Did you know each office worker on average prints or copies 10,000 sheets of paper per year? Or that the average document is copied 10 times? Despite all the recent technological advances, the modern office still needs to turn out a large amount of printed material. There are two main options for printing business and marketing material: copiers and traditional printers. It can be difficult and/or confusing to know which is best for your needs.
Copiers vs. Printers
In deciding which device best suits the printing needs of your business, ask yourself these questions:
- How many people will use the machine?
- How many people need to be copying or printing at the same time?
- What printed material do you produce most often – business forms such as contracts or marketing materials?
- How much space do you have for equipment?
- What is your budget?
Traditional Printers
Printers that also scan, email and copy have a lot to offer your business. But the convenience and space savings they offer are often offset by a low scanning resolution. Many traditional printers also only come with black ink printing capabilities, and when they break down, your business can be out of commission for a day or more.
Most importantly, operating a traditional printer can be more expensive, especially if your business does most of its marketing printing in-house. They require a lot of power and often cost more to repair. Ink costs, too, are high and toner will need to be replaced frequently if you print a high volume of documents.
Copiers
Quick and simple to use, copiers are a great choice for businesses that produce large volumes of printed marketing and other business materials. They’re fast and often offer great finishing features such as sorting and binding. While copiers may have a higher up-front cost, ongoing support and operation tends to be lower than with traditional printers.
Affordability of Copiers
Many small businesses are under the impression that using a traditional printer for their copying needs is more efficient than using a copier. They may also assume that if they only have a few employees, and don’t do a high volume of printing, that it isn’t cost effective to buy or lease a copier. But the operating expenses for a traditional printer can really add up, including the cost of decreased employee productivity by using them. In other words, a traditional printer may be cheaper up front, but it offers your business less economic benefits overall.
At the end of the day, productivity is key and, after careful consideration, you may be surprised to learn that there are significant savings in leasing or buying a copier for your business. The bizhub™ brand of Konica Minolta Business Solutions offers a wide range of copier solutions for all your business needs, giving you an affordable way to grow your business, increase productivity, and save on printing expenses.
If you’re still unsure whether a copier or traditional printer is most beneficial for your business, we can help! For nearly thirty years, we have leased and sold state-of-the-art copiers from industry leader Konica Minolta to businesses throughout Sonoma County and we’ll show you how you can realize substantial print cost savings. Contact us today to learn more.
FAQ Section for Copiers vs. Printers
What’s the difference between a copier and a printer?
A copier is designed for high-volume duplication, making it ideal for businesses that need to produce large quantities of documents quickly. It often includes advanced features like sorting and binding. A printer, on the other hand, typically handles lower volumes and may offer additional functions such as scanning and faxing. While printers are versatile, they can be slower and less cost-effective for businesses that print frequently.
Is a copier or printer more cost-effective for small businesses?
While traditional printers might seem cheaper upfront, they can rack up costs over time due to expensive ink cartridges and frequent maintenance. Copiers, although more expensive initially, are more cost-efficient for businesses that print or copy in bulk. Additionally, copiers have lower per-page costs and need fewer toner replacements. Ultimately, a copier can save your business more in the long run by improving productivity and lowering printing expenses.
How does leasing a copier benefit my business?
Leasing a copier allows businesses to access high-quality equipment without the large upfront cost. Plus, leasing agreements often come with maintenance plans, ensuring you don’t have to worry about repairs or service fees. It also lets you upgrade to newer models as technology advances, keeping your business competitive. For small businesses with tight cash flow, leasing can offer significant savings and predictable costs.
Can copiers handle color printing as well as traditional printers?
Yes, modern copiers are fully capable of high-quality color printing, matching or even exceeding the capabilities of traditional printers. Whether it’s for marketing materials or reports, copiers provide vibrant, professional-looking prints. Plus, they come with added finishing options like stapling or booklet-making, which can give your printed materials a polished look without needing additional equipment.
What are the main advantages of using a copier over a printer?
Copiers offer several advantages: they’re faster, better suited for high-volume jobs, and have lower per-page printing costs. They also provide advanced features like automatic duplexing, stapling, and sorting, which make document management more efficient. For businesses that require frequent printing or copying, a copier is the more cost-effective, reliable choice.
Do copiers have scanning and faxing capabilities like printers?
Yes, many modern copiers come with multifunctional features, including scanning and faxing. These machines can perform all the tasks of a traditional printer while still maintaining the speed and efficiency of a copier. This makes them ideal for businesses that need an all-in-one solution without sacrificing the high-volume printing capacity that copiers offer.
How can a copier improve office productivity?
Copiers are built for speed and efficiency. With features like automatic document feeders, duplex printing, and large paper capacities, they reduce the amount of manual intervention required. Employees spend less time waiting for documents to print or copy, which translates to increased productivity. For example, a copier can produce hundreds of documents in a fraction of the time it would take with a traditional printer.
Are copiers environmentally friendly compared to printers?
Yes, copiers tend to be more environmentally friendly. They use less energy per page compared to traditional printers and often have energy-saving features like automatic shutdown when not in use. Additionally, copiers typically have lower toner consumption, which means fewer cartridges are used and discarded. Over time, this reduces your business’s carbon footprint.
How do copiers help reduce printing costs?
Copiers have lower per-page printing costs than traditional printers, especially for businesses that print in bulk. Toner cartridges for copiers last longer than ink cartridges, which means fewer replacements and reduced overall costs. Many businesses find that leasing a copier, rather than buying a printer, allows them to manage their printing expenses more effectively.
Is it better to buy or lease a copier for my business?
Leasing offers flexibility, allowing you to upgrade to newer models as your business grows or as technology evolves. It also includes maintenance and repair services, which can save you from unexpected expenses. Buying, on the other hand, gives you ownership but comes with higher upfront costs and the potential for additional maintenance fees. For many businesses, leasing offers a more manageable, predictable financial option.
