Looking to purchase a copier or printer for your business? You have options. You could go to a brick-and-mortar retail store, make a purchase online or contact a trusted office technology provider.
Congrats to you for researching your options before making a decision!
An office technology provider is a resource that many businesses leverage when searching for the right copier or printer. In fact, expert office technology providers will offer a needs assessment of your current print environment along with a recommendation of the equipment, print security software and/or managed print options that will best fit your needs.
Read on to explore why an office technology provider specializing in Managed Print could be the right choice for your business. In this article, you’ll learn about:
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Benefits of Buying from an Office Technology Provider
When purchasing a copier or printer, there are several benefits your business will enjoy when working with an office technology provider. Some of these benefits include:
- Expertise and Support: Office technology providers have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of copiers and printers. They can provide expert guidance and support throughout the buying process, helping you choose the right equipment for your specific business needs.
- Wide Selection: Unlike retail stores, office technology providers offer a wide selection of copiers and printers from various brands.
- Managed Print Services: Many office technology providers also offer Managed Print Services (MPS), which can greatly benefit your business. MPS involves the provider taking care of your printing infrastructure, including maintenance, toner, and device monitoring. This can help streamline your printing operations, reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Customized Solutions: Office technology providers understand that every business has unique printing needs. They can work with you to create customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements, including large volume printing and advanced security features.
Working with an office technology provider could ultimately lead to improved productivity, cost savings and a more efficient print environment for your business.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Provider
Choosing the right office technology provider is an important decision. To ensure you make the best choice for your business, consider the following factors:
- Needs Assessment: Ask if the provider will conduct a needs assessment of your print environment. This will show if there are any gaps, opportunities for improvement or potential cost savings by upgrading to new equipment.
- Reputation and Experience: Look for a provider with a solid reputation and extensive experience in the industry. This indicates their expertise and ability to deliver quality products and services.
- Service and Support: Evaluate the level of service and support offered by the provider. Do they provide timely assistance and maintenance? Are they responsive to customer needs?
- Cost and Pricing: Compare the pricing models and costs of different providers. Consider factors such as upfront costs, ongoing maintenance fees, the availability of service contracts and leasing options.
- Compatibility and Integration: If you already have existing office equipment or software, ensure that the provider's offerings are compatible and can integrate seamlessly with your current setup.
- Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Read customer reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the provider's track record and customer satisfaction levels.
Taking these factors into account can help you choose a reliable and trustworthy office technology provider that meets your business requirements.
CASE STUDY: Faith Technologies, Inc. – Fleet-Wide Printing
How Managed Print Services Can Benefit Your Business
MPS can offer numerous benefits to your business. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Fleet Management: Managing ALL print is the core of MPS. This includes all printers and copiers whether they are located at one location or multiple, for ultimate convenience.
- Cost Savings: MPS can help reduce printing costs by optimizing your printing environment, monitoring usage, and implementing efficient printing practices. This can result in significant savings over time.
- Enhanced Efficiency: By outsourcing the management of your print infrastructure to a provider, you can free up your IT staff's time and resources. This allows them to focus on more strategic initiatives, while the provider takes care of routine maintenance and support.
- Improved Security: MPS providers often implement robust security measures to protect your confidential documents. This includes features like user authentication, data encryption and secure printing, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
- Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance: With MPS, the provider takes care of monitoring your printing devices and proactively addressing any issues that arise. This helps prevent downtime and ensures that your printing operations run smoothly.
- Environmental Sustainability: Many MPS providers can also help you promote environmental sustainability and reduce your carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient printing practices and recycling programs.
By leveraging MPS, you can optimize your printing operations, reduce costs, enhance security and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Tips for Selecting the Right Copier or Printer
Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision when selecting a copier or printer:
- Assess Your Needs: Begin by assessing your specific printing requirements. Consider factors such as volume, speed, color capabilities and any special features you may need. Asking a MPS provider to conduct a needs assessment, is an option too.
- Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership: Look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the total cost of ownership. This includes factors like maintenance, toner, energy consumption and payment options.
- Consider Long-Term Scalability: Choose a copier or printer that can accommodate your business's future growth. Look for devices that offer scalability options, such as expandable paper trays or the ability to add additional features.
- Demo and Test: Whenever possible, request a demo or test the device before making a final decision. This allows you to evaluate its performance, ease of use and overall functionality.
By following these tips, you can select a copier or printer that aligns with your business needs and offers the best value for your investment.
Making the Best Choice for Your Business
When it comes to selecting a copier or printer for your business, working with an office technology provider specializing in Managed Print is a wise choice.
Not sure where to start? Contact the Managed Print experts at Gordon Flesch Company to schedule a complimentary needs assessment. We’ll tour your facility, ask a few questions and offer suggestions on how to streamline your processes for maximum efficiency.
Or maybe you'd like to learn more about available copier and printer options? We have lots of them, as we are the nation’s largest independent Canon dealer and provider of other quality brands like Ricoh and Lexmark.
If you have an idea of what you need, check out our online product configurator. You’ll be able to view a wide selection of options to find the perfect device for your business.
