The office photocopier is a critical tool for most businesses and choosing a reliable one can be a challenging task. Because of the cost involved, you need to do a lot of research and who has time to run around and compare prices? A good office copier company can help you with the selection, but what about extras, like copier maintenance and support? If your copier’s in a jam, you want someone reliable, that can fix your issue fast… So how can you tell which copier company to choose? Here’s what to look for…
You’ve probably noticed that most copier companies carry many brands, from multiple suppliers. They also have extra services and features that could help you with ongoing maintenance and support. This means lots of choices. But it’s also difficult to tell on paper how well these devices and companies will perform in real life. What are some of the key areas that can give you some insight?
Compare Those KPI’s
It’s important to look for a few key stats on the company website, or in their brochures. These are often called KPI’s or Key Performance Indicators. If they don’t have them listed in writing, make sure when you’re contacting them to ask about:
- Response Time. This is how long it takes to respond to a service call. The industry average is four hours or less. At Com Pro, we are proud of our stellar Average Response Time.
- First Call Fix Rate. This relates to service techs and if an issue was resolved in the very first call. Pay attention to this KPI! If it takes too long to resolve your equipment issue, that could lead to a disastrous amount of downtime. The standard “fix rate” should be around 82% and Com Pro’s rate is exceptional because we keep a smart inventory of parts and supplies in order to assist you quickly.
Find Out Their Featured Brands
If an office copier company doesn’t list the top brands then you might be missing out on high-quality and long-lasting products. When you’re researching what brands they carry, look for ones that have:
- The latest color technology
- Protective security features
- Capability to handle high volume and speed
- Ability to add-on as your business grows
- Advanced features for remote workers
A good copier company will help you sort out the right technical features and capabilities for your office.
However, there’s an even more important reason to pay attention to whether they’re an authorized dealer of top brands. It suggests a level of trust. Well-known brands are not going to stake their reputation on copier partners who don’t share the same commitment to service and innovation.
Look for a copier company that has several strong partnerships with brands known for quality and reliability, such as the ones we feature at Com Pro, like Xerox, Sharp, and Lexmark.
Check Out Value-Add Services
Many companies offer more than just a copier. They also offer service contracts and add-ons that can save you money over time by covering routine servicing, repairs, and supplies.
Studies have even shown that a Managed Print Service Provider (MPS) can reduce print costs by 20% to 30% by providing full-service contracts that have a predictable monthly cost. Want to know what to look for in a service provider?
Also check out whether a company has flexibility within their services and contracts. If your business grows, will the copier vendor have the capacity to scale-up your services? What if you have to switch to equipment leases instead of purchasing? Make sure that the vendor you choose has the adaptability to meet your current and future office needs.
Also, look at all the little extras and add-ons that can save you time and money over the long run.
Such as:
- A detailed analysis of your office technology products. A credible copier company, like Com Pro, will offer you an in-depth analysis of what your business actually needs to run an efficient office, with workable solutions for your present and future goals, so you can make more informed decisions about office equipment purchases.
- Training. Most copiers are multi-functional and come with sophisticated features, such as security and antivirus protection and printing from a mobile device. The right provider should offer some level of training for your team, or active guidance, on how to customize reporting and monitoring software. This can help you detect when maintenance is needed to prevent equipment failure.
- Virtual dashboards that allow you to monitor supply levels for things like toner. Or the ability to program equipment to order supplies automatically, as needed, so you don’t have to worry about your ink and toner cartridges running low.
Make Sure Your Office Copier Company Closes with a Deal
The best vendors will seek to secure a favorable deal for your company. They shouldn’t try to “up sell” you with features you don’t require. Instead, they should focus on selling you equipment that meets your needs at a reasonable price. That’s why it’s vital to choose a copier dealer that will analyze your current and future needs and recommend a product or Managed Print Service that will match your requirements and budget.
Lastly, Check Out Customer Reviews
Never forget to check out reviews. Past and present customer feedback can give you great insight into which companies actually value their customers. Reputable companies like Com Pro have a solid reputation among local businesses. It’s also a good sign if they offer Managed IT Services alongside Managed Print, because their experts can work together to ensure that all your office infrastructure, security and remote work needs are also met.
Curious about working with Com Pro? Contact us today, so we can show you how the right office technology can offer you peace of mind. Call us at 604-574-8623 or visit our contact page.