FirstCopy – choosing the right copier, supplier and service contract
FirstCopy choosing the right copier, supplier and service contract
Very few businesses can manage without at least a basic facility for making copies of important documents, even in the age of the internet.
Despite the options of saving online, on a CD or memory stick or on the PC there are times when there is no substitute for a paper copy.
It is known that people read on a screen 40% slower than they do print and that eye tracking movements mean that the eye doesn't travel the full width of a computer screen, narrowing down as the reader moves towards the bottom of the screen.
Also it is near-impossible when proof reading to spot every single mistake or correction needed when reading on screen and the spelling and grammar checks provided with most document-creating software do have limitations.
Copiers now are very sophisticated; high-tech machines and come with all sorts of options for integrating with other IT equipment.
However, many offices really do not need all this sophisticated equipment, which can be expensive to buy, lease, service and maintain and often involve fixed-term contracts that may become a burden on business costs.
It is sensible, therefore, to make a list of what level of sophistication and technology the office operation will need, then to establish an affordable, reasonable budget within the overall costs of the business, which also include energy costs, office rental, insurance, payroll, perhaps some vehicles as well as materials and machinery for whatever the business is producing, if applicable.
Perhaps the most crucial aspect to establish is the cost of maintaining the copier, replacing cartridges of ink and toner and how much paper is likely to be used per month.
Then research the cost of lease and service contracts among a number of potential suppliers and most importantly what period of notice or renewal is needed. You may also want to know how quickly an engineer can be on the site if there is a problem and how complicated the machine might be to use.
If there is a problem with the machine that needs it to be taken away from the office to be fixed, will the company supply a replacement in the meantime?
It may be that it would be more cost effective to actually buy an appropriate copier and have a contract for regular servicing and maintenance only if it is available.
But how do you judge whether a supplier is good, reliable and reputable?
It might be worth visiting the potential suppliers to assess them for yourself. Look out for how long the company has been in business and ask what sort of clients they look after.
You might want to know the range of brands they offer and what their repair facilities are like. Do they have experienced and qualified repair technicians on site able to handle a range of machines?
Also it is worth asking whether they can put you in touch with other customers of a similar size to your own business to talk to and whether they are willing to supply references.
Armed with all this information a business will be in a good position to make the right copier choice for its needs.
Gas Rebate Credit Card: How Customer Loyalty Rebates Work SIM Only Deals- Enjoy Latest Offers From Various Service Providers! Enjoy High Quality Voice Communications With The Help Of These Top Free Voip Services Whole Blood Delivery Services Book keeping Outsourcing Services What Kind Of Services Does My Courier Offer? Outsourced tax preparation services Outsourcing Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation Services Best quality SEO services from SEO Develop O2 Contract Deals - For Effective and Efficient Connectivity Services Primary Knowledge Before Hiring Limo Service Super Green Hosting Customer Review Roofing Services London: Meeting Your Roofing Needs