If you’re looking to replace your printer or copier, should you buy new – or used? It’s possible to find less-costly reconditioned machines that are as reliable as new ones, but you’ll need to be informed before you make your purchase. Getting the answers to the four simple questions below will ensure that your experience with a reconditioned machine is a good one.
1. What is the warranty on the reconditioned machine?
If the company selling the machine is telling you it is as good as new, they should be willing to back it up with a one-year parts and labor warranty. Laser Age backs each machine we sell with a one-year warranty and guarantees we will respond to your site within four hours for any problem you may have.
2. Does the machine have the technology required to suit your office needs?
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, printer and copier technology was changing quickly. At that time, it was a good idea to lease, allowing you to upgrade every few years. However, in the past 7 years, these machines have changed very little in speed, print quality, and functionality. As a matter of fact, many new machines are almost identical to their predecessors. If a reconditioned unit provides all the options you require and functions at a speed and quality which fits your operation, there is no reason not to purchase it.
3. Will my machine be as reliable as a new one?
Many previously-leased copiers and printers have been used very little and are like new when their leases expire. With a new car, you may immediately experience a 20% drop in value when you drive it off the lot. With a copier, this number is usually over 50%. Many machines are leased for 3 years and are under-utilized during this time. A good-quality, gently used copier or printer that is properly maintained will give you many years of uninterrupted service at a much lower cost.
4. Will the cost savings be substantial enough to justify buying used?
It is not unusual to see machines come off lease with more than 95% of their service life remaining. This translates to you getting a like-new machine for less than half price.
If you are using a reputable company that you know you can trust, like Laser Age, the decision of whether to buy a new or used copier or printer should be an easy choice.
I want to make sure that I get the right copier. I didn’t realize that the warranty between new and like-new would be different! That’s definitely something to keep in mind when looking at different offers.