Archived from groups: comp.periphs.printers (
More info?)
Color laser printers are selling in Canada for between $600 and $1200
with the first set of consumables included. Some come with regular full
toner cartridges, others with partially full "courtesy" types.
I have not looked at the consumable costs on the specific Xerox model in
question, but I would like to know how it compares to other consumables
for other laser printers. I suspect it is more costly (Xerox needs to
cover the printer costs somehow).
Yes, I can see how one could "beat" the system by running a bunch of
copies through the machine which have hardly any toner coverage so that
consumables could be kept to minimal toner use while still meeting the
2000 prints a month, if one was so inclined. I do agree the service
contract has good value, since most color laser machines do not offer on
site, if any. service when you buy them outright.
I still believe one needs to be careful with this business model. For
someone who uses a color laser for 2000 photo image prints a month, the
cost of consumables through Xerox may prove more costly than buying a
new machine outright and buying consumables as required wherever you wish.
Art
JWil wrote:
> Art,
>
> You're correct that the Xerox freecolorprinters.com deal is
> essentially a consumables contract, but it's still the steal of the
> century in printing, so long as you print the volume of >2000 pages a
> month and want the color laser quality. You sound pretty negative on
> the deal, so I'm not sure you've actually done it. I have, and it's an
> awesome program. I'm 2 mo away from owning the equipment free and
> clear. Here's a few points you didn't mention:
>
> --It's relatively easy for any small business, even a business of 1,
> to print 2000 pages (not 4000) per month. I shifted a lot of my
> photocopying to printing duplicates, did my own Xmas cards and
> business brochures, etc. If you do fall behind, Xerox is actually
> pretty forgiving. If you need to print more, just print a bunch of fax
> cover sheets or something to help you stock up. Or print an email a
> 100 times. It's still a great deal. If you don't print anything in a
> given month, you pay the $100 charge for that month only, which is
> comparable to a lease contract. This is perfectly reasonable, since
> they are expecting to make money in the long run on the consumables
> and need to give you an incentive to actually use the printer.
>
> --When I got into the program almost 3 yrs ago, the program gave me
> $5,000 worth of equipment and paid the shipping to get it to me. I
> didn't have to spend a dime on the printer for 4 months, which is when
> I bought new ink. Of course you could go spend this money on buying
> the same equipment if you want, but you'd still have to buy ink, pay
> for your own onsite support, and pay for the shipping to get it to
> you!
>
> --Yes, Xerox wants you to buy your ink directly from them, and why
> shouldn't you...they have the cheapest prices anyway! Each month they
> have something on sale even. Still, Xerox doesn't physically prevent
> you from spending more at a 3rd party retailer if you insist.
>
> --The equipment comes with a 3-yr onsite repair contract. I've had to
> use it twice, and I've been impressed with the quality of service each
> time. The 2nd time the tech was in my office the same day I called.
> The 800-number tech support is top-notch as well and I've never had to
> wait on hold.
>
> Overall, I disagree with you entirely that this program is not
> anything but an incredible deal. Basically it comes down to whether
> you want to pay for a nice color laser printer or not...you're going
> to pay for the ink and supplies anyway, so why not get the printer for
> free? This deal is a no-brainer for small businesses who have a
> reasonable amount of printing to do and want the color laser quality.
>
> However, the printer does not have a straight paper path and can not
> print on invitation-quality card stock over 110 lbs. I've done 110 lb
> card stock very reliably, however.
>
> --John
>
>
> Arthur Entlich <artistic@telus.net> wrote in message news:<RDCZc.50416$A8.21435@edtnps89>...
>
>>What you fail to mention is that this is a consumables contract and it
>>is only good in the US.
>>
>>The printer is "free" if you qualify (it's based upon your printing
>>several thousand pages 2000-4000 a month). Xerox only charges you for
>>your consumables, which you must buy on line from them. If you fall
>>behind your "printing commitment" any month, it costs you $100. If you
>>fail to report it's worse, $125. After 3 years you can keep the printer.
>>
>>However, the truth is, you pay for the printer via the consumables,
>>because, just like inkjet printers, laser color printers have gone to a
>>similar business model here.
>>
>>I figured out, for instance, that if I were to buy a Minolta Magicolor 2
>>printer, that the cost of replacing the full consumables just once came
>>to more than the cost of the printer with the initial consumables.
>>Indirectly, the printer was "free" also, because the consumables covered
>>the cost. However, the benefit of buying the printer was that once I
>>owned it, unlike in the Xerox situation, I could buy consumables
>>wherever I could get the best value, I wasn't in a 3 year monopoly
>>contract with the vendor.
>>
>>Anyway, the point is this model Xerox has come up with is not any great
>>value for most people. I am sure they have figured out their profits on
>>the consumables, and they cover the printer cost well enough at
>>2000-4000 prints per month, especially if the person prints a lot of
>>color images which use a great deal of toner up.
>>
>>Art
>>
>>
>>JWil wrote:
>>
>>
>>>"Lux" <lux@nospam_icanon.org> wrote in message news:<y3vZc.66$l05.54@text.usenetserver.com>...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>If you're looking to do printing soon, I know the Office Max near me is
>>>>having a 39cent color copying/printing sale until the 4th I believe. I know
>>>>they've printed on card stock for me in the past. It may vary from location
>>>>to location tho.
>>>
>>>
>>>Thanks for the good intentions, but I'm not looking for a service
>>>bureau, but the best way to print on heavy card stocks myself at home.
>>>I'm going to be doing this a lot in the future.
>>>
>>>But I'll return the favor, Lux. If you are still paying money for
>>>color printing, you can apply for a FREE color laser printer grant
>>>from Xerox. It's pretty easy if you get some tips on filling out the
>>>application. Half my friends have them now. Xerox is indeed giving
>>>color laser printers away to the right people. 2 yrs ago I got a
>>>$5000 laser printer system out of them, and it works like a
>>>gem...except on card stock heavier than 80 lb. And I've had 110 lb,
>>>smooth card stock to go through it via manual feed, but it won't even
>>>do that weight with the less smooth or pre-embossed wedding invitation
>>>stocks you find at professional paper supply stores. The site is
>>>www.freecolorprinters.com, I think. Contact me if you decide to do
>>>this so I can tell you how to maximize your chances of succeeding with
>>>the application...don't make me say "I told you so!"
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