Technology evolves so fast nowadays that it’s hard to keep up. That’s true in all areas of life, from smartphones to office copiers and printers. With so many advancements, it’s easy to make a mistake when upgrading your office copier.
Fortunately, knowing the top five common problems when buying office copiers and printers will allow you to avoid the fate that’s plagued some decision-makers.
Five Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Office Copiers and Printers
Let’s go over five of the most common mistakes companies make when buying or leasing office copiers. Avoiding these mistakes is an essential step in choosing the right multifunction printer (MFP) for your small business.
1. Failing to Buy or Lease an Office Copier With the Right Applications
Top office copier manufacturers and app developers have upped the game when it comes to applications for copiers. Along with basic or primary offerings, they now provide industry-specific applications for companies.
From accessing Salesforce to tracking billable hours and connecting Microsoft applications, there are numerous options out there.
When you meet with a local authorized copier dealer, the team will go over your business needs. Then, they can help you select from various office copiers and printers that have applications to increase productivity and improve efficiency.
2. Not Getting All the Features You Need
Copiers and printers have more features than ever before. Now, you can get extras such as automatic document feeders, voice activation, finishing options, and so much more.
I can promise you that you’ll probably end up with buyer’s remorse if you purchase an office copier that lacks the features you want and need. On the other hand, the right features will help you increase productivity to get a solid return on investment.
3. Getting Too Much…Or Not Enough
Buying an office copier is a lot like purchasing a house. No, you won’t have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on it. Still, when it comes to analyzing your wants and needs, the process is quite similar.
When you buy a house, you have to think about your needs and wants. For instance, you need a home with a specific number of bedrooms. You also might need storage space for your holiday gear and a fenced-in backyard for your furry friends to play.
Then, you have a list of items that you want, such as a chef’s kitchen and swimming pool.
Before you make an offer on the house, you look at your wants and needs and then decide what you can do without while still being happy. For example, you might want a swimming pool, but that won’t necessarily stop you from buying a house without one. It’s a matter of determining what is and isn’t a dealbreaker.
The same is true when buying office copiers and printers. There are certain things you can’t do without, and then there are features that would make your job easier. Review your list and circle the features that you want but don’t necessarily have to have.
Then, use that list as a starting point when shopping for an office copier. That way, you won’t end up with a machine with many features that you won’t use. At the same time, your new office copier will have everything you need so you can conduct business.
4. Not Fully Reading the Contract or Service Level Agreement
You’ve found a printer you want to lease or buy, and now, you just need to sign the contract and service level agreement (SLA). In your excitement, you glance at the contract and service level agreement and sign on the dotted line.
Everything happened quickly, and you didn’t really read the agreement. Then, down the road, you realize the contract and service level agreement aren’t quite what you thought they were. At that point, it’s too late to do anything about it.
You need to read and fully understand both documents to the letter. The contract outlines what’s expected of you and the vendor. Trust me; you don’t want to agree to responsibilities without knowing what they are, so read every word.
The SLA details the level of service that the vendor must provide. Go section by section, making sure that the level of service promised lives up to your standards.
Also, you should feel free to ask as many questions as you want while reviewing the agreement. If you aren’t comfortable or the vendor cannot adequately answer your questions, it’s time to switch companies.
5. Buying or Leasing From the Wrong Company
You can buy or lease your office copier from the manufacturer or a local authorized dealer. When you choose a local authorized copier dealer, you’ll get a partner. Local dealers, like AOS, don’t just sell or lease machines and send you on your way.
They provide real solutions to help you. Because of that, they will spend ample time discussing your needs and growth strategies. Then, they will choose devices from top manufacturers that have the features you want.
Local authorized dealers go beyond matching you with the ideal office copier or printer. They also offer managed print services, so you don’t have to worry about anything related to printing and copying.
These services include things like:
- Automatic Supplies
- Management
- Remote Monitoring
When you get such a service, you will feel like someone is always watching out for you, ensuring you have the best of everything.
The Bottom Line: Planning Is Necessary When Buying Copiers and Printers
The right amount of planning can go a long way when purchasing a new office copier or printer. Careful planning will ensure that your multifunction printer has the applications and features you need without extras you won’t use.
AOS makes buying and leasing office copiers and printers as simple as possible. We will work with you to find a budget-friendly copier that has the features you need. You will get a true partner that can manage all of your printing and document management needs with us. Contact us today to discuss your office copier and printer needs.
