Archive for August 2009
Is Your Copier Budget Hitting the Mark?
Tags: Colorado Springs Copier, Copier Colorado Springs, Copier Quote Colorado Springs
Are You Hitting Your Colorado Springs Copier Budget Goals?
There are a lot of things that go into making your copier budget work…especially in this economy. It takes discipline, analysis, and occasionally some tough decisions. It’s difficult for me to watch businesses and non-profits let people go while at the same time throwing away money through ignorant copier (and color copier) management.
For instance, earlier this summer I worked up a copier and color printer quote for a real estate office using their current monthly printing volumes. They had three offices, quite a few employees, and moderate (for their size) print volumes. It took me about three hours to work up the comparison quote on a spreadsheet (mostly because I kept thinking there must be a mathematical error!). The office manager let me know she was expecting a VERY competitive quote because cost was their most important factor….”makes sense” I thought, so, like normal, I gave her a detailed quote for $73,000 LESS (over 36 months) than their current plan!!
She saw the number, looked at the machines, and told me it just wouldn’t work…given their print volume I needed to have bigger copiers. I asked her if the print volumes on the quote were correct, “yes, but we do a lot of printing.” WHAT THE HECK?? I know how much printing you do–it’s what I selected your copiers based on!
What had happened, is they had been MASSIVELY oversold on their last lease, and she was expecting to get the same sort of quote. When I offered to save them money, she didn’t believe it could be that much, and is probably going to stay with the same company that is screwing them out of a lot of cash!
Normally office managers are a little brighter, but it goes to show you how much you can overspend on your copier budget if you don’t shop around. If you’re considering laying off employees or even shutting down a branch, look at your copier budget in Colorado Springs–you may be able to make up the difference just by managing your print budget in an intelligent manner. Give me a call for a quote on your copier lease (feel free to compare copiers and MFPs) or a large-scale print analysis of your business. Looking forward to talking with you.
If You’re A Small Buisness and Your Copier Lease is Coming Up, This is Something To Consider…
Tags: Colorado Springs Copier Sales, Copier Sales, Copier Sales Colorado Springs, Copiers for Sale Colorado Springs
Is it time for a new copier?
If you’re a small business, church, or home office who’s copier lease has just come up, there are a couple copier options you may want to look at. First, a tougher economy has meant that a lot of Colorado Springs business owners have been scaling back office operations. If your copier contract in Colorado Springs is coming up, no doubt your copier rep has been swinging by more often and taking you out to lunch. This is just what we in the copier industry do…we want your business.
However, being in sales, we want to make a profit…even if it’s not the best thing for you the consumer. So, at the risk of exposing too much of the biz, here’s a different option that could actually save you a lot of money. Buy a copier or multi-function device. Copier sales in Colorado Springs are not as profitable as long-term leases on large copiers. The reality is most small businesses have way more in a copier than they really need. A lot of the smaller Lexmarks and Xerox MFDs can EASILY handle the monthly volumes of Colorado Springs’ small businesses. Since most business owners are already used to the idea of a 4 year lease with a large copier, it’s very tempting to sell it because it’s so much more profitable for us. However, if your print volumes have lowered recently (and they’re less than 10,000 pages per month), your total cost of ownership would be much less if you consider a copier sales in Colorado Springs plan instead of a lease. Give me a call for quote or spread sheet comparison of your long-term pricing options for a copier in Colorado Springs.
Lexmark X658dfe Product Review
Tags: Cheap Copier Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Copier, Copier Colorado Springs, Lexmark X658 CO Springs, Lexmark X658dfe Colorado Springs
Lexmark X658dfe Copier
Have you been looking at copiers in Colorado Springs and trying to see what the best deal out there is? If you have been, I hope you have run into the Lexmark X658dfe multifunction copier! Why should you consider this copier in Colorado Springs when compared to the myriad of other products out there? Here are some good reasons:
- At 55 pages a minute, it is extremely fast. Comes standard with duplexing
- At about $4,000, it is about $3,000 cheaper than most other brands for the same speed!
- It comes loaded, no scan cards or fax cards to buy…. Here are some “standard features (print, scan to E mail, scan to network, scan to usb key, fax, copy, booklet creation, stapling, paper saver, etc…)
- It has a SUPER easy color touch screen! Most companies don’t even need training on the unit!
- It is super easy to set up! It actually comes on a pallet, you roll it off, remove the tape and start making your first copy. No technician needed to set up the basic functions
- Reliable, we have had awesome mechanical luck
If you have found a new unit in Colorado Springs at this price point with all of these features, we would be shocked. This is one of the best values in the copier industry.
Compatibles and Color Copiers: Do They Save You Money?
