This is a great question, and it’s one that the team at Arctic Office gets asked a lot. We want business owners to get the best copy printers in Anchorage, AK, that they can, which sometimes means a purchase and sometimes means a lease. The following takes a closer look at each of these options:
Lease
Leasing is a great option for a number of reasons.
Latest Technology
One of the most compelling benefits of leasing a copier is the ability it gives you to stay on top of technology. If printing and copying are a significant part of your business model, you’ll want to have access to the latest and greatest document technology on the market. Leasing makes this financially possible by allowing you to get a new machine every 2-3 years when your lease term expires.
No Cash
Leasing is also a good option for companies that need a high-quality machine but doesn’t have the financial capital on hand to make the purchase. With little to no money down, your organization can start using one of the best machines available right away.
Maintenance
When you lease a machine, the issuer of the lease actually owns the copier. They have a vested interest in maintaining the machine since they will get the machine back at the end of the lease, and well-maintained machines will be worth more. This means that leased machines come with maintenance and service agreements that make keeping the machine running at peak performance a breeze.
Accounting and Taxes
Some of the benefits of a lease are related to accounting and taxes. Purchased copiers are capital assets that must be depreciated over time according to a pre-determined deprecation schedule. Leased copiers simply create a monthly lease expenditure that’s immediately deductible. In addition, a lease doesn’t create a liability that might impair future credit opportunities.
As you can see, leasing is a compelling option.
Purchase
But what about a purchase? Does buying a copier/printer outright offer any advantages?
Ownership
When you purchase a copier, you own it. This means you can do whatever you want with it. If it stops meeting your needs, you can sell it and recoup some of your costs. You’re not tied to a lease contract that prevents you from pivoting with changing circumstances.
Cost
Buying a copier is, in the long run, cheaper than leasing. Even with interest payments, buying will take less out of your pocket.
If your organization doesn’t rely heavily on having the very latest document technology and you imagine hanging on to the same printer for 3+ years, a purchase could be a wise financial decision. A purchase is also likely the right way to go if you’re in the market for a mid-size machine, especially if you have the resources to pay cash and avoid interest fees. Paying cash upfront and taking advantage of depreciation deductions from your taxes for the next several years is by far the smartest financial move if you can manage it and it makes sense for your business.
The Bottom Line
Should you buy or lease a new copy machine in Anchorage, AK? It depends. There’s no simple answer, but the team at Arctic Office is here to help you make a smart decision. We’ve got an unparalleled selection of office machines, including the best Canon multifunction copier/printers available, so you’re sure to find what you need. We’ve also got the expertise to guide you to the machine and purchase or lease option that makes the most economic sense for your business. Come visit us today to see what we can do for you.