
Should You Lease or Buy a Copier in Colorado? 2025 Cost Breakdown
If you’re running a business in Colorado, chances are you’ve asked yourself at some point:
“Should I lease or buy a copier?”
It’s a smart question—especially now in 2025, when every dollar counts and office technology keeps evolving faster than ever. Whether you’re managing a law office in Boulder, a dental practice in Colorado Springs, or a startup in Fort Collins, your copier plays a bigger role than you might think. It’s not just about printing papers—it’s about keeping your team efficient and your documents secure.
Let’s walk through the pros, cons, and real-world costs of leasing vs. buying a copier in Colorado this year. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which route fits your business best.
First Things First: What’s the Big Difference?
At a high level, leasing means you’re paying monthly to use a copier over a set period—usually 3 to 5 years. Buying means you pay upfront and own the machine outright.
Here’s a quick side-by-side look to get your bearings:
Leasing a Copier | Buying a Copier |
---|---|
Low upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
Predictable monthly payments | No payments after purchase |
Easy to upgrade or replace | You’re committed long-term |
Often includes service & toner | You pay for maintenance separately |
Doesn’t build equity | You own the equipment outright |
Now, let’s dig into the details and see how each option fits into your day-to-day reality.
Why Leasing Might Be Right for You
For many Colorado businesses, leasing just makes more sense—especially if you’d rather spread out the cost and stay current with tech.
1. Lower Upfront Costs
Leasing means no big cash outlay upfront. You get a high-quality machine without draining your budget. For most companies, that’s a huge win—especially if you’re investing in other areas like hiring, marketing, or IT.
2. Simple Budgeting
Monthly payments stay the same, so it’s easier to plan. Plus, you can often roll service, repairs, and even toner into the same monthly payment. That means fewer surprises.
3. Always Have Up-to-Date Equipment
Copier technology evolves fast. Leasing gives you the flexibility to upgrade every few years, so you’re not stuck with an outdated machine. You’ll benefit from better security and more efficient features.
4. Tax Advantages
Depending on how your lease is structured, your payments might be fully tax-deductible as an operating expense. (Always check with your accountant to be sure.) See more about Section 179 and how it can help your business.
5. All-In-One Support
When you lease through a Colorado-based provider like ABT, support is often included. That means less downtime, fewer headaches, and faster service when something goes wrong.
Why Buying Could Still Be the Better Fit
If you’ve got the capital and prefer to own your equipment outright, buying has its perks—especially over the long haul.
1. You Own It
Once you buy a copier, it’s yours. No contracts, no returns, and no monthly payments. For some businesses, that’s a big plus.
2. Potential for Long-Term Savings
While leasing can be easier in the short term, buying may cost less over time—especially if you plan to keep the copier for five years or more.
3. More Control
You decide who services the machine, where it’s placed, and how long you keep it. You’re not locked into a lease agreement.
4. Good Option for Stable Workflows
If your printing volume and business size are stable, owning a copier could be a smart long-term investment.
2025 Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay in Colorado
If You’re Buying:
- Basic desktop copier/printer: $800 – $2,000
- Mid-volume office copier (35–55 ppm): $3,500 – $7,000
- High-volume, enterprise-level: $9,000 – $15,000+
- Extra features (staplers, finishers, scanners): $500 – $3,000
If You’re Leasing:
- Monthly lease (36 months): $125 – $400
- Monthly lease (60 months): $95 – $275
- Cost-per-print (black & white): $0.008 – $0.015
- Cost-per-print (color): $0.07 – $0.12
With most leases, service, toner, parts, and maintenance are included. It’s a bundled solution—perfect for busy teams.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding
Here are some important questions:
- How much cash do I want to spend upfront?
- Will my print needs change in the next few years?
- Do I want to upgrade tech regularly?
- Do I prefer predictable monthly costs or long-term savings?
- Would I benefit from managed print services?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
If you value… | Consider Leasing | Consider Buying |
---|---|---|
Lower upfront costs | ✅ | ❌ |
Always using new tech | ✅ | ❌ |
Long-term cost savings | ❌ | ✅ |
Full equipment control | ❌ | ✅ |
Bundled service/support | ✅ | ❌ (unless added) |
Local Matters: Why Work With a Colorado-Based Provider?
We get it—you can lease or buy a copier from just about anyone. But working with a local partner makes a difference.
We understand the logistics of mountain towns, snow delays, and the urgency of service calls in Denver or Pueblo. We’re not just selling machines—we’re helping optimize your entire office workflow.
Plus, we offer:
- On-site service across Colorado with fast response times
- Flexible lease and buyback programs
- Access to certified refurbished copiers at a lower price
- Honest advice focused on long-term relationships
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Choice for You?
- Go with leasing if you want flexibility, predictable costs, and the latest features without the big upfront hit.
- Go with buying if you want long-term savings and are comfortable managing your own service or contract.
No matter which path you choose, the goal is the same: to keep your office running efficiently and affordably.
At ABT, we help Colorado businesses make informed copier decisions daily. Whether leasing or buying, we’re here to help you do it right.
Want Help Deciding?
Let’s take 10 minutes to talk through your options. We’ll ask a few questions about your workflow, budget, and goals—then give you a practical recommendation.
📞 Call us or book a quick consultation
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