Tags: Color Copier, Color Copier Colorado Springs, Color Copiers, Color Printers, Color Printers Colorado Springs
Doing What's Best for Your Colorado Springs Color Copier
Given the economy, most people in Colorado Springs are looking for every little way to get the most out of their budget. Perhaps you’re one of those people, and if so, this post is for you. Compatibles and remanufactured cartridges (if they’re warrantied and from a reputable manufacturer) can be a great way to save cash on your color printing. Manufacturers don’t want people doing this, and so they (sometimes correctly, but generally incorrectly) tell you using anything other than OEM products will most likely ruin your color printer…NOT true!
However, when it comes to color copiers, the story is much different. I’m generally for whatever is the least expensive and still produces results…which is why I generally recommend compatibles for color printers. However, copiers are much more precise technology, and if you’ve ever watched an old color copier’s prints go downhill fast, you know what I’m talking about. Given their expense, more fragile working parts, and the already fairly low price of OEM consumables, using a compatible ink or toner in a color copier just isn’t worth it.
It’s a little like putting a new bio-fuel in a Lamborghini–it may work just fine, but given the expense and demanding nature of the machine, I’d feel a lot more comfortable putting it in a simple, sturdy Corolla. Feel free to give me a call for a quote on your new color printer or color copier in Colorado Springs.
Lexmark X652de Product Review
Tags: Black and White Copier, Copier Colorado Springs, Lexmark X652de, Lexmark X652de Colorado Springs, X652de Colorado Springs
Lexmark_X652de
Are you looking for a fast copier and don’t want to break the bank? Maybe the Lexmark X652de would be a good fit for you! First of all, it is fast, running at 45 pages per minute… this mfp is not your typical desktop model. It is also robust. We actually have customers who print/copy more than 10,000 pages a month on this device without mechanical headaches.
You can scan, scan to email, print, copy and fax all with this simple device. Here are some Pros and Cons on the Lexmark X652de.
PROS –
- Fast
- Inexpensive (Starting @ $1,799)
- Great warranty
CONS –
- Only scans simplex (one side) — duplex scanning comes in the Lexmark X464de or the Lexmark X654de
- The cost per print is higher than the X654de, so if you do a lot of printing, you should step up a bit.
Overall, this device would work awesome for most small offices and is definately worth taking a quick look at!
A Cost-Per Print Plan Can Lock in Your Savings
Tags: Colorado Springs copiers, Copier Colorado Springs, Copiers Colorado Springs, MFP
Lock in Prices, and Check the Fine Print!
Locking in your prices is almost always a good thing when it comes to copiers in Colorado Springs. Copiers here, like everywhere, have been producing more and more value in terms of the copier quality and function. However, consumables (toner, maintenance kits, etc.) are a predictably rising cost. If you haven’t noticed in your copier lease agreement, most of them include a clause that allows for 5%-15% (generally) rise in your copier price each year.
That can break the bank if you’re a small business or non-profit! One of the programs we like to promote here in Colorado Springs is the Xerox PagePack program. It’s an amazing way to lock in savings without having to worry about consumables increasing exponentially on you. The cost per page is fixed with no coverage limits on select models of their copiers, printers, and MFPs. I’m often amused when people look at the spreadsheet of what they’ll end up saving on their color costs–its something between disbelief and a little bit of being angry at themselves for having spent so much on color copiers. Comparing copiers is essential if you’re considering purchasing one; check out our copier comparison tool to see the difference consumables can make over the life of your copier!
If you’re lease is coming up, look closely at the contract and estimate your copier rep is showing you. If the consumables allowance for price increase unspecified, discretionary, or much over 5%, you will most like get a shock the following year when you look at your monthly bill. Ask for a detailed quote, and especially ask about the consumables price increase–it will make sure you’re locking in savings instead of getting trapped in a bad contract! Give us a call for a detailed quote on your copier, color copier, or MFP in Colorado Springs.
Are You Dancing With Disaster on Your Next Copier Purchase?
Tags: Copier Colorado Springs, Copier Colorado Springs Co, Copiers Colorado Springs, Tips on purchasing a copier in Colorado Springs
Dancing with Disaster isn't Necessary
Yuck, it’s time to start getting copier quotes. You know that you’ll make 3 calls and get what will feel like 300 calls back. How can you determine who is a good partner to work with and who is not when it comes to your next copier in Colorado Springs? Here are some simple steps to follow if you are buying a copier in Colorado Springs soon.
- Work with a company who has internal support to help you deal with technical issues that come up, or at the very least a good system in place to address mechanical issues. Ask questions here. What’s the minimum response time? Do you use your own technicians? Why or why not? Make sure you feel comfortable with the answers your rep provides you about copier purchases in Colorado Springs
- Work with a company that carries a brand you trust. I know, this seems self explanatory. If you are not comfortable with a brand, don’t buy the device. Any time you have trouble with your copier in Colorado Springs, you’ll kick yourself.
