At a Glance:
A brand-new copier arrives with the latest firmware, full manufacturer warranty coverage, and no prior usage history. For businesses running high print volumes or workflows that depend on advanced features like high-resolution color output, large paper capacities, or specific integrations, buying new guarantees access to current technology from day one.
The upfront cost is the most significant trade-off. Commercial-grade multifunction printers range from a few thousand dollars to well over ten thousand depending on the model, specifications, and brand. That full cost lands before the device prints a single page, and the machine begins depreciating immediately.
Buying new also means you own everything that follows. Supplies, maintenance, service calls, and eventual replacement are not included in the purchase price and are easy to underestimate when the sticker price is the only number being compared.
A used copier costs less upfront than buying new, often significantly so. Depending on the model and source, businesses can save enough to access a higher-tier device within the same budget, including a refurbished copier that would cost considerably more at full retail price. This applies across the range of available equipment, from refurbished laser printers handling standard office output to higher-capacity multifunction devices built for larger teams.
The key variable is who is selling it. A used copier sold as-is without inspection carries different risks than a certified refurbished model that has been professionally cleaned, repaired, tested, and backed by a warranty. The label matters less than what the seller has actually done to the device and what support they provide after the sale.
Buying a used copier still puts you in the same ownership model as buying new. Supplies and copier maintenance remain your responsibility, and the device performs only as well as the service plan behind it.
Not all used copiers are equal, and the difference comes down to specifics the listing price does not reveal. Before committing to a used device, get clear answers to the following:
A seller who cannot answer these questions clearly is a signal worth paying attention to before a purchase is made.
Buying new is the stronger choice in specific situations.
A used copier is the stronger choice in an equally specific set of situations.
Not sure which option fits your business? Americom can walk you through both.
Americom has been helping St. Louis businesses find the right print services setup since 1990. As an authorized dealer for Canon, Kyocera, HP, and Brother, we source and service both new and certified devices, meaning the recommendation we make is based on what actually fits your environment, not on which option is easier to move.
The tech-to-machine ratio at Americom is 1:455, which means our technicians are available and focused when service is needed rather than stretched thin across too many accounts to respond when something goes wrong. The 360 Customer Support Guarantee backs every engagement: we keep your equipment operating to manufacturer specifications for the full term of the agreement, and we replace it at no charge if we fall short.
For businesses that want to work through the copier lease vs. buy question directly, our copier leasing and managed print services program covers the device, maintenance, and supplies under a single monthly cost. It is worth understanding all three options before committing to any of them.
What is the difference between a used copier and a certified refurbished copier?
A used copier is any pre-owned device, sold in whatever condition it happens to be in at the time of sale. A certified refurbished copier has been professionally inspected, cleaned, repaired, and restored to meet manufacturer standards. Quality and warranty terms vary significantly by seller, so the source matters as much as the certification language.
How much less does a used copier cost compared to buying new?
The savings depend heavily on the model, age, and condition of the device, but businesses choosing certified refurbished equipment can commonly save anywhere from 30 to 60 percent compared to the same model at full retail. That range can put a higher-tier device within reach of budgets that would otherwise be limited to entry-level new equipment.
What should I check before buying a used copier?
Start with the meter reading, which indicates total pages printed and gives you a sense of remaining component life. Ask about firmware version, what was replaced or reconditioned, warranty terms, and who handles service after the sale. A seller who cannot answer these questions specifically is worth approaching with caution.
Is a certified refurbished copier as reliable as a new one?
When sourced from an authorized dealer who has properly inspected, repaired, and certified the device, a refurbished copier can perform comparably to a new one for most business environments. The reliability gap typically comes from devices sold without proper reconditioning or a service plan behind them.
What brands are available as used or refurbished copiers?
Most major commercial brands are available in refurbished condition, including Canon, Kyocera, HP, and Brother. Availability varies by model and timing. Americom carries certified options across these brands and can match specific models to your volume and workflow requirements.
Does buying used void any warranty coverage?
Buying a used copier from a seller who provides no reconditioning or warranty leaves you without coverage from the start. A device that has been professionally reconditioned by a reputable provider typically comes with its own warranty, separate from the original manufacturer warranty, that covers parts and labor for a defined period.
What is the alternative to buying new or used?
Copier leasing through a managed print services provider covers the device, maintenance, and supplies for a flat monthly fee with no upfront capital cost. For businesses that want predictable monthly costs and do not want to manage supplies and service calls internally, leasing is worth comparing directly against the ownership options.
The new vs. used copier decision comes down to your budget, your print volume, how long you need the device to last, and how much risk you are comfortable carrying on maintenance and service. Both options can serve a business well when the source is right and the service support is in place.
Americom can help you evaluate the options specific to your environment and connect you with the right device at the right price point.
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