It’s no secret that Melbourne businesses need a reliable office photocopier to manage all those important documents. And advances in technology mean that today’s copy machines are valuable office assets.
Most can scan, copy, print, fax, email, as well as sort, staple, hole-punch, fold, and store information. They also offer all sorts of features that can help improve productivity, like wireless connectivity, image editing, cloud integration, and signage printing.
But, when it comes to acquiring this essential piece of office equipment, you’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons of a copier purchase vs lease situation.
Buying a photocopier and leasing one both have their benefits, but the choice will depend on your specific business needs and budget. If you’re on the fence about whether to rent or buy a copier, these considerations will steer you in the right direction.
The benefits of buying a copier
The main advantage of purchasing a new piece of office equipment is that you own it outright. You’re adding an asset to your business, and you have the freedom to use it however you like for as long as it functions effectively. Other advantages of buying a copier include:
Potential tax benefits: In Victoria, your new office copier will be tax deductible for the first year of purchase, whereas if you lease a copier, you can only deduct the amount of the monthly payment.
Zero paperwork: When you purchase a copier, the deal is done, and there’s no interest to pay for goods or services.
Freedom of choice: You have complete control over the copier and the freedom to hire your own repair technicians, replace any malfunctioning parts, or opt for in-house maintenance.
Lower long-term cost: While the initial investment for buying a copier can be significant, over time, it can be more cost-effective than leasing, which requires ongoing monthly lease payments.
The pros and cons of buying a copier
| Advantages | Drawbacks | |
| Budget | Potentially lower overall cost. | Higher initial investment. |
| Tax incentives | Tax deductible for the first year. | Depreciation and harder to sell secondhand. |
| Technology | Own the equipment and choose upgrades. | Potential for outdated equipment. |
| Service and maintenance | Choose your own service provider and schedule. | Emergency repairs and replacements are expensive. |
Note: service costs are generally the same when you buy or lease – except when you can include the costs in the lease payments.
The benefits of copier leasing
The most important consideration when leasing a copier is what type of lease you are signing – a capital lease or an operating lease.
Most offices choose operating leases because they offer lower monthly payments than capital leases, which treat the agreement like asset ownership. Under an operating lease, the advantages include:
Lower upfront costs: Copier leasing requires a smaller initial investment than purchasing. This could be beneficial for businesses with limited cash flow or those who prefer to conserve capital for other needs.
Predictable monthly payments: Leasing your copier gives you a pre-determined monthly line article that allows you to budget more effectively.
Tax incentives: Under an operating lease, the copier can be considered a monthly operating expense rather than a depreciable asset.
Access to the latest technology: Leasing lets you upgrade to newer copier models with advanced features as your business needs evolve. This ensures you always have access to the latest technology without a significant upfront investment.
Maintenance and service: Our lease agreements include routine maintenance and repairs within the monthly cost. This eliminates the burden of managing unexpected service calls.
The pros and cons of leasing a copier
| Advantages | Drawbacks | |
| Budget | Lower initial investment and predictable payments. | Potentially higher overall cost. |
| Tax incentives | Tax deductible as a monthly operating expense. | |
| Technology | Access to upgrades during lease term. | Locked into a contract even if you no longer need a copier. |
| Service and maintenance | Maintenance, servicing, and repairs are usually included. |
So, should I buy or lease a copier for my business?
When you’re deciding between buying or leasing a copier, these are the key factors you should consider.
If your business has high-volume printing needs, you may benefit more from purchasing a copier for long-term cost savings.
On the other hand, if you require a highly specialised office copier, then buying instead of leasing can leave you out of pocket. Most machines with high production capabilities cost thousands of dollars, and this can leave a considerable dent in your budget.
If managing upfront costs is a significant consideration, leasing a copier can provide a more manageable financial plan.
Overall, the main consideration is your expected copier usage. Whether you want a simple streamlined copier for basic black-and-white printing or a high-powered model with multiple features for binding, collating, and stapling, you should weigh up the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.
At Copysonic, we can help you with the decision-making process, tapping into over 30 years of experience in the copying and printing industry. Whichever brand or model you choose, you can be confident that our team will help you get the most favourable terms for a lease or the best deal for the purchase of a new or secondhand copier.
