Read This Before You Spend a Penny on Used Hardware
A used photocopier can look like a bargain… right up until you’re paying for parts that are obsolete, chasing engineers for repeated call-outs, or discovering the meter reading doesn’t match reality.
This guide is the practical “what to check” list so you can buy with confidence (or avoid a costly mistake).
The Used Photocopier Checklist
If you’re buying second-hand online, through a broker, or from an unknown supplier, these checks reduce the chance of getting burned.
Duty cycle & lifetime prints
Find the model’s expected duty cycle and compare it to what the machine has actually done. Don’t guess — ask for evidence.
Meter integrity (clocking risk)
Yes, some machines are “clocked”. If the deal looks too good, treat it as a red flag until verified.
Engineer inspection
Get a qualified engineer to inspect it before you commit — it’s cheaper than a surprise £2,000 repair bill.
Print quality test
Run prints and copies. Look for lines, blotches, banding, fading, or paper-feed issues.
Service contract validity
Only buy if you can secure a proper service agreement (12 months min) that won’t be cancelled due to parts availability.
History & consumables
Ask for maintenance dates and if major wear parts were replaced. “Serviced recently” needs specific proof.
Used vs New: The Cost Misjudgment
Used photocopier prices can be 20–50% lower than new — but the difference often reappears as downtime, call-outs, parts costs and higher cost-per-page. The “best” life of most devices is typically their early years.
“If this machine needs one major part within 12 months, does the deal still make sense?”
If the answer is “no”, it’s not a bargain — it’s a gamble.
Strategic Intelligence (FAQ)
Should I buy a used photocopier online (eBay, Marketplace, brokers)?
You can — but it increases risk. If you can’t verify the meter, test print quality, confirm service history, and secure a reliable service contract, you may be buying a problem that someone else wants rid of.
How long should a photocopier last?
It depends on volume, maintenance, and model class. Many organisations plan around a 5-year lifecycle. With used machines, you need to factor in how much of that lifecycle has already been “spent”.
What’s the biggest reason a used copier becomes a “paperweight”?
Parts availability. If the model is near end-of-support, you can end up waiting longer for parts, paying more for them, or being unable to repair it at all.
Is refurbished better than used?
Often, yes — if “refurbished” actually means inspected, cleaned, tested, and supported with warranty/service. The key is buying from a reputable supplier who stands behind the machine.
Want a Quote Without the Guesswork?
Tell us your monthly print volume, and what you’re trying to achieve (save cost, upgrade quality, add scanning). We’ll give you straight options — used, refurbished, or leasing — based on what actually makes sense.