But how much does the photocopier solution cost?

I have been called into several companies to discuss upgrading their photocopier or print solution to provide a simple quotation.

When I get there I investigate what the client actually needs and ask if other have already quoted for the solution, I never cease to be amazed at the complexity of photocopier companies proposals.

It is like someone has designed a 20 page booklet just to hide the true costs of the proposed photocopier (MFD). Then when you finally track down the costs, they are not a true reflection of the total amount but the costs are hidden in a lease cost.

Don’t get me wrong, a lease is a great way of buying a solution that is too much for a monthly purchase and spreading the costs over 3 – 5 years.

The problem I have for the client is that some companies, do not put down what the cost of buying the equipment actually is. The smoke and mirrors game come out we are increasing a monthly fee or decreasing it by £££s still with no idea how much you will pay over the term of the contract.

Here is a simple solution ask the question, how much is the machine costing me?

Or take a calculator out and work it out if the salesman won’t tell you.

If it sounds expensive, then do some research, take the model number and google it. I do have reservations as to buying directly off the net, as you have no knowledge of the service back up you will receive and there may be hidden costs; BUT, this will give you a very good ball park figure of the purchase price. If you find the amount quoted is 2 or even 3 times greater then get another quote from another company.

Archway give a simple 1-page quotation, including:

• The RRP – this is the costs before the dealer gets his discount
• The actual cost of buying
• The service costs
• The monthly / quarterly breakdown of the lease
• A sales price spread over 2- 3 months if requested, to make it easier to buy.

Simple, if you have not got all that information, then you don’t have the full picture.

Allowing you to make an informed choice on whether it is better to buy, to lease or spread the payments.

Simple x Transparent = “because we care”