Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5550i III, Secondhand in Sydney

Where the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5550i III fits in the Canon range

In Canon's imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5500 III series, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5550i III is the one that runs at 50 pages per minute. Sister models, slowest first, with pages per minute: imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5535i III (35), imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5540i III (40) and imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5560i III (60). From the maker's sheet, it scans double sided originals in one go, up to 80 images a minute, loads 1,200 sheets as standard and 6,350 fully optioned and feeds card up to 300 gsm.

Will it keep up with your office?

The straight answer on size: thirty or more people, or a dedicated print room. If that sounds tight, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5560i III runs at 60 pages per minute in the same series. Printing less? The imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5540i III at 40 pages per minute may be all you need.

What does secondhand get you?

Three grades. Renewed is the top one: more parts replaced, close to new, and priced above refurbished. Refurbished means cleaned, serviced, worn parts replaced and tested, and it is the grade most people choose. Used is checked and working, for the lowest outlay. Whichever imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5550i III you pick, the page count is in writing before you commit, and delivery, network connection, scanning set up and a hands on run through for staff are in the price.

Under a service agreement, if the machine fails we replace it, for as long as the agreement runs. Selected machines can be rented from $15 a week plus GST; finance needs approval first.

Four checks before buying secondhand

• The meter reading. Pages printed so far, in writing. That number beats the build year as a guide to wear.
• What comes with it. Extra trays, a finisher, a big paper deck: each one alters the work it can take and the figure on the quote.
• Who looks after it. We do not sell a machine we cannot service, because a copier nobody can fix is no bargain.
• Running cost. Get the mono and colour rates per page in writing, plus what each rate covers.