Best Time of Year to Buy a Used Copier

Unlike new copiers, which sell at a steady list price year-round, the used copier market moves in cycles — driven by when leases end, when businesses close their books, and when dealers need to clear inventory. Time your purchase to those rhythms and you can save real money on the same machine. Here's when the deals show up.

Follow the lease-return cycle

Most off-lease copiers — the source of the best low-meter machines — come back at the end of 36- or 60-month lease terms. Corporate leases very often start at the beginning of a fiscal year, which means a wave of returned machines hits the secondary market in late Q4 and early Q1 (roughly December through February). More returned inventory means more selection and better prices.

Quarter-end and year-end clear-outs

Dealers and liquidators have sales targets too. At the end of each quarter — and especially at year-end — sellers are motivated to move inventory off the floor, which is when you'll find the most flexibility on price. If you can be a ready, quick-close buyer during those windows, you have leverage.

Your own budget timing

There's a buyer-side angle too:

• Year-end spending — many businesses buy equipment before December 31 to use remaining budget or capture a same-year tax deduction (ask your accountant about Section 179).
• New fiscal year — if fresh budget frees up in Q1, it's a natural time to upgrade.
• Before your busy season — buy and install during a slow stretch so the machine is dialed in before your volume spikes.

When timing doesn't matter

Here's the honest caveat: if your current copier just died, the "best time to buy" is now. The savings from perfect timing are real but modest next to the cost of a down machine and lost productivity. And a seller who carries deep, constantly refreshed inventory can offer strong pricing any month of the year — the seasonal effect matters most when you're buying from thin supply.

The bottom line

If you have the luxury of planning, late Q4 through Q1 tends to bring the most low-meter inventory and the most motivated sellers, and year-end can pair a good price with a tax advantage. If you need a copier today, don't wait for a calendar — buy from a seller with fresh stock and you'll do fine.

We take in low-meter, off-lease machines year-round, so there's always current inventory. Browse used Ricoh copiers or call 714-696-6082 for this month's best deals.