If you've ever made the wrong decision on a purchase -- maybe a shirt that didn't quite fit right, or a new brand of laptop that you never quite liked as much as its predecessor -- you know how frustrating it can be to spend money on something you don't use or that doesn't work like you want it to. This kind of mistake is especially problematic when it comes to office equipment, like a new copier. It's easy to decide on a new copier based on price, after all, staying within a budget matters. However, not selecting the right copier -- one that fits your specific needs -- can actually be costly in the long run.
Keys to a Successful Copier Purchase
Copiers that don't have the speed or quality your office requires, copiers with a high cost of ownership, and copiers that lack a comprehensive warranty: these are just a few of the issues you might find if you don't do your homework. There are a few key elements to consider before you buy.
Specs & Your Needs
Ensuring the copier you take back to the office fits the specifications you need is fairly easy, if you know what you need before you go shopping. This does take a bit of time to do right, but it's worth the time to get a device that works for you. You'll want to determine how much copying your office does, how many people will use it, and any particular types of copies you foresee (such as longer or wider documents than the standard 8.5 x 11). Additionally, you might want or need extras, such as folding and stapling, especially if you intend to print a lot of bundled documents, flyers, and so forth.
Tech & Your Network
One of the most common, and most frustrating, mistakes buyers make when selecting office equipment is not checking to ensure the device will integrate with your network and other technology. Check with your IT department or staff before you buy and save yourself the trouble. Or, if you don't have an IT staff in house, talk with your sales rep about your tech needs.
Cost & Your Budget
Of course, none of this matters a whole lot if the device you're looking at is out of your budget, right? Here's something to consider: many less expensive copiers actually have a much higher cost of ownership. We recommend taking the entire cost into account, rather than the sticker price. Selecting a device with a lower cost of ownership (such as, better warranty, less expensive toner, etc.) can be a smart investment, and save you more money in the long haul.
Have questions about copiers? Ready to find your match? Let CPC Office Technologies help! Contact us today!