According to Mashable, “[The] average U.S. office worker uses 10,000 sheets of paper per year.” From documents and contracts to memos and reminders, every business in America depends on paper and the ability to print on it in order to keep their affairs in order and their company running smoothly.
However, due to this clear need for printing and copying in the business industry, the high-quality copiers that businesses rely on tend to be very high in price. As such, many businesses are unable to make these purchases easily and depend on the cost-effective and clever world of copier leasing instead.
To better understand how a copier lease works and why it is so vital to countless businesses nationwide, let’s take a look at some of the main questions associated with copier leasing and the process involved with it.
Should I Lease a Copier or buy one?
One of the main questions people ask themselves when considering copier leasing is whether or not they should lease or simply purchase a copier. To put it simply, both options have their benefits, but many people rely on leases nonetheless.
The main reasons for this are that copier leases provide individuals with free service calls that cover various large parts which wouldn’t be covered otherwise, and they also allow individuals to save thousands of dollars throughout the leasing period.
Because most high-quality color copiers nowadays range anywhere between $13,000 to $35,000 depending on the size of the company and their copier needs, some companies find it far easier to make monthly payments instead.
What is the Average Cost to Lease a Copier?
According to Price it Here, “Copier leases can cost between $195 to $920 a month”. Even with the highest monthly pricing considered, it’s no wonder that companies choose to lease rather than purchase their copiers. However, most companies pay roughly between $100 to $250 a month on average.
Still, the cheapest new color copier options out there wouldn’t be paid off at $920 a month for a year meaning even the most expensive option is still cost-effective in the long run. Therefore, it is clear why companies ranging from small local businesses to Fortune 500 powerhouses opt for leasing over purchasing without fail.
What Questions Should I Consider With Copier Leases?
Now that we’ve discussed two of the more in-depth questions people tend to ask when considering copier leasing, let’s take a look at some of the more simple questions that get asked during the actual leasing process.
How Long is the Average Copier Lease?
The average copier lease agreement ranges anywhere between one year to five years depending on the way you outline your contract. During this time, you will be able to make minor changes to your lease agreement such as lowering the minimum copy requirement or ending the contract before it expires.
If you prefer to have the ability to make more changes during this time period, you will want to discuss your agreement with the copier leasing company to determine how much this will cost you additionally.
What Speed Should I Look for When Leasing a Copier?
Every copier has a maximum number of pages per minute which it can copy. The average copier is capable of 30ppm which means that a page is printed every two seconds. This is perfect for companies that mostly print things such as emails or short contract pages.
Likely, you won’t need a copier that goes above this range. With this said, one of the best copiers within this 30ppm range is the Konica Minolta Bizhub C308 Color Copier Printer Scanner.
Should I Lease an Inkjet, Laser Copier, or Digital Copier?
Another common question people ask when choosing the copier they wish to lease is what kind of copier they should be leasing for their company. The truth is that there are many things that determine which of these options is best.
However, a rule of thumb is that Inkjet tends to be the least popular copier option as they are not as cost-effective as the other two options.
Similarly, laser copiers are the most popular option of the three as they print at a faster speed and require toner rather than ink which is a cheaper printing option. They also produce high-quality prints likewise making them a very cost-effective option.
The Step-by-Step Process of Copier Leases
With all of the frequently asked questions now answered, you may still be wondering how the leasing process actually works. Fortunately, a copier lease is relatively simple and straightforward overall. There are truly only four steps associated with the copier leasing process and, once completed, you can rest assured knowing you’ve made the best decision possible for you and your company.
Determine What Copier is Right for You
The first step in the process of copier leasing is to choose the actual copier that is right for you. Fortunately, choosing copy machines for business doesn’t have to be that difficult as long as you know what to look for.
By taking into account the speed, type, size, networking capabilities, and bindery tools and functions, you can pick the perfect one for you business in no time.
Make Sure You Qualify for Leasing
The next thing you will want to do is make sure that you qualify for leasing the copier you want to lease for the time period you are looking to lease it for. Not every person qualifies for copier leasing and this is mostly based on credit score, your business bankruptcy history, and other factors.
The best way to determine if you qualify is to simply contact a local copier leasing company you are considering using and ask them what they require for the specifications you are looking for.
Make Sure There is no Long Term Contract
One of the big mistakes companies make when signing copier lease agreements is not actually looking at the fine print. Unfortunately, some copier leasing companies use this to their advantage by putting in parts that extend the lease past the agreed term or automatically renew them without your approval.
Because the California personal property leasing laws allow these kinds of fine print alterations, it is crucial that you make sure you know what you are signing before you sign it so as to avoid a messy lease ending.
Find the Right Local Copier Leases Company for You
After you have chosen the right copier for you, know that you qualify, and are prepared to review the contract thoroughly, all that is left is finding the right local copier leasing business for you.
By working with a qualified and experienced copier leasing business such as Common Sense Business Solutions, you can be sure that you have the best contract possible at the best rate and watch your company expand and succeed because of it.
