Is it time for a new copier to be added to your printer fleet? You have your choice of copier, black-and-white, or Color. But what option is best for your office, and more importantly, what is a monochrome copier? Today, we will explore these nuances and help you determine if monochrome copiers best fit your office needs. With a competitive selection of copiers from top office technology brands, BDS is confident we can meet your needs with the perfect match.
What is a Monochrome Copier?
A monochrome copier is a type of copier that copies primarily black-and-white prints. If you have heard of a monochrome printer, the idea is similar and a way for office technology brands to classify their devices beyond the traditional “black-and-white” terminology. You may be wondering why a business would want to invest in a copier that only prints in black and white.
For starters, on average, color ink and toner costs more than traditional black-and-white. So, if your business is looking to scale back on print-related costs, investing in a print device that primarily handles black-and-white prints can save you significant money in the long run. Furthermore, color print devices tend to cost more as they are often equipped with both Color and black-and-white print capabilities.
So, if you operate in an industry where color prints are optional, investing in a device with color capabilities may be a waste of money. Your business could save significantly more money by investing in a monochrome printer for your office copy and print needs. The drawback of these devices applies to offices that rely primarily on color and black-and-white prints daily, as a single monochrome device would not meet their needs.
Is a Monochrome Copier Suitable for My Office Needs?
We have briefly touched on why offices invest in monochrome copiers, but let us get more specific, breaking down the top considerations for making your investment.
- Print Frequency: How often are you printing in black and white vs. Color? If you need assistance determining this number, BDS offers complimentary print assessments that can provide a clear write-up of what your current print infrastructure is operating at. If you are primarily printing text-based documents, a monochrome copier may be the best choice.
- Assessing Future Needs: A monochrome copier may be a smart investment in the beginning, but does it address your future needs? If you anticipate your office growing towards more image-based prints and designs, investing in a monochrome copier may not be the best choice. Instead, a device offering color, black and white, may be more useful.
- To Lease or Buy: Financing is often cited as the top consideration for businesses seeking new print devices. The decision to lease or buy matters, especially when considering monochrome vs. Color copiers. One option offers flexibility (leasing), while the other is a long-term commitment (purchasing). This is where assessing your future needs becomes imperative.
Although these are the top considerations, running a full report on your printing environment is critical to gaining a better perspective on future needs. For example, suppose you work primarily with HP-brand printers, copiers, and other office devices. In that case, it may be best to stick with that same brand for better usability, familiarity, and compatibility. Again, BDS is more than ready to help you determine your needs with our comprehensive print assessment services.
What About Multifunction Copiers?
Multifunction copiers are powerful devices that combine print, copy, scan, and sometimes even fax capabilities in one device. They have become a staple in offices globally. Contemporary multifunction devices offer both monochrome and color options. Determining the price difference between the two can be tricky, as different manufacturers and device models have different price points.
However, the rule still applies to ink and/or toner: color is more expensive than black and white. The perfect happy medium? Investing in a multifunction printer with both color and monochrome capabilities. Here is the thing: multifunction copiers are already a bit more expensive than traditional models, but it is because of the power they offer for long-term cost savings.
If investing in a device that can simplify your printing needs in one device, why not invest in one that can operate in both color modes? Even if you do not use the color option often, you will not be wasting money on your investment due to all the other innovative function capabilities (print, copy, scan, and yes, even fax!) all on one device. Plus, with customizable multifunction copier leasing at BDS, we can offer you an even more fair and affordable print solution.
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