Should you buy your next office printer or lease one instead? Well, it’s not always an easy decision for small business owners in Guildford. On the one hand, buying gives you ownership from day one. On the other hand, leasing can spread the cost over time. Once you factor in print volumes, specifications, budget and future upgrades, the decision becomes more complex. 

That’s why businesses considering a printer on lease in Guildford often compare leasing with outright ownership before committing. Leasing can spread the cost over time, while buying gives you full ownership from day one. The better option really depends on how your business works, what you need the printer to handle and how you prefer to manage your budget.

There were approximately 5.64 million small enterprises in the UK at the beginning of 2025, which made up 99.18% of the total private sector business population in the country, as indicated by the Department for Business and Trade. In this context, businesses of this scale need to have sensible equipment, which is crucial to ensure a streamlined workflow.

Key Takeaways

• Leasing can avoid the need for a large upfront equipment purchase.

• Buying gives the business ownership of the printer.

• Usage, workflow, budget and growth should guide the decision.

• Modern multifunction devices can combine printing, scanning and copying.

Leasing vs Buying: What’s the Difference? 

Buying means paying for the equipment outright and owning it. Leasing, meanwhile, allows a business to use a device over an agreed fixed term without purchasing it outright.

There isn’t a universal winner. A business with straightforward, long-term printing requirements may prefer ownership, while office printer leasing in London may appeal to organisations looking for greater flexibility. 

When Leasing a Printer May Make Sense

Leasing can be a good choice if you wish to gain access to commercial printing machines without having to buy the device itself. By leasing a colour printer in London for a certain period of time, you will only need to make periodic payments and not one large payment.

What to look for in a printer lease 

When comparing commercial printer leasing in London, look for the following factors: 

1. The right device- Based on your print volume, workflow, available space and budget.

2. Flexible terms- With leasing available alongside outright purchase and short-term rental options.

3. Professional service support- Particularly when the equipment is backed by manufacturer-accredited engineers.

4. Room to grow- With options ranging from compact A4 desktop printers to A3 multifunction devices and larger production print-room systems.

When Buying a Printer May Be the Better Option 

Buying may suit a business that wants ownership and expects to use the same equipment for an extended period.

It’s worth considering:

• Expected print volume

• Available capital

• Device lifespan

• Future technology requirements

• Printing, scanning and copying needs

Is Printer Rental a Flexible Alternative? 

In certain situations, it may not even be necessary to purchase a printer. If your requirements for printing are temporary or likely to shift, printer rental in London gives you the freedom to use the right equipment for the time you actually need it. This could be a reasonable option for a temporary project, an office relocation, or a period of increased printing.

However, there is no single answer for every business, and that’s the point. The right option depends on what you print, how you budget and what you need from your equipment. You can check out our related guide on printer leasing and rental, which explains how the different arrangements work and what businesses should consider before choosing one.

Printer Lease vs Buy: Cost Comparison 

Printer costs in London can vary considerably depending on the printer, its printing capacity, its special features, type of lease, etc. Instead of concentrating on the cost per month, one should consider the arrangement and what is included. A transparent package can make budgeting and cost management much easier.

What Should Small Businesses Consider Before Buying, Leasing or Renting Printers?

Before deciding, look beyond the headline price. Consider:

• How much your team prints

• Whether you need colour or monochrome printing

• Scanning and copying requirements

• A4 versus A3 requirements

• Available office space

• Your expected growth

• Service and support requirements

• Contract or ownership implications

Printer Lease, Rent vs Buy: Making the Right Choice with MFD Solutions

Buying isn’t always the only way to get the printer you need. Leasing or renting can also make sense, depending on your budget, print volume, and how long you expect to use the equipment.

At MFD Solutions, we offer different options, including outright purchase, fixed-term leasing, and short-term rental. You can also choose from Canon, Ricoh, and Epson devices, with manufacturer-accredited service support available.

If you are considering a printer on lease in Guildford, contact us to explore the right option for your workplace. 

FAQS

1. Is a printer on lease in Guildford a good option for small businesses?

Yes. Leasing can provide access to suitable printing equipment without the need for a large upfront purchase.

2. What should I consider before choosing printer leasing?

Consider your print volume, required features, budget, available space, lease terms, and the level of service and support provided.

3. Is printer rental different from printer leasing?

Yes. Rental can suit shorter-term requirements, while leasing generally involves using equipment over an agreed fixed term.