The Big Question
Every Philadelphia business that needs a copier faces the same decision: lease or buy? There is no universal right answer, but understanding the financial and operational differences will help you make the best choice for your company.
The Case for Leasing
Leasing is the most popular option for Philadelphia offices, and for good reason:
- Predictable monthly costs. Your lease payment covers the machine, maintenance, toner, and parts. No surprise repair bills.
- Preserve working capital. Instead of spending $15,000 upfront, you spread the cost over 36 to 60 months.
- Stay current. At the end of your lease, you can upgrade to a newer model with better features and efficiency.
- Tax advantages. Lease payments are typically deductible as a business expense, unlike the depreciation schedule required for purchased equipment.
A typical lease for a Ricoh A3 color copier runs $150 to $500 per month, depending on the model and your print volume.
The Case for Buying
Buying makes sense in certain situations:
- Long-term use. If you plan to keep the machine for 7 or more years, purchasing is usually cheaper in total cost.
- Low print volume. If you print fewer than 2,000 pages per month, the maintenance component of a lease may not be worth the premium.
- Asset ownership. Some businesses prefer to own their equipment outright, especially if they have the capital available.
Keep in mind that a purchased copier still needs a service contract for maintenance and toner, which adds $50 to $200 per month depending on volume.
Total Cost Comparison
Here is a rough comparison for a mid-range Ricoh A3 color copier:
Leasing (60 months): $300/month x 60 = $18,000 total (includes service and toner)
Buying: $12,000 purchase + $150/month service x 60 = $21,000 total
In this example, leasing is actually cheaper when you factor in the bundled maintenance. Every situation is different, so we run the numbers for your specific needs.
How We Help
We sit down with you, review your current print costs, and model both options side by side. There is no pressure and no obligation. Our goal is to find the solution that saves you the most money over the life of the equipment.
Call (215) 995-2400 or fill out our quote form to get started.