When you buy a car at a dealership, you don’t just choose the first one you see. The same goes for purchasing a copier for your business—choosing the best machine for your needs requires careful consideration.
Asking the dealer the right questions will ensure that the machine and service package you select are a good fit for your business. We put together a list of the most important questions you should ask a copier dealer so you can make an informed decision before you make a purchase.
Six Questions to Ask When Buying a Copier
1: How Much Is the Total Cost?
Many people don’t realize that the total cost of owning and operating a copier can add up to more than the price tag on the equipment itself. You also need to factor in supplies, energy consumption, the service contract, and the price of any additional features you need. The copier dealer can help you understand all the expenses associated with a particular machine, so you don’t exceed your budget.
2: What Is Included in the Contract?
It’s always important to understand everything a contract includes before you sign it. Never assume the contract covers everything you need. You might find out too late that it doesn’t include a warranty, toner refills, or replacement parts when you need them. Ask your dealer exactly what kind of supplies and support are included. Knowing what to expect from your purchase agreement can help prevent costly downtime.
3: Which Standard Features Are Included?
Just like the contract, you should familiarize yourself with the copier before you buy it. Find out which features come with the machine, and which ones you’ll need to pay extra for. Discussing the available features with the dealer can help you understand whether that copier can stand up to your daily needs.
4: What’s the Average Response Time for Service?
Minimizing downtime is crucial for maintaining productivity—and a reliable reputation. You need to know how long it takes for the technicians to respond to service calls before you sign the contract. An efficient dealer should be able to respond in three hours or less on average.
You should also find out if they’ll answer service calls on weekends or after hours, and whether they will loan out another machine if they can’t send out a technician in time. Extended downtime can cost you money and customers, so it’s important to choose a dealer who offers prompt service and efficient solutions.
5: Can You Help with Print Security?
Print security is a significant concern for business owners, especially when dealing with sensitive documents. Copiers are connected to your network, so they’re just as vulnerable to hackers as computers. Make sure to ask the dealer about the security features they offer. Functions like user authentication, data encryption, and secure printing will help you protect sensitive data.
6: Are Managed Print Services a Better Option?
Many copier dealers also offer Managed Print Services (MPS) to help you optimize your print environment. MPS contracts include copiers, supplies, maintenance, and support—all from the same provider. Managed print services can help you save money, reduce paper waste, and improve productivity. Consult the dealer about whether they offer these types of services, and how they can benefit you.
Elite Copier Dealer in Northern California and Reno, Nevada
Interested in purchasing a new copier? WiZiX Technology Group offers the latest equipment from top brands, comprehensive maintenance contracts, automatic toner re-supply, and more. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff can answer all of your questions about purchasing or leasing a copier. Give us a call at 888-977-4220 to learn more.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/28 /2023). Photo by Pixabay on Pexels