As you’re shopping for the best deal on a copier, you’ll probably want to read reviews of the models you’re interested in. Here are a few suggestions on how to get the most out of copier reviews:

• Make sure it’s apples to apples. Copier model numbers aren’t always easy to remember. And the same number with one additional letter can make a big difference in the specifications or features of a copier. Make sure the copier reviews you use are for the exact model you’re investigating, with all the same features.
• Check the date. Copier manufacturers get quite a bit of feedback on their machines, and make minor tweaks in production over time to respond. Even if the model number is the same, a new copier probably won’t have the same problems as one produced three years ago.
• Do the numbers stack up? One statistic routinely overstated by the manufacturers is the monthly copy volume. Copier reviews are a good source of information on what volume a given model can actually handle in real-world situations.

Copier reviews: just the start
The reviews are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole picture. Make sure you take the machines you’re evaluating for a test drive, as well. Ask the dealer to bring a machine in for a demo, if possible – if not, visit the dealer to try it yourself.

Then run through some of your most common tasks. If you frequently feed cover stock or labels through the bypass tray, try that and see how smoothly it goes. If you want to copy your brochures onto special paper, do so and compare the output to the quality you're used to seeing. A direct evaluation like this provides more value than copier reviews ever could.

The importance of copier dealers
Buying a copier isn't like buying a digital camera or a DVD player: just reading copier reviews online doesn't give you all the information you need. For example, business copiers need the kind of consistent, ongoing maintenance only a reputable dealer can provide, and a review won't help you with that aspect of your purchase.

To get the best support, it's important to talk to at least four or five different copier dealers. Find out what maintenance contracts are included, how many technicians are available in your area, and what model copier they would recommend for your planned usage. Ready to start talking to qualified copier dealers in your area? Submit a free request for copier price quotes and dealers will compete for your business.

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