The copier
industry is all about introducing new copiers.
Oftentimes, a copier might even be updated or replaced in a
manufacturer's product line more than once a year, bypassing the hundreds of
thousands of used copiers such as used Xerox
or Canon copiers freely available on the open market. Why does the copier industry do this, pushing
new models when there are plenty of service able used copiers? We'll address why these manufacturers of
monochrome and color copiers do this in the remainder of this article below.
1. Manufacturers Don't Make Money on
Used Copiers
The truth
is, manufacturers simply don't make any money on used copiers. They might make
money off of toner or ink cartridges for the used machines, but there is no
money for manufacturers in the market exchange of used copiers. This cuts into the manufacturer's bottom
line, which is why manufacturers are happy to push newer models as an
alternative to used copiers. Whether HP,
Lexmark, Xerox, Brother, or even Canon copiers, these manufacturers don't make
money selling used copiers.
2. New Copiers Are Not Better Than
Used Copiers
Beware of
the myth put forth by manufacturers that new is always better than used. Oftentimes used copiers have capabilities
that closely match newer versions, so don't be tricked into buying new when you
can purchase perfectly serviceable used copiers. Technology moves fast, but not as fast as the
manufacturers would lead you to believe.
Has paper and toner really changed that much in the last 15 years? Do you really need a new copier?
3. Your Supplies Will Likely Cost
More Than Your New Copier
It's sort of
an industry-wide secret that over time the average business or consumer will
probably spend more on their copier supplies than they will for their actual
copier. Your laser color copier for
example requires you to replace the drum, the magenta, yellow, cyan, and black
toners separately. In addition, you've
got all kinds of moving parts inside the machine, many made of plastic, which
simply aren't created to last for hundreds of thousands of duty cycles.
Instead of
wasting money buying something new that is essentially a wear item, buy
something that costs perhaps half as much, and just maintain what's necessary. Buying used copiers and maintaining only what
is necessary will save you a bundle!
4. The True Cost of a Copier Requires
Factoring In Maintenance
Manufacturers
don't want you to know that copiers are not made to last forever, simply
because they make more money selling new copiers, not by selling parts. There is simply more competition in this
space. While this seems less than
ethical, this is a pretty common practice.
One great
rule of thumb is to calculate the replacement cost of your toner or ink cartridges,
plus the costs of replacing the drum and any other essential supplies over a
two to three year period and compare between manufacturers. There's also
maintenance of the internals and wear-items.
You will likely find that some models make more sense to purchase when
you factor in the cost of maintenance!
5. New Copiers Lose Value the Moment
they're Purchased
Copiers,
like cars, lose value the moment they're purchased. Unless you can return it to the manufacturer
or to a store and get your money back, you're going to be stuck with a copier
that has depreciated in value by 25% to 50% the moment you use it for the first
time. This is why purchasing used
copiers, or opting for copier leasing options makes sense.
Used copiers are already discounted due to
their used status, and copier leasing makes sense because you are essentially
paying for maintenance and rental of the unit, without the headache of
disposing of it or deciding when it's time to push out a large sum of cash to
buy a new copier. Copier leasing helps
you have one less thing to worry about!
Correct-Tek Copier Service
1514 E. Waverly Ct.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004 US
Tel: 847-398-5212
Mobile: 847-398-5212
Email: ctcopier@sbcglobal.net
