Copier leasing in Sydney: how a photocopier lease really works

What actually happens on a copier lease?

The finance company pays for the copier, and you pay that back each month over an agreed term, usually three to five years. The payment depends on the copier, the length of the term and your business's approval. How it ends is written into the lease itself: give it back, upgrade, or make a residual payment and own it.

Most of our customers take a rental instead, because it finishes more simply: a newer model, or the machine goes back. Where your accountant has a preference for a lease, we set one up.

Can you lease an office printer instead?

Yes, and it works just like a copier lease. An office that only ever prints A4 can often get by with a leased multifunction printer: it handles printing, copying and scanning, needs less space, and the monthly figure is usually lower than for an A3 copier.

Get a lease and a printer rental priced on one model, then compare them on paper. See the office printers.

What sets the monthly lease rate?

The rate comes down to the price of the copier, the number of months, and what the finance company approves. A longer term lowers each payment but adds to the total. For comparison, copiers rent from $15 a week plus GST on selected machines. Ask for one machine priced at 36, 48 and 60 months and the trade off is plain to see.

What should you check before signing a lease?

• The total of every payment across the term, not just the monthly amount.
• What service costs, and whether that cost can rise mid term.
• Whether there is a minimum charge each month, and how much.
• The end of term choices, and how much notice you must give.
• The price of leaving before the term ends.

Fourteen clauses, explained.