- Ask your rep questions. Ask him/her about scanning, about coverage about mtbf (mean time between failure)… Make sure your rep knows what they are talking about.
- Compare pricing. Make sure that you get a few quotes. I would stroongly reccommend that you allow the rep to quote what they feel is best for your needs. You will be shocked at how wide of a spread you’ll get on your copier quote in Colorado Springs. One company will quote $6,000 for a copier, another will be $2,000 and a 3rd will be $12,000. When you see ranges like this, having asked a lot of questions will help you determine who is just trying to make a sale and who is trying to make a customer happy.
Please call us for a quote on a copier in Colorado Springs!
Your Copier Will Stretch Your Budget if You Don’t Know The Answer to These Questions
Tags: Color Copiers Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Copier, Copier Suppliers in Colorado Springs, Copier Tips, Copiers in Colorado Springs
Ask Questions to Save Your Copier Budget!
Unless you’re in the industry, it’s very difficult to know what you do and don’t need in a copier. If you don’t know exactly what you need and want, you will very likely be oversold on your next copier in Colorado Springs. Here are some basic questions you MUST know the answer to if you plan on buying the right copier or color copier for your specific needs:
1. Do I need color? How many color prints will I do per month? If I am doing very few, would buying a smaller printer meet my needs and save me a LOT of money on my next copier purchase?
2. How many black and white copies do I currently do per month? What is the maximum number I can foresee this rising to?
3. How many users will be using this machine? Would I be more efficient with two smaller copiers in different locations in the office?
4. How long do I want to commit for? Am I planning on a similar print volume in 3, 4, or 5 years?
5. How is the copier contract worded? How much can they raise my supplies cost per year…what’s the maximum?
6. What size of paper am I planning on printing? Do I need Tabloid (and is it worth the 30% + cost?)?
7. What finishing options do I need or want? Is the price of a stapler and booklet maker worth the extra cost?
If you can answer all of these questions, you will be in a perfect postion to negotiate with prospective copier reps. I ask my clients all of these questions. While it can be a bit tiring, it really does end up making sure you don’t over or under buy your next copier in Colorado Springs. For a quote or analysis of your current copier needs, feel free to give me a call for solid advice on your copier in Colorado Springs.
Green Ideas for Your Colorado Springs Copier
Tags: Copier Colorado Springs, Copiers in Colorado Springs, Green Copiers, Green Printing Colorado Springs
Green Copier Ideas
Being green is something almost everyone is open to these days. However, people usually equate being green with being expensive. If you buy green laundry detergent, it usually costs more…people think (wrongly) that’s probably how it is when it comes to office equipment.
Copiers are not green. They’re made of plastic, use petroleum based toner, and print on cut-down trees. If someone says they have a green copier, they really mean “green in comparison.” So, if you’re looking for ways to make your copier, color copier, or MFP in Colorado Springs greener, here are a few tips that will also save you money:
1. Duplex when possible. This uses less paper, and saves you money.
2. Have businesses send pdf. files to your e-mail instead of faxing to your MFP.
3. Do your copies in batches if possible. The warm up on a copier uses almost as much energy as when it’s copying. You’ll save your energy bill, and it will help your copier or MFP last longer (which is greener!).
4. Use your main copier/MFP instead of printing with smaller injet desktop printers. Small inket printers are extremely expensive to print with due to the cost of inkjet cartridges. They use much more petroleum per print than the large MFPs due to their small cartridge size. If you recycle your inkjet printers and just use your MFP, you’ll end up being greener AND saving a staggering amount of money per month!
Give us a call if you’re interested in looking at our Colorado Springs selection of the greenest copiers on the market today.
Xerox WorkCentre 4150 Product Review
Tags: Colorado Springs Copier, Copier Colordao Springs, Xerox WorkCentre 4150
WorkCentre 4150 Copier
Have you been thinking about getting a monochome copier in Colorado Springs? If you have been considering getting a copier and started to look at the Xerox 4150, I thought I would do a quick product review. Personally, I don’t like this copier very well. The drums seem to go out too quick and the user interface is difficult to use. Is is a good copier for day to day copying, sure I guess it works fine, but there are far better devices in my opinion than the WorkCentre 4150.
What copiers would I consider instead? In the Xerox line I would consider the Phaser 3635 or the WorkCentre 4260. The basic reason I would pick one over the other is workload. The Phaser 3635 would be great up to about 3,000 pages per month. After that, you may as well jump up to the 4260 so you can have a more reliable device and one with a simple interface.
The Workcentre 4150 is a pain with the interface and for a few hundred more bucks you could get a much better device. This is just our humble opinion on the matter.
