Copier Replacement vs. Repair: Which One Should You Choose?

Copiers are a vital component of most offices, as they facilitate the copying and printing of important documents of all types. Since they fulfill such an essential role and often get high use, they will likely break down from time to time. 

While certain copier-related issues, such as paper jams, may be easier to troubleshoot, the wear and tear of internal components, like the rollers and fuser unit, may lead to more prolonged downtime.

A copier’s rollers, which are responsible for guiding the paper through the machine, can lose their grip or become dirty and worn over time. In turn, this results in paper feeding issues.

Prolonged use of a copier can also degrade its fuser unit, which heats and presses the toner onto the paper. This results in poor print quality due to smudges or faint ink, and can even lead to a complete copier malfunction. 

While regular copier maintenance and the use of higher-quality toner could help decrease the frequency of such issues, copier breakdowns are often inevitable at some point, especially in high-use scenarios.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Between a Copier Repair and a Replacement

While copiers are very helpful machines, and higher quality copiers are quite durable, they are usually not built to last forever. Thus, at some point, you may find that your copier has broken down.

In such circumstances, there are typically two main solutions: a repair or a replacement. The following are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to repair your copier or replace it:

1. What is the age of your copier?

If you recently purchased your copier, or it is less than a couple of years old, it will likely be much cheaper to repair rather than replace it, making a repair the preferable solution.

When deciding whether to replace your copier, the age of the machine is not the only factor to consider. If your copier is two or three years old, but the model is now outdated, replacing it with a newer machine may be more beneficial.

Not only will you benefit from the upgrades of the newer model, but you also will not have to worry about going through the trouble of finding replacement parts for an outdated copier.

On average, most copiers continue to work well for at least three years, and can be relied on for up to five years when you properly maintain them. So, keep this in mind when making your decision.

At a certain point, even if your copier’s parts are still in working order, it may no longer support the latest firmware updates if it is too old. If your printer is nearing the end of its lifespan, spending money on repairs may be a waste.

2. What is your copier’s lifetime volume?

Another critical factor to consider when deciding between repairing and replacing your copier is its lifetime volume, which is similar to the mileage on your car. 

You can learn the lifetime volume of your copier by printing a configuration page. In most cases, copier manufacturers have a recommended monthly volume for each copier. If you exceed this volume, you are much more likely to burn out your copier at a faster pace.

The duty cycle will indicate what your copier is capable of doing at its maximum, but this is not a healthy indication of what the average use should be on a constant basis.

Generally, the best way to determine whether your copier is getting close to exceeding or has already exceeded its lifetime volume is to multiply the recommended monthly volume by 84, which represents twelve months a year for seven years.

If your device’s page count is higher than the number you get with that calculation, you are likely better off replacing your copier instead of merely repairing it.

3. Have your copying needs changed?

As the technology of copiers and printers continues to evolve, it has become possible for newer devices to perform increasingly impressive functions. You can now use just one device to tackle all the functions that used to require several devices in tandem. 

Thus, another crucial matter to consider if you experience a copier breakdown is whether or not your copying needs have evolved since you first purchased your machine, and whether upgrading to a newer device could meet these new needs.

The demands of today’s fast-paced business environments make the jump from a traditional copier to a multifunctional one a worthy choice that could boost the productivity and overall efficiency of your office.

With a cutting-edge copier that can also print, scan, fax, and connect to the cloud, you can streamline operations in a number of ways. If you believe your office could benefit from such an upgrade, rather than repairing your copier, investing in a newer and better machine could work out well for you.

Why DOS Canada Is the Perfect Place to Find a Suitable Copier Replacement

If you have been having issues with your copier, and you are facing the dilemma of whether to repair or replace it, DOS Canada can help you get your hands on top-quality copiers in Toronto.

We carry an abundant stock of the latest industry-leading printers, scanners, and copiers, designed by reliable manufacturers to cater to the requirements of offices of all types and sizes. Whether you are looking for a new device or a refurbished machine, you can find everything you need in one place at DOS Canada. 

Not only do we provide high-performing copiers and printers at affordable prices through our managed print services and solutions, we also offer top-notch solutions for keeping your devices in optimal condition and extending their longevity.

In order to keep your copier or printer at peak performance, we will take care of everything from technical service checks to ink supply monitoring so that you can get the most out of your device. We can also dispatch a certified technician to come and correct issues with your copier within hours in case it malfunctions.

For more information about the range of different copiers in Toronto that we have to offer, or to learn more about the benefits of our managed print services, call DOS Canada at 1-647-557-1788 or contact us here.