Almost all new copiers are digital, although some of the large super stores (ie Office Max or Office Depot) also offer inkjet machines. Digital copiers are less expensive to operate. Meaning the cost per copy of a digital machine is less expensive than an inkjet. Most inkjet copiers can cost up to ten cents per copy.

The advantage to an inkjet copier is the ability to do color copies. Color copying is available on the digital machines as well but the up front cost of the machine is substantially higher.

Most of the digital copiers that we offer are black and white, though we do have a few large color copiers as well.

Duplex

Duplex is the ability to do double sided prints (Front and Back). Duplex can cut the cost of paper in half by utilizing both sides of the paper. If duplex is a feature you are interested in you need a Reverse Automatic Document Feeder (also referred as a RADF). If you have a sheet of paper with print on both sides, the RADF will flip the paper over to scan both sides.

Multifunction

Almost all digital copier come standard with some multifunction capabilities. Usually they will come with the ability to print and sometimes color scan. Other options can usually be added to allow the digital copy machine to fax, fax to email, internet fax, network scan, and network print. While some of these options can be expensive, businesses who are limited on space may want to take advantage of the multifunction capabilities.

Copier Paper Handling

95% of our customers purchase some sort of document feeder. Whether it is a single pass feeder or a reverse automatic document feeder. These feeders save time and increase productivity.

Paper capacity is also important. All of the machines that we carry have at least a 250 sheet paper drawer. If your business does a large volume of letter and legal sized copying, a second paper drawer may be needed. These additional paper drawer range in size from 250 sheets up to 500 sheets in size. On the large machines (25 copies per minute and up) the paper capacity can be increased by 1500 sheets with a single drawer. Just about ever photocopier we carry also has some sort of by-pass. A by-pass is basically another paper drawer used for odd sized paper that you don't usually use. Such as envelopes or color paper. The by-pass can also usually handle a thicker sized paper.

One of the most important features on a copy machine is the ability to do ledger sized (11"x17") paper. Most ledger sized copy machines are more expensive than non-ledge sized machines.

Cost Per Copy

The cost per copy of the machine is the single most important thing to look for in a copier. The cost per copy can be determined by using the following equation

Toner Yield/Toner Cost + Developer Yield/Developer Cost + Drum Yield/Drum Cost

Not all machines have 3 separate cartridges, but you should get the idea.

Once you have the cost per copy of the machine it is important to know about how many copies per month you expect your business to do. If your volume is low, you may never recoup your cost by buying a machine that is less expensive but has a higher cost per copy.

Conclusion

While this information will help you get started looking for a digital copy machine, it will be necessary for you to speak to a knowledgeable sales person to assist you in the buying process. We at BusinessNeedz offer every manufacturer of copiers and fax machines. If you have any question please call us at 866-530-8502. We have over 20 years in the office equipment business and are happy to help you to find the digital copier to fit your needs.