What Is the Average Copier Lease Term—and What’s Best for Your Business?
If you’ve ever leased a copier for your office, you know it’s more than just signing a contract and plugging in a machine. Lease terms vary—dramatically—and the “average” copier lease term often raises more questions than answers. Are you getting locked into outdated tech? Overpaying for underuse? Or worse, missing out on crucial service coverage? Let’s break down what the average lease term means, what you need to know before signing, and how to match your lease length to your business goals, not someone else’s. Most copier lease terms fall into one of three buckets: The industry sweet spot? 60 months—five-year leases are the most commonly offered and accepted term in the copier industry. This longer term spreads out the cost, resulting in lower monthly payments. But it’s not always the best option. Leasing for five years can sound appealing—predictable costs, steady service, and fewer contract renewals. But here’s what many don’t consider: A copier or multifunction printer (MFP) that’s cutting-edge today could lack vital security patches or efficiency features three years from now. If your lease doesn’t include mid-term upgrades or technology refreshes, you might be stuck with outdated equipment. A five-year lease might not fit a business that’s rapidly scaling, restructuring, or going hybrid. Locking into a device based on today’s volume projections could leave you over- or under-equipped. The total cost of ownership (TCO) includes service contracts, downtime, supply expenses, and productivity loss. A longer lease with suboptimal support may seem cheaper, but cost you more in the long run【10†source】. How much are you printing today? Will that change next year? Overestimating can mean overpaying; underestimating causes inefficiency. Do you need scan-to-email, secure print release, or color calibration? Leasing a basic copier for five years when your needs grow in year two leads to frustration and workaround costs. Is the service bundled? Are consumables like toner included? Doceo, for example, builds leases that include proactive service monitoring and automatic supply replenishment to prevent downtime. Always ask: Can I upgrade mid-term? What’s the buyout clause? A flexible partner will offer tech refreshes or lease rollovers. Beyond just term length, how your lease ends financially is just as important. Most copier leases fall into one of two categories: Example: You lease a copier for 60 months. At the end, you return the device and start fresh with upgraded tech—no resale headaches. Example: You lease under a $1 buyout. After 5 years, you own the copier outright—but it may be outdated, and repair costs could increase. Pro Tip: A 50-person accounting firm signs a 60-month lease for a black-and-white MFP. It’s fine at first. But two years later, they add tax advisory services requiring client document scans, PDF manipulation, and secure cloud storage. The copier? Not up to task. They’re forced to buy a secondary device—and eat the cost of both. Had they signed a 36-month lease with mid-term upgrade flexibility, they could have realigned with their new needs faster and more affordably. These are more common in longer leases, yet are often overlooked during negotiations. At Doceo, we see copier leasing as a service, not a transaction. Here’s what sets us apart: Whether you’re in a 3-person office or a 300-person enterprise, we focus on building leases that evolve with you, not trap you. But whatever you choose, don’t just ask “What’s the average copier lease term?” Ask: What lease term makes the most sense for my business trajectory? Ready to find a copier lease term that matches your actual needs, not a generic industry template? Contact Doceo today or call 888-757-6626 for a consultation. Our experts will assess your print environment, discuss your business plans, and recommend a lease that makes sense on your terms. Doceo: Proven Technology. Proven People. Learn more at https://mydoceo.com
What Is the Typical Copier Lease Term?
Why 60 Months Is Common—But Not Always Optimal
1. Technology Changes Faster Than That
2. Your Needs Might Evolve
3. TCO Isn’t Just About Monthly Payments
Pros and Cons by Lease Term
Lease Term
Pros
Cons
36 Months
Latest tech more often, better flexibility
Higher monthly cost
48 Months
Middle ground; decent payment spread
Still at risk of aging tech
60 Months
Lower payments; simpler budgeting
Potential obsolescence, less agility
Key Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Lease Term
✔︎ Volume Expectations
✔︎ Device Functionality
✔︎ Service & Support
✔︎ Exit & Upgrade Options
FMV vs. $1 Buyout: What’s the Difference, and Why Does It Matter?
Fair Market Value (FMV) Lease
$1 Buyout Lease
Quick Comparison
Feature
FMV Lease
$1 Buyout Lease
Payment Size
Lower
Higher
End of Lease
Return, renew, or buy at FMV
Own for $1
Accounting Type
Operating Expense (OpEx)
Capital Expense (CapEx)
Best For
Flexibility, lower monthly cost
Long-term use, asset ownership
Tech Agility
Higher
Lower
Hypothetical Example: The 3-Year vs. 5-Year Decision
Hidden Pitfalls to Watch For
How Doceo Approaches Copier Leasing Differently
So… What Lease Term Is Right for You?
Next Steps: Get Lease Advice That Fits You
