It’s almost impossible to run a modern-day office without a printer. Even with a majority of business communication and transactions being done online, you will likely need to print off docs, like contracts to sign, letters to send, or copies of crucial papers for your archives. But that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to buy a printer for your office – you could rent one instead. Indeed, a lot of businesses opt for office printer rental over outright purchases. Read on to find out why.
How Does Office Printer Rental Work?
Let’s start with the basics.
Office printer rental is just what it sounds like – you rent a printer from a provider instead of buying it. That means you have to sign and agree to a rental agreement, with terms and conditions regarding how much you pay, how long you rent the printer for, and so on.
A lot of providers are open to negotiations and quite flexible, so office printer rental can be a great way to get a printer on your own terms, at a price that works for you. Then, at the end of your rental term, you may have an option to extend, upgrade to a different model, or even buy the printer for a smaller fee.
Reasons to Rent an Office Printer
Now you know the basics of office printer rental. But is it right for you? Let’s look at some of the many reasons why businesses choose this approach rather than a printer purchase.
The Cost-Effective Choice
The first and most obvious benefit of office printer rental is that it’s typically a much more appealing option from a price perspective. After all, high-end office printers routinely come with high price tags. They can cost thousands of dollars, placing them beyond the budgetary reach of smaller firms.
When you rent, you don’t have to make such a big financial outlay all in one go. Instead, you can pay much smaller and more manageable monthly payments for your printing needs. For businesses with little budgets, office printer rental is a game-changer.
Additionally, a printer rental may be classified differently for tax than outright purchasing one, since it’s a predictable monthly expense. Of course, it’s best to consult a local accountant for the details on that.
Access to Top-Tier Models
There are a lot of office printers out there, and they’re generally a real cut above the kind of rudimentary printers you’d buy for home use. Indeed, top-tier office printers have multifunctional designs, advanced cybersecurity, speedy print times, sleek touchscreen interfaces, and more.
However, because of their high prices, the best models often feel inaccessible to smaller companies. With an office printer rental agreement, you can access and enjoy the functionality (and productivity-boosting benefits) of a high-end printer with ease.
Flexible Terms That Work for You
Office printer rental agreements tend to be quite flexible. There are even different types of rental plans to choose from, like the FMV (Fair Market Value) rental that lets you buy your printer at a fair price once the rental period ends.
You can also opt for short-term rentals if you only need a printer for a brief period of time or agree on longer rentals as desired. With so many options and varying prices to suit different budgets, it’s easy to find a plan that works for you.
Assistance With Maintenance and Repairs
Paper jams, misalignments, smudges, network issues – printers can have a bunch of different problems for users to troubleshoot. Even the best models break down or fail to work as expected from time to time, and it can be a pain to figure out what’s up and get it fixed, either by yourself or by hiring a pro.
Well, a great thing about office printer rental agreements is that most experienced providers actually include maintenance coverage. In other words, if your printer encounters any issues, the rental provider will cover the costs to get it up and running so you don’t have to. Additionally, IT solutions providers typically work with qualified and experienced repair services so you don’t have to track down a technician.
None of the Responsibilities That Come With Ownership
Last but not least, there’s also the “peace of mind” factor when you choose office printer rental instead of a purchase. You don’t have any of the usual worries or concerns that come with owning your own printer. Instead, you can just use and enjoy it as needed for the duration of your rental term.
You won’t have to think about how to dispose of or resell your printer when you need to upgrade, nor will you need to bother yourself with upkeep (as long as your contract include maintenance). It’s a very convenient alternative to buying a printer.
Reasons to Buy Your Printer Instead
Of course, office printer rental isn’t the only option, and it’s not necessarily the best choice for every business. You may prefer to purchase a printer instead. Let’s take a look at some reasons to do so.
You’re in Charge
When you buy a printer, you’re in charge of it. It’s yours to own, use however you like, and even resell someday, should you decide to do so. There’s no provider looking over your shoulder to ensure you keep the printer in perfect condition, and no fixed term before you can switch to another printer.
No Contracts or Confusion
Contracts are a critical part of office printer rental. But they can be a little confusing, and it’s easy to mistakenly sign something you don’t fully understand or agree to. With a purchase, there’s far less risk of any confusion – you just pick a printer, buy it, and away you go.
A Single One-Off Payment
Another benefit of buying your printer instead of renting is that you only have a single payment to worry about. You don’t have to worry about monthly payments eating into your budget every few weeks, and in the long run, you might even save money, especially if you resell your printer before upgrading.
Consider an Office Printer Rental for Your Business
Overall, there’s clearly a lot to be said in favor of office printer rental. It’s a great option for many businesses, particularly smaller companies with limited budgets. If it seems like the right move for your firm, Golden Gate Office Solutions is here to help. We’ve assisted many San Francisco businesses find the ideal office equipment to rent, and we can do the same for you. Get in touch today to learn more.
