How to Choose the Best Copier Dealer

Most copier decisions don't fail because of the equipment.

They fail because of the dealer behind it.

At this stage, you're likely comparing a few vendors. The equipment may look similar. Pricing might even be close. What you're really choosing is who will support your business for the next five years.

This guide will help you compare copier dealers in a way that actually leads to a better long-term outcome.

Start With Service, Not Equipment

Most dealers sell similar brands.

What separates them is how they support those devices after installation.

Before looking at specs or pricing, ask:

• How do you handle service requests?
• What is your average response time?
• How many issues are resolved remotely?

Strong dealers can answer these clearly and back it up. For example, at Fraser, service requests are acknowledged within one hour of receipt and many issues are resolved remotely before a technician is even dispatched. This reduces downtime for your team.

Compare Response Time, Then Verify It

"Fast service" gets used a lot. You want specifics.

Look for:

• Guaranteed response windows
• Average onsite response times
• First-call resolution rates

Then ask for proof:

• Service reports
• Customer references
• Internal benchmarks

At Fraser, response expectations are clearly defined, including fast acknowledgment times and structured dispatching based on technician proximity. This helps reduce wait times when on-site service is needed.

Understand How Their Service Actually Works

Two dealers can promise the same response time and deliver very different experiences.

Ask them to walk you through:

• What happens when you submit a service request
• Who answers the call
• How issues are escalated

Dealers with a defined process tend to resolve faster. Fraser, for example, uses a centralized support team combined with local technicians, so issues are triaged quickly and handled by the right resource.

Evaluate Technician Quality, Not Just Availability

Availability matters, but skill matters more.

Ask:

• How often are technicians trained each year?
• Are the technicians certified by the manufacturer?
• Do they specialize in certain types of equipment?

Well-trained technicians reduce repeat service calls. Some dealers invest heavily in ongoing training programs to keep their teams sharp and consistent across different device types.

Look for Proactive Support, Not Just Break/Fix

Most dealers talk about service when something breaks.

Better dealers focus on preventing issues in the first place.

This can include:

• Automated toner shipments based on actual usage
• Remote monitoring and alerts
• Regular performance reviews

Fraser takes this approach by monitoring multifunction printers and copiers in real time and automatically triggering supply shipments and alerts, helping avoid common disruptions like running out of toner.

Break Down the Contract Line by Line

Pricing is rarely the full story.

Clarify:

• What's included in the cost per page
• Whether parts, labor and toner are covered
• If there are limits on service calls

A lower monthly price can come with gaps that show up later. Strong dealers are transparent about what's included and how billing works, so there are no surprises.

Compare Dealers Side by Side

Most buyers don't do this, and it's where mistakes can happen.

Create a simple comparison:

When you lay it out this way, differences become much clearer.

Make Your Comparison Easier

If you're reviewing multiple options, it helps to have everything in one place.

Our Print Like a Boss Checklist gives you a simple way to:

• Compare copier dealers side by side
• Evaluate service, pricing and support
• Avoid missing details that can cost you later

Watch for Red Flags Early

These show up during the sales process, not after.

Pay attention to:

• Vague answers about service
• Complicated pricing explanations
• Pressure to move quickly
• Reluctance to share service data

These patterns usually continue after the agreement is in place.

Factor in Local Support

Local presence still matters.

A dealer with a strong local team can:

• Respond faster
• Build better relationships
• Provide more consistent support

Fraser supports businesses throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware with local technicians backed by a broader support infrastructure that helps balance responsiveness with the depth of resources.

Choose the Dealer You Trust to Support You Long Term

You're not buying the copier.

You're choosing a service partner.

The right dealer:

• Communicates clearly
• Solves problems quickly
• Keeps your environment running without constant attention

That's what makes the biggest difference over time.

See How Fraser Compares

If you're reviewing multiple copier dealers, the differences often come down to service structure, responsiveness and long-term support.

Fraser is built around a proactive service model, local technicians and clear, consistent communication.

If you want to compare that approach to what you're seeing from other vendors, take a closer look at how Fraser delivers service.

See How Fraser Compares