Unsurprisingly, refurbished copiers cost significantly less than equipment purchased from a retail store or supplier. A unit may cost hundreds of dollars less to buy used.

While many companies test their products before they reach the shelves, sometimes the equipment needs to be fixed, which can cost hundreds in repairs—not to mention lost productivity.

Used equipment has usually been through this process, so wear and tear is the only significant risk.

When going through a reputable company, the company is going to refurbish and make any necessary repairs. They also often offer warranties as part of the deal, or for a small fee.

When this happens, the equipment is essentially the same quality as brand new. One example is Apple. They guarantee that their equipment meets a high standard. They check every product they resell and even offer a one-year warranty on the equipment, which is very comprehensive.

When you purchase new equipment, it instantly loses value. The printer, photocopier, camera, or computer will never be worth the same as it was new.

Used equipment holds its value as long as it is maintained and cared for. For example, a Canon camera may be sold for $2000 brand new and be worth only $1750 out of the box. A year later, that same camera may still sell for $1700 if in good condition. Another year later, the price may be $1650, again not losing much value.

The exception is when newer models are released. The iPhone 8 was valuable until the iPhone 9 came out. Then it lost some value. By the time the iPhone X came out, the iPhone 8 had lost nearly half its value.

Purchasing used photocopiers reduces the demand for new products, lowering the resources used to manufacture them. It is essentially recycling because it is repurposing a piece of unused equipment. This is good for the environment and can help companies reduce their carbon footprint.

Used photocopiers can be readily available. Many businesses sell their old equipment when they upgrade to newer models, so there are often many options.

As previously mentioned, many reputable companies resell refurbished and quality-checked equipment. Unlike buying a new product, a used piece of equipment is already on hand and ready to ship. Often, new equipment can run out of stock, which means waiting weeks or months for new shipments to arrive.

Purchasing used photocopiers can be a great way to ensure compatibility with existing equipment. For example, if a business needs to replace a printer, buying a used printer from the same manufacturer can help ensure it works seamlessly with the existing network and software.

Used photocopiers have a history of use; you can gather information about its performance and reliability from the previous owner or online reviews. This can provide valuable insights into the longevity and durability of the equipment, helping you make an informed decision.

While reviews are also available for new products, you can’t always find them. For example, if trying to purchase a used photocopier from a reputable reselling company, you can ask specifically what tendencies or repairs it has had. This gives you the confidence to know exactly what you are purchasing.

Purchasing used equipment often allows for more price flexibility compared to buying new. Sellers of used equipment may be open to negotiations or offer additional incentives to close the deal.

Sometimes this is because the extra equipment is simply collecting dust. A seller may want rid of it, especially if it takes up space, over getting the asking price. This can further reduce your costs or provide extra value for your investment.

Used photocopiers can serve as a backup or temporary solution, especially when you may need equipment for a limited period or to handle unexpected spikes in workload.

Some companies have a few weeks out of the year when their workload may require a specific piece of equipment. Rather than purchasing a new piece of equipment that can handle a heavy workload all year, a used piece of equipment that can take two to three weeks of intense use may be sufficient. Instead of investing heavily in new equipment, purchasing used items can be a cost-effective way to meet short-term needs.