All your office and communication needs coveredBuying a new copier
Choosing the right copier
All new copiers now use digital technology. This means a huge range of extra features and functions are available; for instance, collating/sorting of documents is now possible from the machine memory without the old (sometimes unreliable) collating unit. Copiers are often referred to as ‘multifunctional products’ (MFPs) because they are capable of being used as a fax, printer and scanner as well as a copier. All this creates a huge range of exciting new options, and also potential confusion!!
Some key advantages of digital copiers are:
1 Good paper handling
2 Low running costs compared to computer printers
3 Automatic double siding
4 Collating/sorting options
5 Stapling and booklet making can be done integrally in the copying process
6 Connection to PC or network can
a) reduce printing costs
b) increase productivity
c) increase quality
7 User access codes help control and monitor usage
8 Colour copying is now more affordable both in terms of machine cost and running costs
Some disadvantages of digital copiers:
1 Can seem slow for longer runs
2 Printing for long runs is more expensive than digital duplicating or commercial printing
3 Colour machines encourage significant increase in running costs (holiday photos etc.)!!
We suggest you create a list of requirements before talking to a potential supplier including:
1 How much copying you are/will produce per month/year?
2 How many jobs are long runs (say over 30)?
3 How much A3 copying are you doing?
4 How much copying is from internally generated documents, how much is from hard copy originals?
5 How many people use the copier?
6 Do you require PIN code access
7 Have you considered/do you want to consider connecting the copier to a PC or network
1 ‘Rental’ agreements are usually like mortgages and the copier is bought for you by a finance company who you repay over 3, 4 or 5 years.
2 This means you cannot stop paying and send the copier back as you still owe the outstanding money.
3 You should also check the ‘term’ of the agreement (i.e. number of years) and the number and frequency of payments, which are usually quarterly. You may pay 13 not 12 payments in a 3 year agreement.
4 There is usually an administration fee at the start of the agreement charged by the finance company of about £100
5 Maintenance is not usually included in the rental, and is usually charged per copy. A3 copies should cost twice A4 copies, and toner is usually included, as are most parts. Before buying you need to know what is and is not included. Colour copies (A4) cost from 6 pence to 15 pence depending on make of machine and supplier and may not include toner.
If you are in any doubt, we are happy to advise as impartially as possible – bear in mind we will want to sell to you as well but we are committed to advising you what is best for you!!
