and efficiency of a business is a big one. If you’ve been tasked with finding a new copier, or adding a copier to your growing business, you are probably wondering how to pick the right one. Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers.

Color Or Black And White?

Deciding whether to purchase a color printer or a black and white printer will depend entirely on the type of copying you plan on doing. For example, if you are a small business that is looking to copy promotional material, an inkjet digital copier will do the job. Inkjet copiers cannot handle high volume copying, but they are cheaper. Mid-size businesses, on the other hand, will want to look for a laser color copier. Laser copiers can handle more copying and churn out more copies quicker. If you are simply looking for a copier to copy invoices and other inter-office material, a black and white option will work find. They are cheaper, and you can get a higher end model for a relatively good price.

Dual-purpose Or Dedicated Copiers?

Some printers are dual purpose machines. That means, they will scan, copy and print. These are great for personal use, and especially good for a very small office that simply does not have the space for a full-sized copy machine. These are best for offices that will not be doing high volume printing and copying, as the cost of ink can be rather expensive. A home business can get away with one of these multi-purpose machines; for a small to mid-size business, a dedicated copy machine is best.

Consider Capacity

The capacity of the copier is an important consideration. Some copiers can only handle 250 sheets of paper or less. This means you’ll spend more time changing the paper, than actually copying if you are doing large volume printing. Industry insiders suggest looking for a machine that has a high paper capacity and a heavy duty toner cartridge if you plan on doing regular copying – specifically if you plan on printing promotional material or flyers. While they will cost more in the beginning, they will save in the long run, especially in maintenance.

Before you run out and order the cheapest copier you can find, keep in mind that this machine will be a large, and important part of your day-to-day office life. Your employees will use the copier for important materials, and you’ll want to pick one that will work for your needs. If you are unsure of what you need, check in with the professional at UCI. They will help you find a copier that will fit your business’ needs.