I'm considering moving away from our current managed print contract with Xerox because we have these enormous Xerox AltaLink MFPs that are just too much for our needs. They're experiencing constant issues with their network interface card dropping out, and when we reach out for support, it feels like we're being ignored. While I can see the initial value in having a managed service, it seems like the convenience of just calling for repairs isn't what it used to be. I'm now leaning towards purchasing smaller multifunction printers outright, including their consumables and repairs, and I'm even jokingly thinking about 'taking a baseball bat' to one each year just to maintain my sanity. Can anyone recommend reliable printers for small businesses in the US? I only really need basic features like scanning to email, copying, and printing on letter-sized paper.
3 Answers
It sounds like you've already gone through some troubleshooting with your networking, so if you’ve ruled that out, it's definitely a printer issue! I would suggest holding Xerox accountable for their service. You might want to consider firing them and exploring different printer management vendors if this continues. As for buying new MFPs, in the long run, you might find it actually costs more than you think. I’ve seen plenty of examples where managed contracts can be more cost-effective, especially if the volume increases down the line. Have you really crunched the numbers on that?
I think it really depends on how many printers you genuinely need and your usage. In our case, with three small locations, one Kyocera MFP per site is perfect for us. They're easy to set up and practically maintenance-free, which lets us forget about them once they're up and running. You should also check with your vendors if they're offering size-appropriate models for your actual printing needs. It might save you some headaches! And have you thought about updating your current printers' firmware for potential fixes?
I've had a fleet of Altalink Xerox printers too, and they’ve been problem-free for us. Have you updated the firmware? We resolved many issues through updates. If switching vendors is on your radar, I can recommend Visual Edge IT; they have been great for us. They also help in sizing the printers according to our usage. I’ve been with the same tech team for years, which is a huge plus! Have you considered reaching out to your current account manager to discuss more suitable models?

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