Copier printer scanner MFD office equipment is getting more complicated and the choices are increasing. The merging of the traditional printer and copier machines has presented companies with hard decisions. What is the best manufacturer for the money? Lowest cost? Best options and functionality? Most durable? Canon, Toshiba, Minolta, Ricoh, Gestetner, Xerox, HP, Sharp, Lanier, Copystar, Lexmark, Brother?
Now compound the many brands with companies that only specialize in one or two brands and it's clear to see why companies have problems with selecting the right equipment or getting in the wrong lease. If you get your equipment from a company which specializes in one brand take care. Why? Because you will receive a bias view.
If a vendor only represent Canon or Sharp how will you know if you should get a Gestetner, HP or Ricoh may be better. So what should you do?
Do some basic research online using the buyer's lab reports. Look for awards and low failure rates. If the model is brand new; wait a few months so the manufacturer has time to get the bugs out. Do not assume that a BIG NAME means the best choice. Did you know the Lanier / Gestetner/ Ricoh / Savin are the same company? Mita / CopyStar / Kyocera too! Did you know HP laser printers are actually Canon based?
It's a challenge to make an educated selection. Be careful. Ask questions. Get referrals. Check the service record of the company you choose.
When is your equipment lease up? Does it offer a lump sum or 1$ buy-out clause at the end of the lease? What is the current value of the equipment? What is the estimated life of the copier/printer? Most of these questions are simple to determine with a few keystrokes on the internet.
Get all the answer before you commit. Ask questions. Look at the terms. Know you page counts and be very careful not to fail in the low ball tactics of some copier printer leasing companies.
Source by Mike Klein
