Whether you're looking for Ricoh parts, maintenance on a Ricoh machine or Ricoh accessories, going through the right channels guarantees that in the rare instance something does go wrong you'll have immediate recourse for pursuing replacement, repair or refund of your purchase.

Dealing with unauthorized distributors puts you at risk of receiving incorrect, damaged or counterfeit parts, and may lead to difficulties in receiving a refund, repair or other product support. If you need any of the following, ensure you get genuine Ricoh parts and accessories by dealing directly with Ricoh and its authorized distributors:

1. Documentation for Ricoh products;

2. Ricoh parts and supplies, plus accessories;

3. Service and repair for your Ricoh machines.

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

Read the manuals before you buy Ricoh parts

Before you go running out to buy new Ricoh copier parts or other supplies, scan through your product documentation. Make a list of the specific part numbers or codes for each item you need and how many you should get. If you're working with an error code, check the troubleshooting section of the manuals--maybe it's something you can easily fix yourself.

I recommend: Download manuals for Ricoh products directly from the Ricoh website; you can also access Ricoh technical and product support online, as well as a list of frequently asked questions that might save you a lengthy hold time over the telephone or intensive Internet search.

Track down Ricoh parts and accessories

Locating Ricoh parts and supplies is as easy as finding an authorized distributor near you. Of course, you can always take a chance with others ... but that's just it; you're taking a chance that could potentially destroy an expensive machine. It's tempting to save a few dollars by cutting corners, but you will potentially cost yourself much more in repair and replacement costs if something goes wrong.

I recommend: Call 1-800-63-RICOH or visit the Ricoh website for a list of Ricoh authorized distributors. Some sites such as Touchstone Copier Parts and Toner Universe state clearly that some of the parts they're selling for Ricoh copiers and printers are generic; others may not be so forthcoming.

Get some service to go with those Ricoh parts

Save yourself potential loss of time and hassle by dealing directly with a Ricoh authorized service center.

I recommend: Some companies such as Copiers Warehouse and A&A Office Systems offer service and repair for Ricoh printers, copiers and other Ricoh accessories. Make sure to inquire about whether the technicians are qualified, certified and authorized to work on Ricoh machines. Even better, you can locate authorized Ricoh service locations directly through the Ricoh website under the "Sales & Service Locations" heading.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you buy Ricoh printer parts and aren't sure whether the seller is an authorized distributor or not, insist that you are sold only OEM (original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. This ensures that at least you're getting genuine parts for Ricoh machines; from there it's up to you to inspect the part to be sure it's new (the packaging should be unopened, all labels and seals in place both on the packaging and the product, and the part you purchased should be clean) and double-check the part numbers against your copier or printer documentation to be sure that you've gotten the proper item.