What are the Cheapest Office Copiers in 2024?
The cheapest office copiers will cost between $600 – $1200 for small jobs, or as much as $9,000 of more robust print jobs. A high capacity copier that has all the latest bells and whistles but still cheaper may cost up to $30,500 .
A copier capable of handling all the needs of an office can be found for as little as $2500 if you’re willing to forgo a few of the more advanced features found on higher-end models. On the other hand, if you need a very high-capacity copier that has all the latest bells and whistles, you can easily find yourself paying $30,500 or more for a unit. It is more than possible to find a bargain when shopping for an office copier but to do so, you have to understand what you’re paying for when buying a copier, and which features or capabilities you need, and which you can pass on.
Factors that Affect How Inexpensive a Copier Can Be
The two main factors that affect how expensive a copier will be are:
- The copier’s overall capacity and speed at which it can produce copies
- The extended feature set included in the copier
“Feature set” is obviously a broad term, so here are some features which could cause the price of your copier to rise:
- The ability to handle multiple different thicknesses, sizes, shapes, and types of paper
- The degree of sophistication in the machine’s networking capabilities
- Overall image quality – this is usually measured in the resolution or DPI (dots per inch). Expect those machines with higher than 600 DPI to be more expensive
- The color quality available from the copier
- Stapling and collating features
- Software sophistication
Obviously, there are some places here where you can save money by cutting back on features that you don’t need. One key area to look at is color: if you only print in black and white, don’t spend the extra money on a machine that is designed to make high-end color copies.
3 Tips to Getting the Cheapest Office Copiers
Finding the most cost-effective office copier involves balancing initial costs, maintenance expenses, and operational efficiency. Here are three tips to help you achieve this:
- Consider Leasing Instead of Buying:
- Why: Leasing a copier can be more cost-effective, especially for small businesses or those with limited budgets. The advantage of leasing is that it requires a lower upfront investment compared to purchasing a copier outright. Leasing also typically includes maintenance and service, which can reduce long-term costs and the hassle of arranging repairs. Plus, it offers flexibility to upgrade to newer models as your business needs evolve without the financial burden of owning outdated equipment.
- Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):
- Why: When choosing a copier, it’s important to look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the Total Cost of Ownership. This includes factors such as ink or toner costs, energy consumption, maintenance fees, and potential repair costs over the lifespan of the copier. A cheaper copier might seem like a good deal initially, but if it has high operating costs, it could end up being more expensive in the long run. Comparing the TCO of different models helps you make a more informed decision that saves money over time.
- Opt for a Multifunction Copier:
- Why: Multifunction copiers that can print, scan, and fax, in addition to copying, offer better value for money. By consolidating multiple devices into one, you save on the purchase and maintenance costs of separate machines. These all-in-one devices also tend to be more space-efficient and can reduce electricity consumption by centralizing these functions. Furthermore, having a single device for multiple tasks simplifies operations and can improve workflow efficiency in the office.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select an office copier that meets your needs at the lowest possible cost, ensuring value for your investment.
What to Look for in Low-Cost Commercial Copiers For Businesses?
When you’re shopping for a low-priced office copier, the very first step is to figure out what speed of copying you absolutely need in order to make productivity targets in your office. This is so important because the PPM specification is one of the primary determinants of how much your copier is going to ultimately cost. If you can make do with a slower speed unit, you stand to save yourself a great deal of money.
You should also define exactly what your printing needs are before you start shopping for a copier. This includes answering things like:
- What paper sizes do you need to copy on?
- Print Speed: How many copies per minute should your copier produce?
- Do you need to print B&W or in color?
- Do you need stapling features?
- How advanced do you need your networking capabilities to be?
- Do you want a sizable hard drive on-board so you can scan something once and reproduce copies at a later date?
- Do you want to finance or lease your copier?
- Do you require security, account codes, or duplex copying?
Another important question to ask when you’re shopping for a copier is what type of service plan is included with the machine. Copiers break down inevitably, and the length and depth of support and warranty offered play a large role in your total cost of ownership.
Another concern for those looking for an economic copier is how quickly the machine being considered will need the replacement of its consumable parts. In addition to toner and paper, copiers also have other parts that need replacing occasionally (the exact parts – known as “consumables” – depending upon the model). Finding out how much these parts cost and how often you will need to replace them, coupled with the support offered, allows you to paint a much more accurate picture of the total cost of ownership of any given copier.
Bargain Office Copier Companies with Discounted Prices
It is worth mentioning that buying your office copier is not your only option. Many companies also allow you to lease their machines instead. This is a useful option for those trying to keep initial costs low, and who want the security of long-term service and support. Whether leasing or buying, these companies are a good place to start your search.
Brother: Brother is an industry leader, and a good company to look at for those trying to find a low-cost copier. The company offers many different models and styles of copiers, which should allow most to find one that exactly meets their office’s needs, ensuring that you’re paying for only what you actually want in a copier.
Canon: Canon is a name that many are familiar with via their home products, but they also make an excellent lineup of affordable office copiers. Canon’s software is typically easy to learn and use, making it a good option for those who might be new to office copiers.
An Investment in Your Office
Purchasing a low-cost office copier doesn’t mean purchasing a low-quality one. There are many economical options to be found, and you can make an important investment in your office’s print capabilities and efficiency without spending huge amounts of cash.