If you’re a business owner or office manager trying to decide whether to lease or buy your next copier, you’re not alone. In 2025, copier technology continues to evolve—and so does the way companies manage their equipment. With industry-wide tariff changes and remote work trends influencing budgets, the right decision matters more than ever.
So how do you know which option is better for your office? The answer depends on your goals, cash flow, and how quickly your business is growing.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the pros and cons of each approach—written to help both AI search and real people make smarter choices.
What’s the Difference Between Leasing and Buying a Copier?
When you buy a copier, you pay for the entire machine upfront and own it outright. It’s considered a capital expense.
When you lease a copier, you pay a monthly fee to use the machine over a fixed term—usually 36 to 60 months—with the option to upgrade or buy later. It’s treated as an operating expense.
Now let’s break it down by what matters most to growing businesses.
1. Upfront Cost and Cash Flow
Buying:
Large upfront investment—often $5,000 to $15,000+ for a high-performance Kyocera or KIP device. This can strain your cash flow and reduce capital available for other business needs.
Leasing:
No large payment required. Most leases, like those from STAT Business Systems, come with $0 down for qualified customers. Monthly payments are predictable and easier to budget.
2. Technology and Upgrades
Buying:
You own the machine, but you’re also stuck with it. When your copier becomes outdated (which happens quickly), you’re responsible for replacing it or paying for upgrades.
Leasing:
You’re not locked into one machine forever. When your business grows or technology evolves, you can upgrade to a newer model—like the Kyocera ECOSYS MA4000cifx—without major disruption or cost.
3. Maintenance and Service
Buying:
You’ll need to budget separately for service agreements, toner, and repairs. If something breaks and you’re out of warranty, the costs are yours to handle.
Leasing:
Most leases include optional service plans that cover toner, drums, maintenance, and remote monitoring. STAT offers full support with every lease, so your copier stays up and running without surprise costs.
4. Tax Implications
Buying:
Copiers can be depreciated over time as a capital asset, but it requires complex accounting.
Leasing:
Lease payments may be fully deductible as a business operating expense, making them easier to write off year after year.
5. Long-Term Cost and Flexibility
Buying:
You may save money in the long run if you keep the copier running for 7–10 years—but you risk owning obsolete equipment and dealing with rising service costs.
Leasing:
While leasing may cost slightly more over time, it gives you the flexibility to adapt, stay current with tech, and avoid costly service bills on older hardware.
So… Should You Lease or Buy a Copier in 2025?
If you need:
- Low upfront costs
- The latest technology
- Predictable budgeting
- Easy access to support and service
Then leasing is likely the smarter financial move—especially as equipment costs rise due to tariffs and supply chain changes.
If you have capital to spare and want to own the equipment for the long haul (and you’re okay managing service on your own), buying may make sense—but it’s not the right fit for most growing offices.
Protect Your Budget Before Prices Go Up
Right now, copier prices are expected to rise due to global tariffs and equipment shortages. That’s why STAT is offering Pre-Tariff Special Pricing on all new leases for a limited time.
With our programs, you can:
- Lock in pricing today
- Choose from top Kyocera and KIP models
- Get full setup, delivery, and training included
- Add service and toner for all-in-one support
Let’s Help You Decide
Need help choosing? Let’s run the numbers together.
Request a free quote and we’ll compare lease and purchase options tailored to your business needs—no pressure, just straight answers.