Home › Learning Center

Learning Center

Higher Information Group news & insights from our subject matter experts in every solutions area.

5 Minutes to Read

The Pros and Cons of Buying or Leasing a Copier

By Higher Information Group on July 28, 2023 | Office Solutions

Copiers play a vital role in most businesses, yet the cost of acquiring one can be a significant consideration. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of buying and leasing a copier.

Buying a Business Copier:

Pros:
  1. Tax Deductible: Purchasing a copier or multifunction printer allows you to take advantage of tax deductions, making it a financially viable option for your business.
  2. Lower Cost Over Time: Unlike leasing, you’ll save money on interest payments by owning the copier outright, resulting in lower costs over time.
  3. Streamlined Process: Avoid lease contracts and third-party involvement. Owning the copier allows you to sell or upgrade it whenever you desire.
Cons:
  1. Large Upfront Cost: The initial investment required to purchase a copier or multifunction printer can substantially impact your cash flow.
  2. Lack of Latest Technology: As technology advances, your purchased copier may not have the latest features, limiting its capabilities compared to newer models.
  3. Maintenance Expenses: You’ll be responsible for the copier’s maintenance costs, especially if you don’t have a maintenance contract in place.

Leasing a Business Copier:

Pros:
  1. Lower Upfront Cost: Leasing typically involves minimal upfront costs, making it a more affordable option for businesses with budget constraints.
  2. Upgrade Options: At the end of the lease term, you can buy the copier or upgrade to a newer model, ensuring access to the latest technology.
  3. Maintenance Coverage: The leasing company typically covers maintenance costs, relieving you of the financial burden of copier repairs.
  4. Tax Deductible: Lease payments are tax-deductible, and you don’t have to worry about depreciation since you don’t own the machine.
  5. Stable Payments: Monthly lease payments remain fixed throughout the lease term, unaffected by changes in interest rates.
Cons:
  1. Required Lease Period: Leasing contracts often come with a mandatory lease period of 2-5 years, which could be problematic if you don’t plan to use the copier for that long.
  2. Strict Contract Terms: Lease agreements may have inflexible terms that might not align with your business needs over time. Always review and evaluate the contract terms before committing.
  3. No Option to Sell: Since you don’t own the copier, you can’t sell it to recover costs.
  4. Higher Overall Costs: While initial costs may be low, the accumulation of lease payments over time, combined with interest rates, may result in higher overall costs than purchasing.
  5. Choosing the Right Business Equipment Provider: Ensure you lease from a reputable provider of business equipment like copiers, MFPs, scanners, etc. that meets your business needs, as unfavorable lease terms can cause difficulties.

Choosing between buying and leasing a copier for your business depends on your specific requirements and financial considerations. Buying offers tax benefits and long-term savings, while leasing provides flexibility, maintenance coverage, and access to the latest technology. Evaluate your budget, projected usage, and preferences to determine the most suitable copier or multifunction printer option for your business.

At Higher Information Group, we specialize in business equipment solutions tailored to optimize your work environment. Our wide selection of top brands, including Canon, Toshiba, Lexmark, and HP, ensures you find the perfect fit. Additionally, we offer flexible payment options, making your copier acquisition process hassle-free. Ready to explore your options? Get in touch with one of our experts today!

Empower Your Teams

From multifunctional devices (MFDs) to mailing equipment to wide format printing. We offer options to increase productivity and collaboration.

KEEP ON LEARNING

Recommended Reads

More Knowledge at Your Fingertips

Want to learn more about how you can leverage specific solutions for your business? Right this way!