Volume and capacity requirements for usage
Tax Treatment - Lease payments are a deductible operating expense; purchased assets can be depreciated
Buyout options at end of lease term, if applicable
Rental terms for copier/MFPs:
Technology can be upgraded more frequently
Provide supplemental capacity during a peak period
Contact lessor for maintenance, services, upgrades as needed
With a copier or MFP lease, it's important to examine:
Supply/consumables costs
Important Lease Considerations
Upgrade your technology more often
With proper care and maintenance, today's copiers and MFPs can deliver reliable service for 3-5 years or more in busy office environments.
The maximum monthly print/copy volume is allowed; any overages will cost you more.
Handle a special project or overflow workload
Cash Flow: Leasing provides predictable payments, while buying can impact cash flow due to large initial payments.
Cost to upgrade or replace the system in the future
Compare warranty details between makes and models
Delivery and installation schedule
Leasing is less expensive upfront than buying, but you must pay the entire price upfront.
Service and supplies included - Confirm what is covered under lease payments
Options for lease termination
Factors to look at when buying copiers and MFPs:
Analyzing differences like these in relation to your specific situation will help determine if leasing or buying makes more financial and operational sense.
Upfront purchase costs - From $200 to $20,000+
Lower upfront costs compared to purchasing
Choose a model aligned with your current and future business printing and copying needs.
Buy a MFP or a Copier: Tips and Tricks
Leasing has become a popular acquisition option for many companies. With leasing, you pay a monthly fee which covers use of the equipment over a set contract term such as 3-5 years. At the end of the lease, you can return the equipment, buy it, or trade it in towards a new lease.
Check for additional discounts on supplies and accessories
Avoid overfilling paper trays and keep them stocked.
The following are some of the main differences between leasing and buying a copier/printer:
Some of the key differences between copier/printer leasing versus buying include:
By defining clearly the terms, costs and conditions of the lease, a tight contract protects both parties.
Rent a Copier or MFP for a Short Term
Key considerations when buying a new copier or multifunction printer:
Rental fees include service and supplies
Benefits of buying copiers and printers include:
Lease payments are made monthly
Project and add up all costs over a 3-5 year period for both buying and leasing to derive the total cost of ownership. This provides an apples-to-apples comparison of the two alternatives over an equivalent term.
Fill in a temporary equipment gap or a need for coverage
Ownership - With buying you gain ownership; with leasing the equipment remains the property of the lessor
Choose a provider and negotiate the final agreement
Typical steps to lease a new copier or multifunction printer include:
Leasing offers benefits like lower upfront costs, maintenance included, flexible terms, and easy equipment upgrades.
Opt for a fair market value lease, consider energy-efficient models, negotiate service agreements, and assess your true copier needs to save costs.
The best choice depends on your specific requirements. Evaluate factors like budget, usage volume, and desired features to determine if leasing, purchasing, or renting is ideal.