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:

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

Let’s be real—copier technology doesn’t sit still. Leasing gives you the flexibility to upgrade every few years, so you’re not stuck with an outdated machine that doesn’t keep up with your business. Additionally, tech moves fast, you want the security upgrades and improvements to the newer device iterations.

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.) We have some great blogs on Section 179 that you might want to check out for tips. The benefits of using Sect 179 for your business isn’t just an end of year option.

5. All-In-One Support

When you lease through a Colorado-based provider like us, support is often included. That means less downtime, fewer headaches, and faster service when something goes wrong. Definitely opt in for Smart Support.

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 hanging over your head. 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. If you plan to keep the copier for five or more years, you’ll likely spend less overall.

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, and you don’t have to worry about early termination fees.

4. Good Option for Stable Workflows

If your business isn’t changing much—for example, you’re not expanding or switching up your print volume—owning a copier could be a rock-solid long-term investment.

2025 Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay in Colorado

Here’s a look at what copier pricing looks like across the state this year:

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 (like 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, so it’s a fairly bundled solution.   That’s especially helpful for busy teams that don’t want to manage five separate vendors.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding

Let’s bring it back to your unique situation. Ask yourself:

• 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:

Local Matters: Why Work With a Colorado-Based Provider?

We get it—you can lease or buy a copier from just about anyone. But there’s something different about working with a local partner who knows the Colorado market.

We understand the logistics of mountain towns, snow delays, and how fast a business in Denver or Pueblo needs service when something breaks. And we’re not just dropping off a machine—we’re helping you find the right solution that supports 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 from people who care more about long-term relationships than quick sales

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Choice for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—and that’s okay.

• 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 don’t mind managing maintenance on your own (or through a service contract).

No matter which path you take, the goal is the same: to keep your office running smoothly and your documents flowing without a hitch.

At ABT, we help Colorado businesses every day find copier solutions that actually work for them—not just on paper, but in real-world use. Whether you lease or buy, 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 recommendation that makes sense. No pressure, just practical advice.

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