Photocopier options
When choosing a colour photocopier for a small business the areas you need to consider are how many copies will you be making per month, what speed would you like it to produce copies at, what size and type of paper it will use, what is your budget and what other features will you require beyond colour photocopying. Understanding the needs of your business will help you choose the copier that is right for your small business. Additional features available in copiers include; network capability, the ability to scan directly to your desktop or email, image editing, faxing and printing. If you are looking for a network photocopier, you will need to consider if it is compatible with your operating systems.
Purchasing options for small businesses
Colour photocopiers can either be purchased or leased by businesses, and the best method will depend on your circumstances. To purchase a new colour photocopier can vary in cost depending on its specification, but it is likely to cost upwards of a thousand pounds as models cheaper than this tend to be more suited to home use. Leasing is a popular method for small business to be able to own a colour photocopier, as not only does it overcome the high initial cost, it also allows the flexibility to upgrade machines as the needs of the business change, and lastly leases often come with maintenance contracts which are essential for such complicated machines. If you rely simply on the manufacturers warranty, repairs can be time consuming and leave you without a key business asset. Different maintenance contracts are available, with costs either based on a fixed fee or on the number of copies your business makes each month. To reduce costs it is possible to buy or lease second hand photocopiers, but these are often less reliable than new models.
Total cost of ownership
Other important factors that small business should consider are the cost of consumables for colour photocopiers such as ink cartridges, toner and parts. Ink cartridges can add up to a significant cost for a small business, so it is important to shop around as there are wide variations in the prices charged. This also applies for all other photocopier consumables.