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.