How Does a Copier Lease Work?
Are you a business looking to lease a copier or multi-function printer? You may be asking yourself what all is involved in a copier lease and how it works. To help you understand, we’re going to walk you through the process as if you are preparing to sign a lease today.
What is a Copier Lease?
A lease is a fixed monthly payment over a pre-arranged time period that includes the price of the equipment and sometimes, a monthly service agreement for parts, labor, and toner. The service contract can also be a separate piece, but you can discuss this option internally and with your chosen equipment provider.
To obtain a lease, you will need to apply for credit approval through a third-party financial company. In some circumstances, if you cannot be approved, there may be additional financing options to explore. Your office equipment provider will be able to help you through this process.
Advantages of Leasing a Copier
- Budgeting- Fixed monthly payments allow for better budgeting
- Tax Benefits- Copier lease payments can often be deducted from your business’ taxable income
- New Technology- It’s much easier to upgrade your equipment while its under lease
Check out our post, Should I Lease or Purchase a Copier, for more information on the pros and cons of leasing vs. purchasing your new copier.
How Much Does a Copier Lease Cost?
Depending on the cost of the equipment, you can find leases as low as $25/mo.* for individual and small business size devices while a larger multi-function device may be as low as $50/mo.*
*Monthly Leasing Cost estimates based on credit approval, lease term, and lease rates available at any given time.
Types of Copier Leases
Fair Market Value Lease
A Fair Market Value lease (operating lease) allows the lessee, your business, to use the equipment for a pre-determined amount of time with a fixed monthly payment. At the end of the lease term, you have the option to purchase the equipment at Fair Market Value, return the equipment, or upgrade to a newer version.
These leases are typically the most affordable and often used when a business does not want to keep the equipment at the end of the lease term. A Fair Market Value lease also allows businesses to deduct the monthly payments as an operating expense.
$1 Buyout Lease
A $1 Buyout lease (capital lease) is like purchasing equipment with a loan. The fixed monthly payment may be bit higher compared to a Fair Market Value lease, but you’re able to purchase the equipment for $1 at the end of the lease term. Businesses who are planning to keep the equipment after the lease ends benefit most from this type of lease.
Difference in Leasing and Renting
We sometimes get asked about “renting” a copier, so we want to briefly address the difference between renting and leasing. The primary difference in renting and leasing is the time frame. Rentals are typically month-to-month agreements while leases are longer, 3-5 year, agreements. Leasing also has tax benefits that renting does not.
Can I Get Out of a Lease?
Things happen and it may be helpful to know ahead of time when and how you can terminate a lease. Leases are typically binding contracts with a lender that cannot be cancelled. The remaining lease payments must be made to terminate the contract. However, your office equipment vendor may be able to help negotiate on your behalf with the leasing company. Concessions may be provided in certain circumstances and depending on if you plan to upgrade to new equipment.
Beware of the fine print. We recommend that you read the lease for certain terminology to understand what you are agreeing to. Are taxes included? Who is responsible for what? Are there certain auto-renew time periods that must be met, or renewal clauses you must adhere too?
We would love to answer any additional questions about leasing that you may have. Submit a contact form online or give us a call!