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Archive for the ‘Copier Buying Tips’ category

Why Do they Keep Calling Over and Over?

January 25th, 2010
Are You Dreading Your Phone Because Your Copier Rep Keeps Calling?

Are You Dreading Your Phone Because Your Copier Rep Keeps Calling?

Maybe you are looking for a copier in Colorado Springs and have been tired of getting called 100 times by 5 different copier reps.  So, you want a good deal, how do you get competitive quotes without getting 500 calls?

The first thing to realize is that copier reps, like all sales reps, fight pretty hard to get any leads and if you don’t give specific directions, they are wanting to make sure they don’t lose business because the other rep is too competitive and call 100 times and they try to be reasonable.  People tend to buy from the person they remember and trust, generally.  However, some people buy from guilt, and will go to the copier company in Colordao Springs that “works” so hard.

What you will want to do is give each of them specific instuctions and work with the companies who can actually follow instructions.  If you ask them to only call twice in a week, eliminate dealers who refuse to follow your directions.  A company who can’t listen well enough to follow your specific desires will probably struggle helping you get a copier in Colorado Springs that will meet your specific desires.

Take a Close Look at Your Next Copier Quote!!

September 24th, 2009
Take a Close Look at Your Quote and Contract!!

Take a Close Look at Your Quote and Contract!!

This post is not going to make me the most popular person in the copier industry because if you follow my advice, you could be taking a few thousand dollars out of the Colorado Springs copier company´s pocket and leaving it in yours!  Here are some tips which no one else will tell you!

  1. Don´t do a FMV lease on anything under $3,000.00  Why?  Because there is generally less than $5 a month difference when you do the lease either way.  If this is the case, why give back the equipment and have to pay the freight to get it to the leasing company?
  2. You don´t have to do a lease to be on a cost per print plan.  You can buy and sign up for a cost per print plan seperately.
  3. Ask your dealer if they have any demos models for sale on the model you´re looking at.  This will do two things…  1) It tells them you are wanting a value so they´ll naturally keep their prices lower and 2) It will let them know you are open to creative deals so they can get you the best deal.
  4. Always get your quotes itemized. ALWAYS!
  5. Always figure out the total cost of ownership and compare with the feature sets being offered.  Cheapest is not always best!

Following these simple steps on your next copier lease will save you a ton.  Please call us if you need a quote on a copier in Colorado Springs!

Copier Buying Hazards — Mistakes to Avoid

September 11th, 2009
Beware of These Copier Buying Hazards

Beware of These Copier Buying Hazards

Are you looking at buying a copier in Colorado Springs and you want to learn some common mistakes to avoid?  If you do, this is where we can help you out.  Before you know what to do, you need to know what not to do.  Here are some basics you can take before you run off and spend a ton on your next copier.

  • Don’t just buy the first copier you see in Colorado Springs
  • Be willing to look at your own environment, from questions like “How much do I actually print or copy” to questions like, “does my work flow or proposed workflow make sense?”
  • Do I need tabloid capable copying?
  • Do I need fax?
  • Do I need a new copier or would a used copier work?
  • Do I need color or black and white only

If you just buy the first thing you see withour looking at all of the details, you may spend an extra $15,000.00  or more on your next copier purchase in Colorado Springs.

Are You Dancing With Disaster on Your Next Copier Purchase?

August 10th, 2009
Dancing with Disaster isn't Necessary

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.

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

August 7th, 2009
Ask Questions to Save Your Copier Budget!

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.