The Skinny:

Trying to budget for your next office copier or printer? Don’t waste money guessing. In this 2026 breakdown, you’ll learn the real costs and pros and cons of leasing, buying, or renting—customized for how Salt Lake City businesses actually operate. Whether you’re growing fast or managing seasonal demand, here’s how to make a smart, cost-effective decision.

If you’re a business owner or office manager in Salt Lake City, the decision to lease, buy, or rent your next copier or printer in 2026 is more strategic than ever. It’s not just about the price tag—it’s about long-term value, scalability, service, and cash flow. Whether you’re opening a new office downtown, upgrading an old machine in Sandy, or managing short-term projects in Ogden, understanding the financial landscape can save you thousands.

Let’s break it down.

1. What’s the Real Cost of a Copier or Printer in 2026?

Before you can compare options, you need a baseline.

In 2026, the average cost of a new business-grade multifunction printer or copier can range from:

• $1,200–$2,500 for small offices
• $3,000–$7,500 for mid-size teams with higher output
• $10,000+ for high-volume, wide format, or production devices

But the sticker price only tells part of the story. You also need to factor in:

• Maintenance & repair
• Toner & consumables
• Replacement parts
• IT support and downtime
• Software subscriptions (workflow or security features)

This is where leasing or renting can help you better manage your total cost of ownership (TCO).

2. The Case for Leasing: Predictability + Flexibility

Leasing has become the top choice for growing Salt Lake businesses—and it’s easy to see why.

Pros:

• ✔️ Lower upfront cost
• ✔️ Fixed monthly payments
• ✔️ Easier upgrades every 3–5 years
• ✔️ Service and toner often included
• ✔️ Preserves capital and credit lines
• ✔️ Often 100% tax deductible under Section 179

Best for:

• Growing startups in Lehi or Draper
• Teams that need predictable budgeting
• Businesses wanting to stay current with tech trends

What to Watch:

• Make sure your lease includes toner, parts, and service
• Confirm early upgrade or buyout options
• Choose a local partner like Associated for faster support

At Associated Business Technologies, leasing plans are tailored around your print volume, uptime needs, and growth plans—so you only pay for what you actually use.

3. Buying: Full Ownership, Bigger Investment

Some businesses prefer to own their equipment outright. That can make sense—but only if you’re ready to manage the maintenance and lifecycle yourself.

Pros:

• ✔️ Full control with no monthly payment
• ✔️ May cost less long-term for low-volume users
• ✔️ No contract obligations

Best for:

• Small businesses with low print volume
• Offices with an in-house IT team
• Organizations with stable technology needs

What to Watch:

• Out-of-pocket repairs can add up
• Replacing outdated tech is 100% on you
• Higher upfront cost can drain capital

Buying can be a smart option—especially if your usage is light, and you don’t need frequent updates. Just be sure you have a plan for service and support.

4. Renting: Short-Term Flexibility for Special Projects or Events

Rental options are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Salt Lake City’s dynamic event, construction, and seasonal industries.

Pros:

• ✔️ No long-term commitment
• ✔️ All-inclusive pricing
• ✔️ Fast delivery and setup
• ✔️ Ideal for short-term spikes in workload

Best for:

• Events or conferences downtown
• Temporary offices or job sites
• Short-term or seasonal spikes in demand

What to Watch:

• Higher per-month cost than leasing
• Not ideal for ongoing operations
• May not offer high-end models

Renting from Associated means getting fully serviced machines delivered and maintained by a local team. Perfect for when you need a reliable printer now—but not forever.

5. Which Option Is Right for Your Salt Lake City Office?

Let’s break it down based on your business needs:

Still not sure? That’s where our local experts come in.

At Associatedl we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We analyze your monthly usage, document needs, and growth projections—and match you with a solution that makes financial and operational sense.

6. Don’t Forget About Service, Supplies & Support

Whether you lease, buy, or rent—what happens after installation matters most.

That’s where working with a local partner like Associated Business Technologies makes all the difference. You’re not calling a 1-800 number. You’re working with a Utah-based team that delivers:

• On-site repairs and same-day service
• Toner auto-replenishment
• Remote diagnostics and AI-driven support
• Loaner machines if yours needs repair

This is especially critical in regulated industries or when your business relies on reliable, fast document workflows.

Still comparing your options? Don’t guess your way through a major purchase. Head over to our next blog: [The Complete Salt Lake City Copier & Printer Brand Comparison Guide for 2026 →] for a side-by-side breakdown of the top models from Canon, Xerox, Kyocera, HP, and more.

Make the Smart Financial Move for 2026

Your copier or printer isn’t just a piece of equipment—it’s a driver of productivity, efficiency, and cost control.

By understanding the real costs of leasing vs buying vs renting in 2026, you can make a confident, informed decision that supports your goals. Whether you need short-term flexibility or a long-term upgrade, Associated Business Technologies is here to help with local expertise and flexible financing.

Talk to our Salt Lake City team today to get a custom quote that fits your budget, goals, and growth plans.