If you’re in the market for an office copier, you might think that the machine is the only thing that matters. As long as you get a fantastic copy machine, you won’t have to worry about anything else, right?
Ask anyone who’s been in business for a while, though, and they’ll tell you that when it comes to office copier satisfaction, it’s also the service that matters.
Even if you buy the best of the best or top-of-the-line office copier on the market, it will break down from time to time. After all, it’s technology, and these products aren’t perfect.
When you buy or lease a copier with service in mind, a great provider means their technicians will fix the problem fast, so you can go back to running a productive office.
We’re looking at some common mistakes companies make when buying an office copier. Then, we’re giving you tips to help you get the best service when purchasing a copier. When you follow these tips, it’ll be easy to choose the best copier company.
Even if you’ve been in charge of purchasing copiers or multifunction printers (MFPs) for your office over the years, you still might make a mistake from time to time.
These mistakes can cause you to go over your budget or choose a machine that’s prone to problems. Here’s how to avoid some of these mistakes, so you don’t run into issues with your copier.
Far too many decision-makers believe that they have to buy a specific office copier brand, no matter what. You’re more likely to go over your budget if you choose an office copier based on brand name alone.
You can get a much better deal by opening yourself up to multiple brands. This is where a local authorized copy machine dealer can help. Your local dealer, like AOS, carries various brands, such as Kyocera, Lexmark, and Sharp.
Learning your brand options allows you to compare basic and advanced features and prices in one spot. Then, you’re more likely to get the best deal on your office copier for your specific office needs.
If you are making a decision on a new copier when the lease expires, a lot can happen with a line of branded copiers every 3-5 years. So, it’s in your best interest to do your research each time you are ready to get a new device.
Who am I kidding? It’s always nice to get a deal! But, it’s essential to avoid the urge to buy a copy machine just because it’s on clearance. Office copy machines usually don’t make it to the clearance section until parts are discontinued, or the manufacturer stops offering support.
Clearance copiers for your business tend to create a massive problem regarding service. If your copier breaks down, even the best service technicians might not be able to fix it.
If you love a deal, you might be looking for an MFP on a resale website, such as eBay. The prices might be lower up front, but you could end up spending lots more money depending on the state the machine is in when you receive it.
For instance, the copier or printer might not even be in working order. Or, it could be missing parts. Then, you’ll have to start from scratch, which is not something many of us want to spend time doing.
Because the service is so important, you need to take steps to ensure you get the best when purchasing a multifunction printer. Use these tips to choose the best office copier repair company.
You will need to conduct an interview with each service provider so you completely understand their knowledge, capabilities, experience, and match your business needs.
No matter how superior your office copier is, it will require servicing from time to time. You might get a paper jam that you can’t seem to fix or an error message that won’t go away, no matter what you do. Regardless of the problem, you need it fixed so you can get back to work soon.
Before you choose a copier company to partner with, ask about the servicing speed.
Find out the average speed and see if the company has a response time guarantee. Some companies will give you a blank look if you ask these questions—which typically means the technicians won’t respond fast enough.
Others will give you detailed information that will help you make an informed buying decision.
Find out if the office copier company offers remote monitoring services. Remote monitoring can detect problems before they cause your printer to break down.
Also, remote monitoring allows service companies to diagnose issues before making service calls. Some problems can be troubleshot remotely, while others require a call from a customer service team. However, knowing what the problem is before arriving, the technicians can ensure they have the correct parts.
You should always check local references or client testimonials before choosing a copier company. Most companies are willing to provide references for you to check. After reviewing their references, it will be much easier to gauge the level of service you’ll receive.
You want to be (and deserve to be) satisfied with your office copy machine, so make sure your focus is on the service from the provider. When you choose the top office copier repair company in your area, you know your needs will be met.
So, what’s the next step? Read our article to learn more about finding the best provider for your organization and employees, Who are the Best Copy Machine Companies—Manufacturers or Local Dealers?
AOS offers managed print services that include remote monitoring and extended care through our service level agreements. We are dedicated to helping companies reduce costs and increase productivity. Make sure to contact us today to learn more about how we can help your small business continue on its path of growth and success.