| p>The cost of a photocopier tends to increase with its | | | | which could have an effect on business needs. |
| speed, capacity and the volume it is capable of. A | | | | The only extra cost of a lease agreement is the fully |
| business needing a photocopier for nominal usage may | | | | inclusive maintenance which covers all parts, toner and |
| only need a small office photocopier, purchased | | | | labour for the duration of the agreement. The total |
| at a fairly low cost. This could be more cost effective | | | | overall costs may well be reduced due to extremely |
| than a lease agreement. However, a business needing | | | | low toner inclusive running costs, making leasing higher |
| several high end photocopiers may consider a leasing | | | | specification a very effective way of reducing total |
| agreement to avoid paying a large initial fee and | | | | costs of expensive printing compared with in house or |
| reduce overall running costs. | | | | outsourced printing. |
| When leasing a photocopier, all the costs of the | | | | It is also possible for lease costs to be off-set against |
| device are fixed in advance and this is considered to | | | | profits and deducted from any taxable profits as |
| be inflation proof as any payments made in the future | | | | photocopier lease agreements are usually considered |
| are in fixed money terms. A device that is purchased | | | | as an operating cost and not as a business asset. This |
| and owned by a business is likely to depreciate in | | | | can save a substantial amount, but it should always be |
| value fairly quickly as technology advances. | | | | checked first that the business and the equipment itself |
| Lease agreements typically last between 1 and 5 | | | | are eligible for this deduction. |
| years and terminating a lease before it ends can be | | | | It is important to assess the exact needs of a |
| difficult. It is therefore vital that the photocopier | | | | business before making a decision about whether to |
| chosen is one that suits the company's needs and that | | | | lease or buy business equipment (most decent |
| the supplier used is reliable and has a good reputation! | | | | suppliers will help a great deal with this) and, if choosing |
| Leases can offer flexibility once a preferred lease | | | | to lease the equipment, it must be made sure that the |
| term is agreed as it allows the business to renew for | | | | details of the service agreement are clear and fair. |
| new technology at the end of the lease or even during | | | | Choosing to take out a lease agreement can save a |
| agreements. When purchasing a device, companies | | | | business a substantial amount of money and give |
| tend to be more resistant to change and are not able | | | | peace of mind in today's uncertain financial climate, as |
| to keep as up to date with the best office equipment, | | | | long as a credible and reliable supplier is used. |
