Should You Lease or Buy a Copier?
A data-driven comparison to help you choose the right option for your business. We’ve
helped thousands of businesses across all 50 states make this decision.
Quick Comparison
The Quick Answer
Lease If…
- You want predictable monthly costs
- You need the latest technology
- You have limited upfront capital
- You want maintenance included
- You plan to upgrade every 3–5 years
Buy If…
- You have $3,000–$15,000+ upfront
- You plan to keep the copier 5–7+ years
- You have internal IT for maintenance
- You want to avoid long-term contracts
- Your print volume is stable
Financial Analysis
5-Year Total Cost Comparison
Factor
Lease
Buy
Upfront Cost
$0 (no down payment)
$3,000–$15,000+
Monthly Payment
$150–$500/mo
$0 (after purchase)
5-Year Total (mid-range)
$12,000–$21,000
$5,500–$15,000
Maintenance & Service
Included in lease
$500–$2,000/yr ($2,500–$10,000 over 5 yrs)
Toner & Supplies
Often included
$300–$1,200/year
Technology Upgrades
Every 3–5 years, built in
Pay again for new equipment
Tax Treatment
100% deductible as business expense
Section 179 deduction (Year 1) or depreciation
End of Term
Upgrade, return, or buy out
Sell, donate, or recycle
Bottom line: Buying is 20–30% cheaper over 5 years IF you have the capital and don’t need upgrades. Leasing costs more long-term but eliminates risk and includes service.
Lease Options
Lease Types Explained
FMV (Fair Market Value) Lease
Most common. Lower monthly payments. Return, upgrade, or buy at fair market value at end of term.
Best for
Businesses that want the latest technology without commitment.
$1 Buyout Lease
Higher monthly payments. Own the copier for $1 at end of lease term.
Best for
Businesses that want ownership without upfront cost.
Rental Agreement
Short-term (1–12 months). Highest monthly cost. Maximum flexibility.
Best for
Temporary needs, events, construction offices.
Real Examples
Real Cost Scenarios
Small Office
5 employees, 5,000 prints/month
Lease: $150/mo × 60 months = $9,000(service + toner included)
Buy: $3,500 purchase + $4,500 service/toner over 5 yrs = $8,000
✓ Buy saves $1,000 — but requires $3,500 upfront
Growing Business
25 employees, 25,000 prints/month
Lease: $350/mo × 60 months = $21,000(service + toner included)
Buy: $8,000 purchase + $8,500 service/toner over 5 yrs = $16,500
✓ Buy saves $4,500 — but you’re locked into aging technology
Multi-Location
50+ employees, 100,000+ prints/month
Lease: $1,200/mo × 60 months = $72,000(multiple units, full service)
Buy: $35,000 purchase + $25,000 service/toner = $60,000
✓ Lease wins on flexibility — upgrade units as you grow
Detailed Comparison
Detailed Comparison
Leasing Pros
- No upfront cost
- Predictable monthly budget
- Maintenance included
- Technology upgrades built in
- Tax-deductible payments
- Scalable as you grow
Leasing Cons
- Higher total cost over time
- Locked into contract (2–5 years)
- Auto-renewal traps
- Don't own the equipment
- Potential overage charges
Buying Pros
- Lower long-term cost
- Own the asset
- No contracts
- Section 179 tax deduction
- No monthly payment after purchase
Buying Cons
- High upfront investment
- Maintenance responsibility
- Technology becomes outdated
- Harder to scale
- No built-in support
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use all bundled services?
No. You can start with copier leasing and add IT or cybersecurity later. But the savings increase significantly when you bundle more.
What brands of copiers do you carry?
We offer Canon, Ricoh, Kyocera, HP, and Xerox — all under one agreement with the same support team.
Is there a long-term contract?
No long-term contracts are required. We earn your business every month.
How do I know if bundling will save me money?
We offer a free vendor audit. Our team will review your current contracts and show you a side-by-side cost comparison — no obligation.
Do you serve my area?
With 217 locations across all 50 states, we serve businesses nationwide.
Not Sure? We'll Help You Decide.
Our copier specialists will analyze your print volume, budget, and growth plans to
recommend the right option — lease or buy.