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You know the old adage: you get what you pay for. This rings true for your multifunctional printer for your business. Purchasing or leasing business machines should be viewed as an investment in your business. Unfortunately, when you’re trying to cut costs while still trying to encourage productivity, you can sometimes be caught up in the sale techniques of discount stores. While you may save money up front, it may end up costing you more in the long run.
What is the cost of supplies?
The price of the equipment offered by the national discount chain or stationary store may be low but how much is it going to cost you to operate over the long run? You need to consider that the cost of ink and toner will add up. If you’ve found a printer or copier from a discount store, speak with a local dealer to learn how much the monthly cost would be to operate that machine. Then compare it to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a business MFP. You may be surprised to learn that the business MFP from your local dealer can often end up costing less than “the deal” on-line or in the flyer; much less.
Who fixes it?
If you are looking for a business MFP, it is because you need one. Your business day likely doesn’t allow for needing to chase down machine repairs, operational guidance or alternate means of printing or scanning. You do not have time for machine down time. This can have a huge impact on the level of productivity in your business. You want your machines to work with you to increase efficiency in the office, not work against it. However, when you encounter a problem, where do you find help? If you can find it, it will carry hourly charges and cost of parts. In contrast, when you get a MFP from your local dealer, you’ll be able to set up a service contract whereby an authorized technician will come out and help you get back up and running quickly. If the problem is severe, a loaner machine can be provided. You are back in business fast and productivity is maintained.
Can it handle what you need it to?
The price-to-buy may be right, but will it be able to handle what you need it to? Speed does not equal capacity. Will you have a periodic high demand print volumes but moderate overall monthly totals? If you do, you need a multifunctional printer that is capable of handling this peak workload without encountering service issues.
When you have question- who can you call?
If you have any questions, whether it is service related or not, will you have someone you are able to call? The discount store will commonly refer you to the manufacturer’s call centre, where you find yourself wading through an automated system, hoping to reach an actual human. This takes even more time away from your business. Even if the store has a technician, they likely don’t have techs dedicated to MFPs. With your local dealer, who services what they sell, there is a dedicated service team to help you and come to your office as required.
On-line and discount stores will position the price as the most attractive component of the office machine. However, if you’re not careful you may end up spending much more in the long run. When looking to purchase or lease an office machine for your business, speaking with a local dealer can make a positive different. Click here to read the advantages of working with a local deal. Connect with Brock Office Automation to learn more about why the price should only part of what you consider when purchasing or leasing office machines.
