7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Copier
The most common mistakes when buying a copier are choosing the wrong size, skipping measurements, ignoring running costs, and missing features like fax, network connectivity, a document feeder, and enough paper capacity. Check the space, the total cost of ownership, and the specs against your real workload before you commit.
TL;DR
The article lists seven buying mistakes: ignoring future growth when sizing, not measuring the installation space, overlooking ongoing costs such as toner, paper, and service, and buying a machine without fax or without network connectivity. It also warns against skipping the automatic document feeder for scan-heavy work and against paper trays that are too small. A checklist table covers paper sizes, speed and duty cycle, footprint, workstation setup, and whether a printer-scanner combo is enough. It stresses matching the machine to your paper sizes and volume.
Key takeaways
- Plan for growth and measure the space, including the path the machine must travel to its spot, before buying.
- Count the full cost of ownership: toner, paper, maintenance visits, and supplies, not just the purchase price.
- Check connectivity and fax needs early, since a machine without network or fax support can be inconvenient to use.
- For scanning, look for an automatic document feeder with OCR, and the article cites up to 50 pages per minute as a strong benchmark.
- Choose paper trays that fit your sizes and volume, and the article suggests at least one tray holding 250 sheets.
1. Buying the Wrong Size (Ignoring Growth)
When you know what you need to fit into your space now, it is essential to consider how much room in the future will be required and if this might change over time.
- The Lesson: Copiers can be costly, and buying the wrong one for your needs may end up being an expensive lesson learned.
2. Not Taking Enough Measurements (Installation Planning)
A common mistake among those who buy without first measuring their workspace is ending up with too small or too large of a machine, which often throws off alignment problems. What is the point if you purchase a copier and can’t install it where you want?
- Action: Before purchasing any machine, be sure to take measurements as well as think about how much time might be required to move other heavy equipment out of the way.
3. Buying Without Considering All Costs Involved
This includes printer ink cartridges, paper, maintenance visits, and toner replacements, among others which many people don’t factor into their calculations when deciding whether or not they should buy a particular machine. These ongoing costs are the true cost of ownership.
4. Copiers with No Fax Capability
Faxing has become an essential part of everyday business. Some machines do not allow users to send or receive faxes unless they are hooked up through a landline phone line, which many younger generations find inconvenient.
5. Copiers That Are Not Network-Enabled (Lacking Wireless)
If you don’t have a shared business network, then the copier will need to be hooked up through wires, which is difficult and time-consuming. Having a printer with wireless capability would allow people to easily print from any location in your building without needing an Ethernet cable plugged into each machine.
6. Ignoring the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
If you need a copier for scanning documents only, make sure it has an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can scan up to 50 pages per minute and is OCR compatible. This feature is vital for quick, efficient document digitization.
7. Overlooking the Paper Tray Capacity
You must have at least one paper tray with the capacity to hold 250 sheets. Considering multiple paper trays is essential for managing different paper sizes (like legal or cardstock) without constantly swapping paper.
Tips in Choosing the Right Copier for You (Checklist)
| Feature | Key Requirement to Check |
| Paper Size | Choose a copier that is compatible with standard paper sizes like legal, letter, and A size. |
| Performance | Base your decision on the machine’s speed as well as its duty cycle (pages copied per minute). |
| Footprint | Determine whether you need a large or small footprint for space reasons. |
| Workstation Setup | If multiple people are in charge of copying from one office, consider buying different models, so everyone has their workstation to use instead of sharing just one. |
| Function | Consider buying a printer/scanner combo if your needs are limited in either area so as not to buy two machines that will take up more room than necessary. |
Conclusion
When buying a copier, don’t forget to keep common mistakes in mind. It’s essential to choose a machine compatible with paper sizes and has the right speed and duty cycle for your needs.
If you plan to get copiers for your office in Boston, you can opt to buy copiers or lease copiers in Boston. Boston Copier solutions provide the best value.
If you plan to get copiers for your office in Boston, you can buy copiers or lease copiers in Boston. We can give you options for getting the copy machine that you want. You can contact our local copier leasing services department in your location.
For all services in Boston, call Clear Choice Technical Services:
- Phone: (617) 221-7774
- Our personnel for copier leasing in Boston will assist you. If you are ready to start the process, request a quote today.
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