Burst the Balloon

Are print managed services really all they’re made out to be? They were touted as the future of office printing but we've recently seen a number of private and public sector organisations finding that they are not making the savings they were promised.

  

Some reports showed that they were billed for colour copies when they had only printed black and white. Investigation showed that the machine had been set up to default to print using the colour cartridges so they were using (and being charged for) the more expensive option.

There are also clauses in the small print about the permitted page coverage (usually 5%). Users who print documents with a higher page coverage were finding that there were surcharges on the extra ink/toner being used. In one case a school with a contract for 5p per colour copy found that they were actually being billed 15.5p per copy*.

So you thought you would make savings but in reality you’re spending more, not less. As soon as you realise this isn't working as planned, the sensible thing to do is to scrap the initiative. Unfortunately it isn't so simple. 

Print managed systems tie you into a contract of three, four and sometimes even five years. Because they lease the printers to you, there are eye watering balloon payments to be made if you end the contract.

Scorpio Computer Supplies have been in the printer and consumables industry for over 25 years. We have followed the cost per copy movement with interest. There are certainly efficiency benefits to this service but at present, the way organisations are being tied into unfair contracts demonstrates that the industry is dominated by opportunist companies trying to maximise profits at the expense of the customer.

We have decided its time to burst the balloon. After extensive investigation we have concluded that the print managed system does allow us to make considerable savings for our customers while still accounting for all operating costs in a straight forward cost per copy price. No hidden extras. In 2016 we will be launching a transparent Scorpio print management service with contracts starting from as little as three months with no balloon payment at the end. 

We are convinced that the service we have developed will deliver substantial efficiencies to our customers. We are prepared to put in the time and work before we begin the contract to make sure that the package we offer is tailored to be 100% suitable for that particular customer and if they find that it isn't for them, they can leave. No ties.

2016 will see a transformation in the way companies operate and Scorpio Computer Supplies will be at the forefront of this development. If you think this model might be suitable for your organisation, there is further information on the Scorpio website. Click Here.

*The Daily Mirror 14 May 2014 – Schools Stunned by ‘hidden’ copy costs which deprive children of books – Andrew Penman.

Christmas Shopping at an office supplies store – it can be done!

Here’s a cheeky solution to get your last bits of Christmas shopping done if you work in an office. Do your shopping on an Office Supplies website! It’s about the only retail site you can access at work without it being blocked by IT and it’s surprising how many items you can get from your stationery catalogue that make great Christmas gifts.

We’ve picked out a few ideas to get your Christmas shopping done pain free, from the office!

1. Posh pen

We’re stating the obvious here but one thing you shouldn't struggle to get on an office supplies website is a decent pen. A stylish, well made fountain pen is an elegant and timeless gift, suitable for - well pretty much anyone who can write!

2. Framed photographs

A really thoughtful gift, bespoke to any of your friends or family is a treasured photo in a frame. All you need is to purchase some photo paper and a certificate frame, then print out your favourite photo to put in it and you've got a beautiful keepsake to give to a loved one. Easy!

3. Diary

A smart case bound diary makes a classic Christmas present. There are plenty of different sizes and colours to suit a diverse range of personalities. This limited edition red Collins foil and bind embossed desk diary also includes a charity donation to The British Heart Foundation, adding an extra bit of goodwill and generosity to the festive period.

4. Coffee Maker

Its surprising the number of kitchen electrical goods you can buy from an office supplies website. From toasters to mini fridges, there is something for everyone. We particularly like this Morphy Richards filter coffee maker. If you want something to go with it, add a pack of Taylors of Harrogate coffee.

5. Chocolates & boxes of biscuits

Sweet treats are always a winner at Christmas but you can avoid having to slog it out in the shops to get hold of your box of Quality Street. Boxes of chocolates and biscuits can all come under office supplies.

6. Tablet and phone accessories

Almost everyone has a tablet and a smart phone now. Accessories for them are a really useful and worthwhile gift. Docking stations, portable speakers and phone and tablet covers are all available under the ‘mobile office’ category.

7. DIY tools

 

The ‘Mailroom and Warehouse’ section of our website might not be the most obvious starting point for Christmas gifts, but under the DIY tools you can find boxed sets of everything from chisels to screwdrivers, plus a number of different power tools for the DIY enthusiast in your life.

            

8. Winter car care kit

Staying on the useful presents theme, this is one for the car enthusiast in your life! 

Office supplies catalogues usually have quite a range of driving accessories, including the classic winter car care kit.

9. Kids stationeryMake sure children are going back to school in the new year with the latest stationary. On the Scorpio Computer Supplies website you will find matching sets of pencil cases and school stationery in a selection of funky colour schemes and character ranges. To keep them occupied to the end of the holidays, treat them to a beautiful boxed set of colouring pens, crayons or paints.

10. Wrapping materials

Once you've got all your gifts assembled you just need to wrap them.  Dodge the Santa motiffed wrapping paper this year and instead opt for classic brown paper or coloured tissue paper. It’ll look chic and designer and you won’t have to go near a shop to get hold of it. And of course, on thing you won't have any trouble finding on an office supplies catalogue is sticky tape!

All of the above items are available from Scorpio Computer Supplies Ltd and will generally be delivered within two working days of ordering, leaving you plenty of time to wrap your gifts before the big day.

Snow forecast

The winter weather is on its way!  Temperatures are forecast to drop across the UK.

Scorpio Computer Supplies are based in Yorkshire and we saw our first snow of the season last weekend.  Get ready for plenty more snow and ice in the next few months!

Bad weather is a major cause of disruption to businesses in the UK.  Research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) found that when temperatures fall by just one degree Celsius below average, it costs the UK economy £2.5 billion.

As a major distribution company to many of our essential services such as schools, doctor’s surgeries and hospitals, our customers rely on us to get their supplies to them regardless of the weather.  Our main distribution hub is located at a major motorway junction but we still have to ensure that our premises are kept gritted and our drivers are suitably equipped to negotiate the winter weather.

A few basic purchases such as a winter driving kit and gritting equipment could save your business thousands of pounds if it ensures your staff can get to work and delivery drivers can reach you.

We also supply a number of winter essentials to ensure that your office environment remains safe and your workforce is productive as the temperatures plummet.  Have a look on our website and make sure you’re prepared for the winter weather.