Do you have to go to the local copy shop for copies all the time? Think of the convenience and time saving associated with having your own color copier.

Hopefully this article can give some insight into buying a color copier. If you buy new, you will be getting a digital copier. In the long run, digital copiers cost less to operate than the older analog copiers that required a lot of service calls. Almost all of the new ones can be set up to print and scan documents and send and receive faxes. You will see these some times called MFPs.

One thing to consider is your monthly copy volume. If you only need a couple of hundred copies per month, you might be fine with a copy speed of 10 cpm. If you do a couple of thousand per month, you might think about a 20 - 50 cpm machine. Just remember 100 copies will take 10 min. on a 10 cpm copier.

Almost all of the mid to high volume copiers can be networked. When networked the copier will act as a high speed printer with features such as duplexing, sorting, stapling and choosing paper size.

You may find that the savings from switching laser printers to a color copier may offset the cost of the copier.

All copiers need service periodically. A maintenance agreement can be obtained from the dealer. These may include toner and developer or may not. If you have a small machine and you can purchase toner, developer and drum at the local office products store, you may not need a service contract.

So here are a few other things you might look into.

* Try to tell the sales rep all your requirements.

* Have you figured how much you want to spend?

* You also have the option of leasing.

* What will you ratio be for black and white to color copies be?

* Try to figure out what features you would like or need.

So, I think this shows that a little research could go a long way in saving you some grief and money when you purchase a color copier.