TL;DR: The Bottom Line
It’s time to upgrade your office copier if you’re facing frequent and costly repairs, if your older machine lacks modern security features, if it can’t support mobile/cloud workflows, if it can no longer keep up with your team’s print volume, or if print quality is declining. Upgrading often leads to lower operational costs, better security, and a significant boost in office productivity.
Is Your Copier Helping or Hurting Your Business?
Your office copier should be a tool that makes your business run more efficiently. But as technology ages, it can quickly turn from a helpful asset into a frustrating bottleneck. Holding onto an old machine for too long might feel like you’re saving money, but it could be costing you more than you think in repairs, lost productivity, and security risks.
Whether you own your machine outright or are nearing the end of a lease, it’s crucial to recognize the signs that your current equipment is no longer meeting your needs. This guide will help you decide if it’s time for an upgrade.
Sign #1: Your Repair Bills Are Getting Bigger and More Frequent
This is the most obvious sign. As a copier ages, its mechanical parts wear out, leading to more frequent service calls. If you find yourself calling for repairs every few months, or if a single repair bill is approaching 50% of the machine’s original value, it’s time to stop spending good money on old technology. These unpredictable expenses can wreak havoc on a budget.
The Hidden Costs of Buying a Business Copier
Sign #2: It’s Becoming a Security Risk
This is a critical point that many businesses overlook. Modern multifunction printers are sophisticated, network-connected devices that store sensitive data. Older models often lack the advanced security features needed to protect your business from cyber threats, such as:
- Data Encryption: Encrypting data stored on the machine’s hard drive.
- User Authentication: Requiring a code or card swipe to release print jobs.
- Firmware Protection: Guarding against malware and unauthorized access.
An unsecured printer can be an open door into your entire company network. Upgrading is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your business’s data.
Sign #3: It Lacks Modern Productivity Features
How we work has changed dramatically. If your copier can’t support your team’s modern workflow, it’s holding them back. Ask yourself if your current machine can:
- Print directly from a smartphone or tablet?
- Scan documents directly to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or SharePoint?
- Automate multi-step tasks with one-touch workflow buttons?
If the answer is no, a new machine could unlock significant productivity gains for your entire team.
Sign #4: It Can’t Keep Up with Your Business’s Growth
The copier that was perfect for your business three years ago might not be the right fit today. If your team is constantly waiting for large print jobs to finish, or if the machine’s recommended monthly volume is far below what you’re actually producing, you are pushing it past its limits. This not only causes delays but also leads to premature wear and more frequent breakdowns.
Sign #5: Print Quality and Reliability Are Fading
Are you seeing streaks, faded spots, or toner smudges on your important documents? While some issues can be fixed with a service call, a consistent decline in quality is often a sign that major components like the drum or fuser are nearing the end of their life. When your machine can no longer produce professional-quality documents reliably, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Your Trusted Partner for Technology Upgrades
Recognizing that your old equipment is holding you back is the first step. The next is finding the right solution. At Bishop Business, we specialize in helping businesses in Nebraska and Kansas assess their current technology and identify the perfect upgrade. Our team won’t just sell you a new copier/printer; we’ll analyze your workflow, understand your security needs, and recommend a modern solution that boosts your productivity and fits your budget, often through a flexible lease.
What is a Fair Market Value (FMV) Lease?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I trade in my old copier, even if I own it?
A: We do not offer trade-in value for old machines, as their technology and parts are often obsolete and have little value. However, as part of our service, we will move and recycle your old equipment free of charge when you upgrade to a new machine with us.
Q: Will a new, more powerful machine cost a lot more per month to lease?
A: Not necessarily. Leases are typically for five years, and over that time, costs for parts, shipping, and installation do increase. While technology can sometimes stay competitively priced, leases tend to go up after five years. However, our team works with all customers and budget sizes to find a machine that fits their needs. Often, new lease payments are near or just slightly higher than the current lease payment. Contact Bishop Business for a Quote.
Q: How do I know what features I really need?
A: That’s where we come in. Our experts can provide a complimentary assessment of your office’s workflow to help pinpoint the features that will give you the biggest return on investment. Contact Bishop Business for a Quote.