While the name recognition may not be as high as Xerox or Canon, Ricoh photocopiers come from one of the world's leading manufacturers of copy machines, and business and office products. Ricoh offers a full range of multifunction copiers equipped to meet the needs of any business — whether you’re in the market for your home office, small business or a Fortune 500 corporation.

The majority of Ricoh photocopiers are equipped with faxing and scanning capabilities and other features to help streamline efficiency and productivity.

Before searching for a Ricoh copier, first determine what you'll need from your copy machine. By simply knowing what you need and – maybe more important – what you don’t need, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars by not spending extra money on features or options you won't utilize. The more information you can give an authorized dealer, the better. This will help them find a model that will best fit your needs. Determine the following prior to contacting a Ricoh business copiers sales agent:

1. Estimate the monthly volume of copies you expect to produce.

2. Figure out whether you’ll need color copies, or whether black and white will suffice.

3. Determine a price range that will work for you or your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

The first step to owning a Ricoh copier is to find an authorized dealer

Unlike some of its competitors, you won't find a Ricoh copier in retail stores, such as Best Buy or Staples. Ricoh models are only available through direct sales channels or authorized dealers. This ensures that potential costumers are dealing with trained, knowledgeable sales staff, best suited to handle your Ricoh photocopying needs. Each location also has a service department, where technicians are sent out to do on-site repairs.

I recommend: The easiest way to find authorized dealers in your state is to visit the Sales and Service Locations page on Ricoh’s website. You can also call 1-800-63-RICOH to find authorized dealers. One drawback to Ricoh copiers not being sold in retail stores is that it is more difficult to find reviews and feedback on them. However, Epinions.com does offer several helpful consumer reviews

To keep up with changing technology, lease a Ricoh copier

Like in many other industries, new technology is always developing for copy machines. By leasing a Ricoh copier, you can be assured that you won't be using out-dated technology.

I recommend: Ask your authorized dealer about Ricoh copier leasing. Keep in mind that, in many instances, the development of new technology makes copiers more efficient, which can save you money. Service and service plans for machines with newer technology are also considerably lower in comparison to copiers with older technology.

Save on a demo model or refurbished Ricoh copier

Ricoh copiers can get a bit pricey. Save your business some cash by purchasing refurbished Ricoh copiers, certified pre-owned Ricoh copiers, or demonstration models. In some instances you can save as much as 50% off of suggested Ricoh copier prices by doing so. However, many older models run on outdated technology and will cost more in up-keep than new models.

I recommend: Ask your authorized Ricoh dealer about the pros and cons of purchasing a refurbished or demonstration model. Some dealers will discourage buying a used Ricoh copier and the majority will strongly suggest that you purchase or lease through authorized dealers only. There are several websites, such as CopierMarketplace.com and DigitalCopierDepot.com, that offer refurbished Ricoh copiers where you can compare models and get a sense for refurbished copier prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stick with genuine Ricoh parts and supplies to ensure the performance of your Ricoh copier. Ricoh produces its own toner, developer, thermal paper and photoconductor units to work specially with its office machines to maintain copy clarity and machine reliability.