Ever tried to buy a used copy machine and felt like a fish out of water? Looking at used copy machines for sale sometimes creates challenges (and headaches) you didn’t expect. For example, how can you tell which machine is the best fit for you? Won’t a used copier have substantially lower quality than a brand new one? And how old can a machine be and still be acceptable to buy? The answers to these questions are simple. A used machine is a great option for many companies. Why? Read on to find out!
1) Making The Decision
This might sound like a no-brainer, but the first thing is to make sure that you want to buy a used copier over a new model. While new machines have the distinct advantage of having some updated features, there are plenty of comparable used models out there. It all depends on the overall price and the general convenience factor of purchasing a used copier. If you have a smaller budget, then a used copier is your best bet.
2) Know Your Budget
Speaking of budgets, you need to know yours. To avoid mistakes in the purchasing process, it’s always a good idea to have a firm budget in place. Calculate the costs and available funds ahead of time so you don’t end up spending more than you can afford on a particularly tempting machine. Go over your existing budget with a fine-toothed comb to see just how much you can pay monthly for a copier. Once you get to the store, tell the salesperson what your budget is so that you can pick a used model in that range.
3) Examine the Exterior for Wear
With used copy machines for sale, there’s usually a question of how worn the copier is and if it still works properly. Pull out the paper tray drawers and push them back in to see if they move smoothly. Lift the protective lid to ensure that the hinges are in good condition. Walk around the copier moving all of the exterior parts. Also, keep in mind that things like scratches and scuffs don’t really mean much. They are cosmetic in nature.
4) Testing the Performance
Testing the performance of the copy machine can do wonders in giving you a good idea of how well it can meet your copying requirements. Ask if you can make a sample copy on each of the used copy machines for sale that you have your eye on. Pay attention to how long they take to warm up, how quickly they make copies, and so on.
5) Learn the Copier’s History
If you’re trying to figure out how much previous “use and abuse” the copier has been through and whether it’s likely to be worn out, it’s extremely helpful to know its history and what it was previously used for. This can do a lot to eliminate performance and technology surprises when you buy the copier. In some cases, this information may not be available. However, it might be, so it’s worth asking your salesperson if they know about its history. You might learn some interesting things about the machine.
6) Availability of Spare Parts
For those who have convenience as a top priority, spare parts can make or break a purchase. If the spare parts for the copy machine you’re considering are rare or otherwise hard to come by, that can add to the time, expenses, and effort of maintaining the copier. Thankfully, many of the Minolta machines have parts that are readily available, making repairs simple.
7) Ease of Repair
Copy machines that are easier to repair will obviously be preferable for maintenance. This can tie into the ease of finding spare parts mentioned above, but it can also be a result of the design, technology, and wear and tear of the copier. Choose a model that you feel won’t be overly expensive to repair, but also ensure that you leave some money in your budget for repairs, should something come up.
8) Age of the Copier
The copier’s age is also something to consider. However, keep in mind that many copiers will last for quite a long time. If you’re buying a copier, note that the amount of use that it previously received matters more than its age. Look for an older copier that is on par to the car driven by “an elderly woman to the grocery store two miles away once a week.”
9) Maintenance Options
When you buy a used machine, there are typically several maintenance options available. You want to ensure the company that you purchase it from won’t leave you hanging should something go wrong. Service contracts are one potential solution to the time and effort concerns of maintaining your copier, as they allow for other people to handle this process for you. A good service contract that includes regularly scheduled maintenance will keep your used copier running for years to come.
10) Print Volume
If you’re prone to a high print volume in a typical workday, then you’ll want to pick one of the used copy machines for sale that can handle this print quantity. Make sure to ask the dealer about what each machine can handle. Obviously, if you print a huge volume every single day, you’ll probably need a more expensive used model.
11) Paper Size
Since many copiers adjust to different paper sizes, this shouldn’t be an issue when looking at used copy machines for sale. With that said, if you need a specialized size, then make sure that you find a model that can handle your needs.
12) Ink and Toner
The type of ink and toner the copier you’re looking at uses can have a big effect on cost and convenience. Older models might need more expensive cartridges that are harder to find. Thankfully, you should be able to find the ones that you need at the specialty company that sold you the machine.
13) Energy Use
Whether it’s for the reduced cost, environmental concerns, or both, energy efficiency can be a huge concern for many who are searching for a used copy machine to buy. For this reason, you might want to check the specs and information for the copier to see how energy efficient it is relative to other choices. Since energy-efficient machines have been on the market for many years, locating a used copier with the Energy Star logo shouldn’t be a problem.
14) Consider a Lease
If you’re worried about things like maintenance and longevity, then choose to lease your used copier rather than buying one outright. Many leases include scheduled maintenance and small repairs. Also, if something happens to your used copier, you might be able to swap it out for a different one under the terms of your lease.
15) Be Patient
Finally, it’s important to have patience in your search. There are many used copy machines for sale, and it may take some time to find the best one that suits all your printing needs. Don’t feel as though you need to rush through the process. Simply take your time, and weigh all your options.
