MFPs & Copiers: The Difference Between Buying Direct or with an Independent Dealer

Remember when shopping for school supplies was fun? When purchasing the right pens, folders, or notebooks was going to make or break the school year—getting you started out organized, ready to succeed? Well, shopping for office technology is shopping for school supplies all grown up and having the right fit for your organization can help put your best foot forward. Not only can having the right equipment save your business time, but streamlining operations with optimized tools saves you money, too.

Investing in the right technology for your business involves a great deal of research. When shopping around for the best fit in quality, service, and functionality for your copier or multifunction printer (MFP) there are many factors to consider. Paper quality, number of paper trays, ink cartridges, wireless networking, compatibility with current systems, print speed, machine size, the list goes on and on. Before even committing to a device, however, you will need to decide where you'll be doing your shopping. Will you be buying directly from a manufacturer or going with an independent dealer?

Copier & MFP Purchasing Options

It’s important to understand the different options available to you when it comes to purchasing new technology.

Purchasing through the Manufacturer: Buying directly from the vendor means sticking with a specific brand versus taking a test drive with multiple device manufacturers. You will not only be committed to the device and company but also will have to accept their pricing model and service guarantees at face value. If you’re loyal to a brand and happy with the service, this option could be the best fit for your business.

Consulting with an Independent Dealer: Independent technology dealers in the all-in-one, copier, and MFP market tend to carry a wide variety of reputable brand names. Consulting with an independent dealer means that instead of showing you one brand, they will assess your needs based on the portfolio of vendors they carry. You will meet one-on-one with an expert dedicated to matching you with a piece of equipment, not a specific vendor or model. In addition to the one-on-one support only an independent dealer can provide, your business will also have the ability to rely on them for equipment servicing and additional supplies. Purchasing with an independent vendor is a great option when seeking guidance into your decision-making process and access to expert-level support.

Partnering with SumnerOne

SumnerOne is one of the largest family-owned and operated independent office technology dealers in the Midwest. We carry a wide portfolio from some of the best brands in the business to match your office environment with the right technology for your needs. From our expert technology consultants to our certified service technicians, our focus is always on the customer.

If you’re ready to change in the way your office prints, scans, and copies, SumnerOne is ready to help. Contact us to set up a time to meet with a member of our team and see how we will work with your business to find the technology to match your goals.