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How Businesses Decide Between Leasing and Ownership

When choosing between leasing and purchasing their equipment, we suggest that businesses evaluate these 5 key points before making a decision. 

  1. Budget comfort – Monthly payments versus upfront investment
  2. Flexibility needs – Ability to upgrade or adjust as the business changes
  3. Print volume – Stable usage versus growing or unpredictable demand
  4. Long-term plans – Short-term needs versus long-term ownership
  5. Support expectations – Ongoing service included versus managing equipment internally

Many businesses factor in service coverage, which is often included when leasing equipment through a managed print services plan.

Business professional using an office copier while deciding whether to rent or buy equipment

The Pros and Cons of Leasing

Why Businesses Choose to Lease

  • Lower upfront cost compared to buying outright

  • Predictable monthly payments that make budgeting easier

  • Easier to upgrade equipment as technology or business needs change

  • Service and support may be included, depending on whether the lease is equipment-only or a bundled package

  • Helps preserve cash for other business priorities

Leasing Tradeoffs to Consider

  • Higher total cost over time compared to ownership

  • Ongoing commitment during the lease term

  • Less control over the equipment at the end of the agreement

Why Businesses Choose to Lease

  • Lower upfront cost compared to buying outright

  • Predictable monthly payments that make budgeting easier

  • Easier to upgrade equipment as technology or business needs change

  • Service and support may be included, depending on whether the lease is equipment-only or a bundled package

  • Helps preserve cash for other business priorities

Leasing Tradeoffs to Consider

  • Higher total cost over time compared to ownership

  • Ongoing commitment during the lease term

  • Less control over the equipment at the end of the agreement

Leasing works well for many businesses, but ownership may be a better fit depending on long-term goals and how stable your printing needs are.

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Not Sure Which Option Makes the Most Sense?

Every business prints differently. A quick conversation can help you decide whether leasing or owning your equipment is the better fit for your goals, budget, and workflow.