Maintaining smooth operations is essential for success in any business. While photocopiers and printers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about absolutely vital business equipment, they play a huge role in day-to-day operations. From producing labels and packing notes in a factory to handling everyday document printing needs in an office, these machines are integral to keeping things running smoothly.

So, when a printer breaks down, it can disrupt operations significantly. Having a reliable service agreement in place is key to ensuring that any issues are swiftly addressed and resolved, minimising downtime and maintaining productivity. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of photocopier contracts and service agreements and talk about why a cheap replacement strategy isn’t sustainable and how a good service contract can benefit your business.

Why a cheap replacement strategy isn’t sustainable

At first glance, replacing a broken printer with a new, inexpensive model might seem like a cost-effective solution. However, this approach often leads to more problems in the long run. Here’s why:

Frequent breakdowns

Low-cost printers are typically made with cheaper components (hence their lower cost!), which can lead to frequent breakdowns and the need for regular replacements. Over time, these costs add up and can surpass the price of a high-quality printer and service contract.

Increased downtime

Every time a printer fails, there’s downtime involved—whether it’s waiting for a replacement or trying to fix the issue yourself. In a factory setting, this downtime can be costly, as production may need to stop if labels or packing notes cannot be printed.

Inconsistent performance

Cheap printers often deliver inconsistent performance, which can affect the quality of your printed materials. This can be problematic for businesses that rely on high-quality prints for branding and communication.

Hidden costs

While the initial cost of a cheap printer might be low, hidden costs such as increased maintenance, lower efficiency, and reduced lifespan can quickly erode any initial savings.

The value of a good service contract

A well-structured service agreement provides peace of mind and ensures that your business operations continue smoothly without interruption. Here’s how a good service contract can make a difference:

Comprehensive coverage

A thorough service contract covers everything you need to keep your equipment running smoothly. This includes parts, service, toner, and more. For instance, if a circuit board fails, which can often cost as much as a new machine, a service contract will cover this expense. You won’t have to worry about sourcing parts or dealing with unexpected repair bills.

Fast response times

Time is money, and when your printer breaks down, you need it fixed quickly. At Midrepro, we pride ourselves on our fast response times. If we can’t resolve your issue remotely, we’ll have a skilled engineer at your site within four hours. This commitment ensures minimal disruption to your operations and allows you to focus on what matters most: running your business.

Security and compliance

Data security is a top priority for businesses today, especially with stringent regulations like GDPR. Our GDPR software encrypts your printer’s hard drive, ensuring your data remains secure. We also provide a certificate confirming the machine’s memory is cleared when removed from your site, keeping you compliant and avoiding hefty fines.

Predictable costs

Our maintenance cost per print service is designed to offer you predictable and manageable costs. Here’s what you can expect:

• Locked-in rates: Your cost per print rate is locked in for three years on new devices with no price hikes guaranteed. Low use machines are only locked in for 12 months.
• Usage-based billing: You’re billed monthly or quarterly in arrears based on your actual usage, with no minimum usage requirement.
• All-inclusive pricing: All black and colour toners, drums, imaging units, and waste toner collectors are included, as well as parts, callouts, site visits, and labour.
• No minimum billing: There are no minimum billing requirements, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
• Flexible terms: You can terminate your contract early with just 90 days’ notice and no penalties.

Tailored solutions for every business

At Midrepro, we understand that every business has unique needs. That’s why we work closely with our clients to customise service agreements that address their specific requirements. Our dedicated account managers ensure you receive full support from start to finish, while our skilled service team works tirelessly to maintain the reliability of your equipment.

Expert support

Our engineers are trained and certified by the manufacturers, ensuring they have the expertise needed to address any issue promptly and effectively. We use state-of-the-art service tracking and escalation software to monitor performance and ensure timely service delivery.

Complimentary training

We believe that empowering your team with the right knowledge is essential – after all, a great new machine isn’t helpful if your team aren’t sure how to use it. That’s why we offer complimentary training for all new and upgraded printers and photocopiers. Our goal is to make sure your employees feel confident using the machinery, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Loan machines and ongoing training

In the rare event that your machine needs to be taken offline for repairs, we provide loan machines to keep your operations running smoothly. Additionally, we can offer ongoing training to ensure your team stays updated on the latest features and best practices.

Final thoughts

At Midrepro, we take pride in offering exceptional service and support to our clients. Our customer care is designed to provide long-lasting peace of mind, enabling swift decision-making without hassle. Our commitment to quality and reliability ensures that you can focus on your business, knowing that your printing and photocopying needs are in capable hands.

Want to know how we can help your business with your printing needs? Contact us today for a friendly, no-obligation chat.