The definitive guide to buying a photocopier

Gone are the days when photocopying machines were incapable of performing a range of tasks. In this day and age, the impact of technology in modern life is immeasurable. We now have some copiers capable of multi-tasking.

What’s even more surprising is the ease with which you can photocopy, scan and fax using the same machine at the office. Before going out shopping for a copier, it is advisable to first do your research.

If you are in dire need of a good photocopying machine, here are 6 things to consider when choosing a Photocopier:

 

• Price and Leasing Agreement

 

The cost of buying a copier as well as leasing should always guide you. There are different brands out there with the likes of HP, Toshiba, Canon, Sharp, Xerox, and other brands. What will guide you is the printing speed. For instance, machines with copying speeds of up to 26 pages per minute usually cost around £200. Laserjet copiers are valued at £1500 but with lower speed levels of 15 pages per minute.

For speeds of up to 45 pages per minute, such copiers’ cost around the £4,500 mark. Also, depending on the rate per minute, the Ricoh Aficio MP C5000 costs around £18,000 retail price. But you can get it at £5000 depending on its valuation at the moment. Leasing a photocopier is also an option; especially if you are not in a position to afford a new one. Lease prices vary, depending on the size of the copier. The prices range from £95 for 2 months and at least at an affordable fee of £150 for 36 months.

2. Photocopier Features

Even though we have seen the introduction of popular multifunctional photocopying machines, the traditional ones still have some key features as well. Don’t be overwhelmed by the physical characteristics in a machine, instead focus your attention on quality. If you’re on a shoestring budget, there is still some room for a high-quality traditional photocopying machine.

Depending on the size of your business, you should look for special features such as the ability to save information on a copier’s hard drive. Such critical elements of saving key documents will keep your business expenses at bay.

Another crucial characteristic of an office copier is paper handling. The standard paper handling capacity of a copier should be at least a thousand papers on the paper tray. However, depending on the size of the copier, there are copiers capable of handling up to 10,000 A4 sheets.

Other key features you should consider include tray capacity, storage capacity, speed, double-sided printing (or duplex), and color variation. Besides that, you should be able to identify the end product range (speed per minute) and the hard-drive storage capacity.

 

• Market Trend

 

Before buying a printing machine, it is advisable to evaluate the market. Many factors determine the price. For instance, the photocopier business is always competitive. The prices keep changing with time. A standard photocopier goes for only £2,700- which is fairly cheap. However, with competition, companies are launching new products day by day, which is affecting the price. Additionally, some companies are even leasing copiers for as cheap as £22 per month.

Today, technology is changing very fast. Companies such as Canon are working tirelessly just to come up with new multifunctional copying machines. The main aim of these companies is to create value for their customers’ money by using the latest technology. New devices are coming up with digital technology.

There is even the option of connecting the copier with the office LAN, where multiple users can share one copier. The sharing feature is less costly, considering the traditional way of standalone photocopying machines. Nowadays, computers are inbuilt with multifunctional features such a printing, copying, scanning, and faxing.

 

• The Vendor

 

Today, copier vendors are all over the Internet. Consequently, you should be very careful when dealing with them. Some are scammers you should be wary of. However, we do have some legitimate companies out there providing excellent services at affordable fees. A list of good sellers includes PC world Business, Computacenter and Specialist Computer Centers.

Most office equipment vendors of copier machines also offer other services to buyers. These vendors provide training, technical support, maintenance, and designing office automation procedures. Manufacturers can also provide training on how to use office-photocopying equipment.

The buying procedure has changed with time. Before buying any office equipment, make sure you consult an IT, expert. An IT specialist will be able to advise based on features and whether the copier is compatible with the business network.

 

• Toner

Modern-day photocopiers use dry toners. A toner usually contains some black powder that is a fine texture. However, that is not the primary concern. The main concern is the risk involved in using a particular type of toner. Some toners contain dangerous chemicals that are carcinogenic- meaning they are harmful to human health. Therefore, purchasing a toner with a cartridge is the best option.

In cases where the toner isn’t in a cartridge, handling materials should be provided. The person handling the toner should cover his skin; by wearing disposable gloves and a facemask to avoid inhaling the poisonous chemicals.  Some toners contain potent chemicals such as nitropyrenes and trinifluorene.

 

• Selenium

 

Studies have shown that photocopier machines produce Selenium. Also, other chemical compounds such as zinc oxide, Cadmium, and organic polymers are present in a toner. Traces of such compounds have become evident in places with photocopying machines.

Although the extent of damage caused by working under the exposure to Selenium is not life threatening, there are some risks involved. Working for long periods exposed to Selenium can cause fatigue, poor concentration, lack of sleep, and respiratory disorders. Therefore, buying an old photocopying machine is a very huge risk.

EndNote

Finding the right equipment for your office is not all that complicated. There are some vendors out there willing to do business with you. All you have to do is log in their website, and they will be more than willing to help.

Also, something you need to be wary of is the number of counterfeit photocopiers out there.  But with the help of our detailed photocopier guide, you will be just fine.

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from TheMarketingblog http://www.themarketingblog.co.uk/2018/09/the-definitive-guide-to-buying-a-photocopier/