When your business needs a new printer, choosing the right machine is only part of the decision. You also need to decide whether to purchase it outright or spread the cost through a lease or equipment finance arrangement.
Both options can make sense. The right choice depends on your available budget, expected print volume, cash flow and how long you plan to keep the equipment.
Buying a Printer Outright
Purchasing a printer outright is the simplest option. You pay the full cost upfront and own the equipment immediately.
This may suit businesses that:
- Have the available funds
- Prefer not to make regular repayments
- Intend to keep the printer for several years
- Only require one affordable device
- Want complete ownership from the beginning
Buying outright also gives you the freedom to organise ink, toner, servicing and repairs separately. However, the initial expense can be considerable when purchasing higher-volume printers, A3 multifunction devices or several machines at once.
Ownership also means your business carries the risk of the printer becoming unreliable, unsuitable or outdated.
Leasing or Financing a Printer
The term “printer lease” is commonly used to describe several different equipment finance arrangements. These generally allow a business to use a printer while spreading the cost over regular payments instead of making one large upfront purchase.
Hunter Office Technology offers finance through Finlease on eligible business equipment, with flexible three-, four- and five-year options available.
Financing may help your business:
- Preserve working capital
- Manage costs through regular payments
- Access a more capable business-grade printer
- Equip several locations or departments
- Match the repayment period with the equipment’s expected working life
Before entering an agreement, check the total repayment amount, agreement length, applicable fees, early termination conditions and what happens to the equipment at the end. Your accountant can advise how a particular finance arrangement may affect your business.
You can explore current equipment and indicative finance pricing on our Brother Business Printers and Epson Partner Printers pages.
Look Beyond the Initial Printer Price
Whether you purchase or finance, the printer’s advertised price does not represent its complete cost.
Ongoing expenses may include:
- Ink or toner
- Drums, belts and maintenance components
- Servicing and repairs
- Paper and other supplies
- Electricity
- Staff downtime when the printer is unavailable
An inexpensive printer with small, costly cartridges may be more expensive over time than a higher-quality machine using high-yield consumables. This is why we compare expected print volume and running costs before recommending equipment.
Where Do Managed Print Services Fit?
Managed Print Services are not simply another name for printer finance.
Finance determines how the equipment is paid for. Managed Print Services focus on what happens after installation, potentially including device monitoring, automatic consumable supply, ongoing support and greater visibility over printing costs.
Depending on the solution, managed services may be available alongside financed or purchased equipment. This can be particularly useful for businesses with several printers, high print volumes or staff who cannot afford extended printer downtime.
Which Option Is Right for Your Business?
Buying outright may be the better choice when you have the available funds, want immediate ownership and expect the printer to remain suitable for several years.
Finance may be more practical when you want to preserve cash flow, spread the equipment cost or access a business-grade machine without a large upfront expense.
The decision should begin with your printing requirements—not the repayment method. Consider how many pages you print, whether you need colour or A3, how many people will use the device and what downtime costs your business.
Hunter Office Technology can review your current printing and recommend an appropriate printer, payment option and support arrangement. Contact our team to discuss the right solution for your Newcastle, Hunter or Central Coast business.