09/06/2025
Pay Attention to Your Copier Lease!
For the past 30 years, I’ve been warning customers about the sneaky tactics employed by copier salespeople—yes, the ones I’ve come to call "snake oil salesmen." It’s a dirty game, and unfortunately, many businesses get caught in it without realizing what’s happening.
Just last week, I visited a potential customer who I came highly recommended to. They told me their copier lease was up, and they wanted to move on to a new company. I didn’t want to ask too many details, as I prefer not to bad-mouth other businesses, but let’s just say I found out about the scum tactics used by their previous dealer.
The “Automatic Renewal” Trap
When a copier lease ends, there’s a critical clause in most agreements called "Automatic Renewals." This is where things can get tricky.
In this particular case, the customer’s lease was up, but they didn’t notify the leasing company that they were ready to return the copier. Why? Because they didn’t know they had to do so 60 days prior to the lease end.
Here’s where it gets worse: the salesperson from a very large Ricoh/Toshiba dealer in Brooklyn had included a clause in the contract that stated, if the customer didn’t notify the leasing company within 60 days, the lease would automatically renew for one more year.
Now, let’s break this down: This was a 3-color machine costing $1,500 per month.
The customer didn’t want to continue doing business with this copier dealer but found themselves stuck. They were now responsible for a full year’s worth of payments—or, they’d have to sign a new lease with a company they didn’t trust.
Why Copier Leases Are Tricky
The "Automatic Renewal" clause can lock you into a year (or more) of payments if you miss the notification window. Many salespeople won’t remind you to contact the leasing company, so it’s important to be proactive and manage your lease the same way you would manage a car lease or any other contract.
Tips to Avoid Getting Stuck with a Copier Lease:
Read the fine print: Make sure you fully understand the terms before signing. Look out for clauses like "Automatic Renewal."
Know your lease dates: Mark your calendar when your lease is coming up for renewal and set a reminder to notify the leasing company well in advance.
Don’t rely on the salesperson: The last thing you want is to leave it up to the salesperson, who may not have your best interests at heart.
Get help if needed: If you’re unsure about any part of your lease, ask for help. At Long Island Copier Sales, we’ve been helping businesses navigate copier leases for decades.
Final Thoughts
Copier leases are one of those things that many businesses overlook until it’s too late. Don’t make the same mistake! Always read the fine print, take charge of your lease, and stay aware of potential “sneaky” clauses. If you’re in doubt or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Long Island Copier Sales.
Stay informed, stay in control, and avoid falling for the snake oil salesman out there!
