Looking to Lease a Copier? 5 Things You Need to Know.

Leasing allows your organization to fully leverage the latest in business technology. But what kind of leverage do you have with a lease partner?

Replacing an aging fleet? Setting up a new office? Leasing can be a positive option. The value of technology lies in the ability to leverage it to its fullest – not simply by owning it. The decision to lease a copier can have a major impact on your day-to-day workflow, your team’s productivity, and even your bottom line.  But not all copier leases — or providers — are created equal.

Here are three key things you should know.

1. Copier Repair Service is the Backbone of Your Lease Experience.

When you lease a copier, you’re not just acquiring a piece of equipment — you’re entering into a long-term partnership. That’s why the quality of service behind the lease is every bit as important as the device itself.

Ask yourself:

• How quickly will your provider respond to service calls?
• More importantly, how quickly do they provide service resolution?
• Do they proactively monitor devices and supplies?
• Is their service team local?
• What certifications can verify their expertise in copier repair service?

Reliable service keeps your team up and running. Downtime costs money, and service delays from unresponsive providers or hard-to-reach help desks can make a seemingly good lease feel like a bad investment.

Look for a provider who treats service like a strategic advantage, not an afterthought.

2.   Get Clarity on End of Lease Terms.

Ask about what happens after your lease term. Understanding the exit process can save you frustration (and unexpected fees).

• Do you own the device at the end?
• Is there a fair market value (FMV) buyout, or is it $1 out?
• How much notice do you need to give to avoid auto-renewals?
• Who’s responsible for pickup or shipping?

3. Third-Party Leasing Adds Layers of Complexity.

Many copier providers outsource leasing to third-party financial institutions. While this might seem convenient, it can create unnecessary hurdles.

With third-party leasing, you often have:

• Separate contacts for billing and service, which can lead to confusion
• Less flexibility on buyouts or upgrades
• Complicated end-of-lease procedures

You may find yourself calling a bank or finance company in another state about an issue that could have been easily solved by your copier provider — if they owned the lease. This fragmentation can be especially frustrating when it comes time to upgrade or return your equipment.

4. Leasing In-House with Your Provider Simplifies Everything.

Here’s a better option: Lease a copier directly through your provider with an in-house leasing program. This model keeps everything under one roof — service, billing, upgrades, and account management — so you're not caught in the middle of disconnected support systems. In-house leasing often means:

• Faster approvals
• More flexible terms
• Easier technology refreshes
• Direct accountability

When your copier provider owns the lease, they have a vested interest in your satisfaction from start to finish. They’re not passing the buck — they’re owning the relationship.

5. Leverage not just the technology, but also the partnership.

As mentioned above, leasing allows your organization to fully leverage the latest in business technology. But what kind of leverage do you have with a lease partner? This is where In-House copier leasing becomes advantageous.

Consider this comparison:

• In-House Leasing: With the same company providing both the lease and the service, customers have real leverage. If service falls short, they can withhold payment and get immediate attention—because everything is tied to one relationship. Accountability is built in.
• Third-Party leasing: The finance company is disconnected from service quality. Even if the equipment provider underperforms, the third-party lessor will still demand payment. There’s no built-in incentive to resolve service issues quickly, and the customer is left stuck in limbo. 

When you set out to lease a copier, don’t just focus on specs and monthly payments. Consider who you’re leasing from, how they service what they sell, and whether you’re dealing with a third party or a provider who truly has your back.

Want help navigating your copier leasing options? We’d be happy to walk through the right solution for your business — on your terms.