Common Problems With Used Copiers — and How to Avoid Them

Buying a used copier is one of the smartest ways to equip an office — but only if you avoid a handful of well-known traps. The problems people run into usually aren't with used copiers as a category; they're with buying the wrong machine from the wrong seller. Here's what to watch for and how to steer clear.

Problem 1: A high meter hiding behind a low price

The most common mistake is judging a copier by sticker price alone. A cheap machine with 800,000 pages on it is near the end of its consumables and its value; a slightly pricier low-meter unit is the better buy. How to avoid it: always get the exact meter reading in writing before you pay.

Problem 2: Worn consumables you'll pay to replace

Drums, fusers, and feed rollers wear over time. Buy a machine with tired consumables and you'll face replacement costs right after purchase. How to avoid it: ask about the condition and remaining life of the drum, fuser, and rollers, and whether fresh toner is included. A tested, inspected machine takes this off the table.

Problem 3: Untested "as-is" machines

An "as-is" copier with no testing and no warranty is a gamble — print-quality defects, feed problems, and error codes may not show up until it's on your floor. How to avoid it: buy only machines that are inspected and test-run before shipping, and that come with at least a 30-day parts-and-labor warranty.

Problem 4: Hidden delivery and setup costs

A great price can evaporate once freight, liftgate, and installation are added — sometimes $300–$900. How to avoid it: get the all-in cost up front. In our Southern California service area, delivery and basic install are free; elsewhere, ask for the delivered price.

Problem 5: Orphaned brands and dead-end parts

Some machines are cheap because parts and toner are drying up or few technicians support them. How to avoid it: stick to widely supported platforms (a big reason we focus on Ricoh, including its Savin and Lanier equivalents) so service and consumables stay easy to get.

Problem 6: The wrong-size machine

An underpowered copier bottlenecks your team; an oversized one wastes money. How to avoid it: match the machine to your real monthly volume and peak load rather than buying on price alone.

The bottom line

Nearly every "used copier horror story" traces back to a high meter, worn parts, an untested machine, hidden costs, or an unsupported brand — all avoidable. Buy low-meter, tested, warrantied, and on a supported platform, and a used copier will serve you for years. Questions about a specific machine? Call 714-696-6082 or browse our tested used Ricoh copiers.