If you own a small business, finding the best copy machine can be a daunting task. You need to balance the need for high-quality printing and copying with your lower printing demand and smaller budget. You want the same quality of prints as any corporation, but you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on excess bells and whistles your small business doesn’t need. So, how can you narrow down your options to find the best office copier in Fairbanks, AK, for your business? Keep reading to find out.
Important Considerations for Business Owners
Before we delve into specific copier models that are well suited to small businesses, it’s important to discuss the key factors that business owners should be examining when selecting a copier. Every business’s needs are different, so here are a few considerations to keep in mind while comparing copier models:
Print Volume and Speed: You should have a good understanding of how much printing your company does every month, as well as just how quickly you want those prints completed. Knowing your average number of pages per month, as well as how many pages you want to be able to print per minute, are important numbers when it comes to selecting a copier.
Other Features: Printers can come with a variety of different features and capabilities, such as duplex printing, scanning capabilities, color printing, multiple feeder trays, automatic stapling, and various connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile connectivity.
Total Cost of Ownership: While the upfront cost is a very important consideration for your company’s budget, you should also look at the long-term cost of owning any copier considering purchasing. A lower-quality printer may cost less up front, but if it needs frequent repairs or will need to be replaced much sooner, the total cost of ownership may actually be higher.
Integration: You’ll want a copier that integrates seamlessly with your existing workflow and IT infrastructure. Consider current document management systems and software solutions your office uses, and ensure the copier you choose is compatible with them. This will help streamline operations.
Reliability and Support: Finally, consider the copier’s reported reliability, as well as the company’s level of customer support. You’ll want to look at warranty coverage, average response times for service requests, the availability of support channels, and customer reviews of both the individual printer model and the business as a whole.
All of these factors should be weighed for every copier model you consider. Now, let’s address the process of selecting a copier based on the factors listed above.
Navigating the Selection Process
Once you’ve assessed all of your business’s printer needs and considered what your next copier needs to provide for your business, you’re ready to start working through the selection process. Here are a few simple steps you can follow to help you get started:
Research and Compare: With your list of printing and copying needs in hand, it’s time to research leading copier models (we’ll get to that in a moment) and compare their specifications, reviews, and pricing to the needs of your business. If a model you’re considering falls short in some area, remove it from your list. If it seems to check all the boxes, keep it on your list for the next step.
Demos and Trials: Whenever you can, request demos or trial periods for the copiers you’re still considering. Being able to work with the copier yourself to understand how it functions will help you assess its usability and performance firsthand.
Consider Future Growth: Even if a printer meets your company’s current needs, you should still consider how it will fit your business’s needs in a few years. Is the copier you’re considering scalable? Can it meet a higher print demand should your business scale up in a few years, or would you already be using it at its maximum capacity? While you don’t want to over-purchase on your copier’s capabilities, you do want it to be able to grow with you to an extent.
Seek Expert Advice: While buying a copier may seem straightforward, businesses should always consider consulting a professional. We have a thorough understanding of how businesses’ printing needs differ from home printing needs, and are familiar enough with the latest models to set you on the right track towards one that can fulfill those needs.
While these steps are very broad, they can help guide you through the selection process and make it easier to find the right copier for your business.
Top-Rated Copiers for 2024
Now you know how to assess your needs and how to go through the selection process. But where should you even begin? Which copiers should you compare and research first? Here’s a list of some of the most highly-rated copiers for small businesses in 2024:
Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C257/C357 Series: This printer offers a compact design that’s perfect for small office spaces without sacrificing performance. It has an intuitive interface and customizable workflows to enhance office productivity.
Xerox VersaLink C405: The name Xerox is practically synonymous with copying, and this copier offers a versatile and user-friendly design, making it a practical choice for small businesses.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: This printer offers reliable, rapid printing and advanced security features to help protect the data that you print and copy.
Brother MFC-L8900CDW: This printer’s combination of speed, features, and affordability make it a great choice for small businesses that want to optimize their document management processes. It offers a large paper capacity, duplex printing, mobile device compatibility, and more key features for businesses.
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790: This printer offers businesses cost-effective printing solutions with its high-capacity ink cartridges and energy-efficient operation.
While this is far from a comprehensive list of printers that are great for small businesses, it’s a great place to start. We also encourage you to call or stop by our showroom today. The team at Arctic Office can help you find an office copier machine in Fairbanks, AK, that’s great for your small business.