Before you go to buy a product, you want to know the potential lifespan so that you can make a smart investment. To do this, check out the MTBF Number that every manufacturer will assign to their copiers. MTBF stands for Mean Time Between Failure, and this number will give you a clear idea about how long you can expect a copier to last. Your average copier will have an MTBF Number that says 6,000, which means that it will last 6,000 hours before you have to call in a technician for repairs.
After you have seen the MTBF Number, look at how much you plan to copy. If you have plans for copying massive volumes each month, then you will want a machine that gives you a higher Maximum Monthly Volume rating. If you see that a copier does not have a Maximum Monthly Volume rating that will meet your needs, it will do your company no good. You should finally give print speed some consideration. Contrary to popular belief, you want a slower copier for high volume because it offers greater durability than the fast machines.
What to Consider
When evaluating a copier for your Philadelphia office, it helps to look beyond the spec sheet. Think about how many pages your team prints each month. A machine rated for 10,000 pages per month will wear out fast if your actual volume is closer to 25,000. Ask your dealer about duty cycle and recommended monthly volume so you get the right fit.
Paper handling matters more than most buyers realize. Look at the standard paper capacity, the number of paper trays, and whether you can add optional trays later. If your office uses different paper sizes or heavier stock for presentations, make sure the machine supports those options. Many Ricoh models offer flexible media handling that works well for PA, NJ, and DE businesses.
Bottom Line
The best copier is one that matches your actual workflow. Do not pay for features you will not use, but do not cut corners on the ones you need every day. If you are not sure which model is the best match for your Philadelphia office, give us a call at (215) 995-2400. Our team can walk you through the options and help you find a solution that fits your budget and your workload.