Compare Price Quotes for Business Copiers

Quick Guide to Copiers

Quick Guide to Copiers

A copy machine is surprisingly, a large business purchase. Office copiers are an asset to any company handling online or paper documents. Whether you are looking to replace your current copier machine, or are a first time purchaser of copier machines, there are many benefits of having the most up-to-date equipment at your office.

In 1949 the Xerox Corporation introduced the first xerographic copier called the Model A, whereby photocopying in general was termed as "Xeroxing.” However, the once copy machine monopoly has changed, and now many companies offer different services with their copier business copiers.

Copy machines have come a long way since 1949. The technology advances has improved efficiency and usefulness. Most digital copiers now have the ability to link to your business network, and save the documents on your server. This feature is in addition to the ability to print and scan paper documents. Copiers once took the brunt of the “go green” initiative, claiming that they encouraged wasting large volumes of paper. Copiers now have the popular feature to scan and digitalize your documents. They also are more energy efficient, have longer life spans and use recycled components.

Copy machines make paper copies of documents by using heat or ink jets. Copiers were deemed more convenient and reliable than computers to make copies of pieces of paper.

They can range from around $100 to many thousands of dollars, depending on the maker and the machine’s capabilities. The average business copier runs around $2,000, and there are numerous options your company has with its office copier purchase. Most are multi-function devices--saving the cost of purchasing multiple machines that will consume more electricity and clutter office counter space.

If you rely on an outside printing service, like Kinkos for your copy and printing services, you may be wasting money.  These services are expensive and time consuming. In-office copy, printer, scanner will often cost far less than competing services. The best thing about an in-office copy machine is convenience.  Making copies is a quick and efficient task. They allow you extra flexibility on the go, when a crucial document wasn’t accounted for or, something needs to save before going out the door.

Determining your needs
Each business will have a different need for their copiers and there are many different types of copiers available. A graphically intense business, such as marketing or print advertising company will need a copier to exactly match the computerized version’s colors. “Business Color” is the most basic level of color printing, where colors are not an exact match to document production program. Most businesses will find this acceptable because they are not printing graphically intense documents.

Multi-function copier
A multi-function device is a device that is capable of printing documents, faxing, scanning, and copying. The multi-function device will also link to your network and allow storage. These devices save money and time when a full service hardware solution is needed for your business. Only one set of supplies is needed for this device and will simplify your printing and copying needs. Most businesses find that printing costs decline measurably after installing a network printer.  Make sure that you have the network capacity to support such a machine before you purchase one.

Knowing what you want
Your company should have a projection of how many copies will be made per month, and the speed at which you want your copy machine to run. If your business only needs a basic copy printer combo you can avoid extra costs by purchasing a machine with only those features. To read more about choosing this equipment, read our Copier Buyer Guide.

To find a local distributor in your area, view our Copier Local Provider Directory.