Thinking about buying a copier for your business? Before you do, explore the potential benefits of leasing a copier.
Is your business in need of a quality multifunction copier? If so, then you may have already begun shopping around for quotes on a new piece of equipment that suits your needs. But before you shell out hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars to buy a new copier machine, evaluate all of your options. Specifically, copier leasing allows you to pay on a monthly basis for the office equipment you need. Copier leasing could be the perfect option if you’re quite not sure what kind of copier (or copiers) you will need or for how long. Many businesses choose a leasing option for several reasons, but ultimately the decision lies in your hands.
Copier Leasing Advantages
There are numerous advantages to leasing a copier as opposed to buying one directly. For starters, buying a copier can be expensive, with business-grade models ranging from hundreds to more than $1,000. The option of copier leasing allows you to pay a small monthly fee to use a quality copier, which may be a more financially reasonable choice—especially for small businesses that may otherwise not initially have the funds to fully purchase such equipment.
Another major advantage that comes with copier leasing is that most leasing agreements build in service, maintenance, and repair costs into your monthly payments. This can easily save you hundreds of additional dollars, as well as the time and hassle of attempting to service the equipment yourself or paying an IT professional hourly to handle fixes and maintenance for you. The peace of mind you get knowing your essential office equipment is fully supported is something you can’t really put a price tag on. When you buy or lease a copier, you obviously have a need for it and, moreover, need it to work!
Finally, what many business owners don’t realize is that the costs associated with copier leasing are often tax deductible as part of your company’s annual leasing or rental expenses. Benefits like these are something you should definitely discuss with your accountant.
Cost-Influencing Factors
The number one thing your accountant or finance department will ask you when you discuss copier leasing is just how much it costs. Today’s copier leasing rates can vary based on a number of factors. For example, you will pay more to lease a multifunction copier with advanced features such as sorting, hole-punching, and automatic stapling. The speed and age of the copier as well as the manufacturer will also affect the monthly lease price.
The length of your lease term will also affect your monthly costs. Typically, copier lease terms range from 36 to 60 months; the longer your lease, the less your monthly payment will be. On the other hand, you will also pay more in interest and services over time with a longer lease term. You will need to evaluate the specifics of your copier leasing options, including your “all-in” price, before you sign any kind of contract. You should also find out whether or not your contract is negotiable or transferrable, especially if you have a longer lease term.
As you can see, there are numerous benefits associated with copier leasing as opposed to purchasing a copier outright. But in the end, what’s best for you and your business is out there and available to you. If you would like to discuss potential copier leasing rates for your office, contact Business World at 501-214-5482 to schedule a consultation with an office technology consultant today!
