Is leasing or buying a commercial office copier cheaper long-term
Buying a commercial office copier is usually cheaper long-term if you keep it 5+ years—ownership eliminates monthly payments and allows full depreciation deductions. Leasing costs more over time (20–30 percent higher) but includes service and upgrades, making it better for short-term or growing businesses. For stable offices with predictable volume, buying saves money; leasing offers flexibility. Calculate total costs including maintenance and supplies for your situation.
Last Updated: February 21, 2026
Related topics: leasing buying commercial copier cheaper long term, long term cost lease vs buy copier, buy copier cheaper long term, lease copier higher cost time, ownership copier save money long, tax deduction buy copier long term, service included lease cost, upgrade lease copier long term, stable business buy copier cheaper, growing business lease copier, total cost lease buy copier, maintenance cost buy copier long, depreciation deduction copier buy, monthly payment lease long term, commercial copier long term decision
Compare Copier Prices NowQuestions businesses ask when selecting commercial copiers
Questions about commercial copiers usually emerge once real print volume requirements are evaluated. Commercial copiers must balance uptime, cost per page, and workflow integration. High-volume multifunction copiers often operate near continuous duty cycles.
Improper copier sizing is a leading cause of early service calls. This is why many buyers review detailed copier guidance before signing. Buyers often reference guidance like this commercial copier FAQ when evaluating next steps.
Is leasing or buying a commercial office copier cheaper long-term
Expert Answer: Deciding whether leasing or buying a commercial office copier is cheaper long-term requires comparing total pricing over the machine’s life. Buying often wins for offices planning to keep the copier 5 years or more—you pay $3,000 to $20,000 upfront but own the asset, deduct depreciation under Section 179, and avoid ongoing payments. Maintenance and supplies are your responsibility, but total expense can be lower without lease markups. Leasing costs more over time—monthly payments $50 to $300 add up to 20–30 percent more than buying outright—but include service, toner, and upgrades every 3–5 years. Leasing preserves capital and avoids obsolescence, ideal for growing businesses or those with changing needs. For stable offices with steady volume, buying typically saves money long-term. Factor in total ownership: toner, energy, repairs, and potential downtime. Get quotes for both options and run the numbers for your monthly pages. Buying is cheaper long-term for long users; leasing better for flexibility.