Used Office Equipment
Selecting the right used office equipment can be a bit of a challenge. For some items, you can just run down to a local store and buy what you need. But spend a little time planning first, and you will increase your chances of a smooth operation instead of a duct-tape solution. If your copier is jamming every time and you are spending a small fortune on maintenance, it might just be time to look at a multifunction device that can scan, fax, print and copy.
Since every piece of used office equipment you buy comes with additional (and sometimes hidden) costs for service or support, regular maintenance for devices with mechanical parts, and supply costs, find out what the pros already know. You can look online or in the phone book for local Value Added Resellers (VARs) that can evaluate your needs for you and create a free quote. It can get tiresome explaining your needs over and over, and OfficeDepot.com is an excellent website to use to get quotes online.
Even if you are price conscious, don’t forget the cost of maintenance, service and supplies for your used office equipment. Many printer manufacturers sell their printers as a loss leader in anticipation of making up the difference in ink or toner. Compare your options using the “total cost of ownership” formula which factors in the purchase price plus long-term cost of supplies and service. The lowball price you are offered may no longer be so appealing.
Remember, self service is not customer service. While you may get the best price from a vendor hundreds or thousands of miles away, if you pick a local business that offers personal service, you will only be a phone call away from getting things back on track. Big-Box used office equipment and office supply vendors offer service too, but these are usually through sub-contracted vendors that may not be in your immediate area, resulting in painful delays in restoring your office to “business as usual.”
Don’t get stuck with used office equipment that looks good in slick advertising, but fails when you need it most.
Watch out for fake reviews, and even fake review sites set up by marketing firms.
You can save money by buying used office equipment. I’ve had success with used office equipment by reading product reviews for the best brands and models for the equipment I needed, and then buying it used from places such as OfficeDepot.com. Remember that used office equipment is usually sold “as is,” and you still have to solve the problem of support and maintenance for the product.
Leasing vs. Buying
In most cases, leasing rather than buying used office equipment is a good plan if:
o this is the first time you have used this type of equipment
o your business is financing equipment costs
o the used office equipment is mechanical and more likely to break down
Be sure to consult your tax advisor about issues such as depreciation that can factor into your decision about buying or leasing used office equipment.