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Tips to Save Small Businesses Money on Hardware, Devices

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Small business owners and managers know that an itemized, efficient budget is essential to their bottom line. Office equipment and supply expenses can be a drain on a budget that could otherwise be allocated to other operational costs.

You could save costs on office equipment by following these tips.

  1. Get an IT assessment. A third-party IT provider could conduct a network assessment and inventory your current IT systems. This process can identify system risks and provide a list of updates and projects your business should prioritize. A proactive approach can save your business countless dollars in cyberattacks or system failures.
  2. Use eco-friendly equipment. Offices that have switched to energy-efficient appliances and hardware have seen a decrease in monthly utility bills. Many printing manufacturers offer a line of energy-efficient devices.
  3. Lease your hardware. Leasing allows you to obtain new office equipment immediately and gather funds as you use it. Budgeting also becomes easier as businesses can plan on the same monthly payments for a year or two instead of guessing as to what their budget should be for a new piece of equipment paid in full. Businesses also are able to switch out hardware when they need equipment with updated technology.
  4. Find hardware with multiple purposes. Multifunction printers — printers with scanner and copier functions — make sense for small businesses who have to stretch their resources in many directions. Multifunction printers are a solid investment and prevent you from wasting spaces and resources on a variety of devices.
  5. Consider using refurbished equipment. Many manufacturers or dealers offer refurbished options at a discount. Your provider can provide a thorough examination of every machine. They can repair or replace worn parts to make sure that your refurbished machine runs like new so you get maximum value.
  6. Receive regular maintenance. Similar to an IT assessment, receiving regular repairs on office equipment can stave off larger issues that upend workflow, costing you money in both expensive repairs and business operations. Managed IT services are the best model to save your resources and receive a return on your hardware investments. Instead of paying large fees each time you need assistance, your IT needs are covered in one monthly payment to one vendor.
  7. Scale your services. Most businesses need a variety of channels with which to communicate with staff and with customers. A managed IT provider can set your business up with a hosted communication system, which encompasses phones, audio and video conferencing, instant messaging and VoIP — voice over internet protocol. A hosted communication system is run through the cloud, and services are scalable so you can add channels as your business grows, paying for the exact amount of services you need.

The Benefits of Leasing an Office Printer

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Has your office needed a new printer for a while, but the cost and dizzying number of options on the market are holding you back? Leasing an office printer could be the secret to a much-needed equipment upgrade.

Limited overhead costs

What would you do with a budget surplus? Small and medium-sized business owners and managers probably have a long list of answers. Sadly, many organizations don’t have extra funds that are not already allocated for the fiscal year. Multifunction printers, or MFPs, can cost a few thousand dollars, and prices change with the market. Leasing allows you to obtain new office equipment today and gather funds as you use it, not scrape for the full amount or max out credit limits to buy a printer. Budgeting also becomes easier: businesses can plan on the same monthly payments for a year or two instead of guessing as to what their budget should be for a new printer paid in full.    

Updated technology

Technology develops at a breakneck pace, and your office needs equipment that matches your businesses’ advancements. Companies that have a high volume of specialized print jobs have the flexibility to upgrade their equipment for the most effective and efficient tools when their contract is up.

And while some organizations may not be looking for the most tricked-out new printer to enter the market, your office will be better off with a system that runs and uses ink as efficiently as the newer models do. Additionally, new MFPs have increased security measures. Manufacturers are making printers that protect sensitive information by requiring users to sign in before gathering their documents.

Smooth transition

When you lease a new MFP, providers typically take care of set up, connecting it to Wi-Fi and other devices in your office. Infomax also performs test runs and on-site training to ensure employees are able to use the equipment to its full capacity.

Easy upkeep

Most equipment providers offer maintenance plans that make fixing printer jams or other production snags a breeze. This means your business can avoid the hassle of searching for service technicians and exorbitant bills each time your MFP needs servicing. Regular ink cartridge and toner changes also are typically included in a leasing package.

Painless disposal

When you lease a printer from a third-party provider, you can avoid the hassle of selling or disposing of your old model when you want to upgrade. Gone are the days when old technology could be sent out with the trash. Today, companies must ensure their data is secured and need to comply with safe, environmentally friendly regulations regarding disposal. When you lease, disposal issues are the responsibility of the lessor, not yours.

To learn more about Infomax’s leasing options, message us online or call 1-800-727-4629.

Why Leasing Office Technology Might Be Right for You

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When it comes time to replace or upgrade your office equipment, an important decision must be made for your organization: should you lease or buy? For a great number businesses, leasing is the most popular choice when it comes to acquiring office technology. To learn why, let’s take a look at two of the most common types of leases, capital leases and operating leases. Understanding the ins and outs of these leasing options will help prepare you for when it comes to time to make the final decision.

Capital leases
With a capital lease, your organization experiences all of the benefits and downfalls of owning the equipment. Capital leases are typically used in instances where the lessee plans to buy the device at the end of the lease term for a specific amount. Both the interest and principal being paid for the lease go toward the cost of the equipment, and all assets and liabilities for the device are placed on the lessee’s balance sheet. This type of lease is the least common option used, most often when a business wants to purchase a device without paying for it up front.

Operating leases
An operating lease keeps equipment off of the lessee’s balance sheet. The lender owns the equipment and receives the benefits associated with depreciation. This is a good option if you plan to finance equipment for a short period of time, or if you plan to replace the equipment with upgraded technology at the end of the lease period. This is the more popular lease option among businesses.

Leasing brings benefits
The many benefits of leasing office technology make it very difficult to turn down. Here are just some of the benefits that come along with leasing devices:

– Leases are easy to qualify for, making them a great choice for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with limited capital
– Leases can often be secured without a sizable down payment or none at all
– Leasing allows you to move on and upgrade your equipment when you need to, preventing you from owning outdated technology
– Leases come with a low, predictable, monthly cost, one that typically comes with maintenance included as a part of the leasing agreement

Leasing is an extremely popular option among businesses today for these very reasons. It’s likely that one of these benefits will stand out to your organization. For more information on leasing office technology and help deciding whether it’s the right option for your company, contact Infomax Office Systems today.