The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Copier
The process involved with getting a copier can be overwhelming overall, without having to worry about the quality printer that you are purchasing. When the organisation decides to buy a second-hand copier instead of a new one, this can be stressful as well.
However, that is unless you are buying from a trusted supplier with a good reputation for supplying quality used copiers, such as Copiers Africa. While there is a lot of stigma surrounding buying refurbished equipment, there are some tips that you can follow and some factors that you must consider, making sure that you get what is best for your organisation.
What to consider before buying a used copier
Evaluate Your Needs
Before comparing different refurbished units, you need to assess your printing and copier needs. This can be done by making a list of the projects that are done frequently, with consideration towards future and prospective projects.
This will guide you as you compare different refurbished models and help you find the right one. Other important areas to consider include colour printing/copying, copying volume, data security concerns, the type of paper that must be accommodated, and so on.
You must be thorough during this step because it can be the difference between choosing the perfect machine or running into additional costs of replacing the wrong one.
Think Green
There is a significant movement towards sustainability and when you choose a copier machine, this still applies. Consider a model that will make it easy to reduce your organisation’s carbon footprint.
Many copier brands have started incorporating eco-friendly features in their product design including sustainably sourced toner, the use of recycled materials, the ability to monitor the energy efficiency and impact of the machine, and so on.
Maintenance and Repairs
People are often scared that by purchasing a refurbished machine, you are buying someone else’s problem. However, in most cases, refurbished machines are resold because individuals or organisations only upgraded their machines, and it is not to say that there is an inherent problem with the copier that you purchase.
However, this is also why it is important to only buy from a trusted supplier such as Copiers Africa. A copier is an investment that is vital to operations and therefore it must be safeguarded by paying attention to maintenance and the costs thereof.
The cost of ink can be significant, especially for organisations that have high volumes of printing and copying work. For this reason, make sure to choose a machine that matches the needs and objectives of the organisation as it will save overall costs in the long term where maintenance and repairs are concerned.
Learn about the Features
In addition, data security must also be considered amongst other things. Copiers have a wide range of features that make them especially useful and vital in the office. However, some features may suit the organisation better than others.
When you are purchasing a refurbished machine, you do not have flexible options where features are concerned, but you do have a choice in the machine and its respective features.
Consider features that will maintain and even boost productivity.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Copier
Before you buy a second-hand copier, you must consider that there are both advantages and disadvantages. While the disadvantages are not there to discourage your decision, it is still important to consider them so that you can avoid additional costs that could dampen your productivity in the office.
Pros
- There is a significantly lower up-front cost because refurbished copiers are cheaper than the latest models. Suppliers may want to clear out their inventories or the device was returned at a bargain price, creating an opportunity for you to buy a machine at a lower price.
- It is more environmentally friendly because you limit the number of new units that are produced for consumer consumption. When you buy a refurbished machine, you can help offset your community’s carbon footprint.
- It is proven to work when you buy a refurbished copier from a reputable supplier because you get a guarantee that the device works. Buying a new unit can be a gamble because the new technology may not be a match for the organisation’s unique needs and objectives.
- You also have more information on the copier when you purchase a refurbished model, especially where it came from, how hard it has been used, and what you can expect from it.
Cons
- A refurbished copier can reach the end of its lifetime sooner because its age is often determined by how many impressions it has printed, which means that a copier typically lasts between four to five years. However, many durable models can last for decades.
- Spare parts can be difficult to find because most major brands turn over their product lines every two or three years. These brands keep spare parts to support older models for a few years, but invariably these parts are slowly phased out over time.
What to know before you purchase a refurbished unit
Once you know what you need and you have considered the pros and cons of buying or renting a refurbished copier, you can proceed to look for the right model to suit your business needs and objectives.
However, before you start shopping around, here are five considerations to ensure that you can get the best deal possible, and you are not left with a costly mistake.
- Look for a refurbished model that is not older than 12 months because older units will invariably have more wear and tear.
- Consider the “Copy Count”, which refers to how many times the machine has already been used. These machines typically keep a record of such metrics and the lower the count, the less wear and tear and the longer its life.
- Consider the warranty as many resellers will typically only offer a limited warranty. Make sure that you can get a warranty that will extend to at least 12 months, or longer, which will give you extra peace of mind if anything goes wrong once the machine is in your possession.
- For a higher volume of copying, always consider a freestanding unit. If you plan to do occasional copying, consider a small desktop machine.
- Ensure to check whether the machine has been refurbished and if it has, make sure that the supplier can provide you with the details such as when it was refurbished, how easily spare parts can be sourced, and find out about the warranty.
