Multifunction Printer

A Tool for Productivity, Not Just Printing.

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What is a Multifunction Printer (MFP) or Copier?

Modern multifunction printers (MFPs), also known as copiers, are devices that can copy, print, scan and (usually) fax, though they are used most often for the printing of office documents.

MFPs are a critical tool for every office, not just to print digital files into physical documents, but as the gateway to turn physical images and texts (think invoices, proposals, diagrams, etc.) into digital data that can be stored in the cloud and accessed by your team where and when they need it.

But when there are many major copier manufacturers, each touting dozens of different copier models that can range in price from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, how on earth do you decide which is right for your business?

Keep reading to learn from our experiences (and occasional mistakes) selling thousands of MFPs to businesses all across the Maritimes so that by the time you reach the end of this page, you know everything you need to be confident in your next purchase of a copier.

How To Choose The Right MFP For Your Business

Investing in a new multifunction printer (MFP) is a significant decision, as your team will rely on this equipment for the next 3–5 years. Here’s how to make the right choice:

1. Determine Your Monthly Printing Volume
Select an MFP designed to handle your expected printing volume. An overpowered device inflates costs, while an underpowered one risks frequent breakdowns.

2. Set Your Budget
Balance your needs, wants, and financial constraints to make a cost-effective decision you’ll be satisfied with for years.

3. Consider Supply Costs
Toner cartridges and other supplies impact long-term costs. Ensure your vendor offers an easy process for ordering replacements.

4. Choose a Trusted Brand
Stick to established manufacturers known for reliability and quality. Major brands offer comparable performance and support.

5. Ensure Compatibility with Existing Equipment
Confirm that the MFP will work seamlessly with your office’s current technology, whether you use Mac, PC, or both. Ask your vendor for specifics before committing.

Talk to a Technology Expert Calculate The Cost of Ownership For a MFP

How Much Does A Multifunction Printer Cost?

In the broadest sense, a commercial-grade MFP could cost anywhere from $7,500 to $25,000, but a vast range doesn’t help you budget how much you need to buy your business a new device.

Various factors can influence how much a copier will cost; however, the primary factor that most impacts your final price is how many pages you intend to print every month (your monthly printing “volume”).

Your volume determines the “size” of the device that will best fit your business’s needs. Buy an MFP that is too small, and it will quickly become prone to breakdowns and require hefty maintenance bills, buy one that is too large, and you will end up paying for a device you can’t get the most out of.

Copier manufacturers use print speed, or ppm (pages per minute), to roughly categorize the “size” of a device. Let’s examine how much you should budget for each MFP category as well as the monthly volume each device is designed to handle.

25 ppm MFP – $7,500 to $11,000. A 25 ppm device is designed to handle monthly volumes of 4000 to 7000 pages.
30 ppm MFP – $10,500 to $14,500. A 30 ppm copier is suitable for monthly volumes between 7000 and 9000 pages.
45 ppm MFP – $12,500 to $18,000. If you want a 45 ppm MFP, your monthly volume is 9500 to 13,000 pages per month.
60 ppm MFP – $14,000 to $22,000. The beast of commercial copiers, a 60 ppm device, can handle volumes as large as 14,000 or 20,000 pages per month.

Request a Technology Consultation Factors That Affect Your MFP Price

Want some help with selecting your new MFP?

Have you read through all this information and still feel nervous about pulling the trigger on a new copier? No worries, one of our experts can guide you through the process from start to finish.

Just request your free office technology consultation, and one of our tech experts will sit down with you to estimate your monthly printing volumes, assist in determining which device is the best fit for that volume, select the optional features and configurations best suited to your business needs and provide a price for it all.