Art,
You're correct that the Xerox freecolorprinters.com deal is
essentially a consumables contract, but it's still the steal of the
century in printing, so long as you print the volume of >2000 pages a
month and want the color laser quality. You sound pretty negative on
the deal, so I'm not sure you've actually done it. I have, and it's an
awesome program. I'm 2 mo away from owning the equipment free and
clear. Here's a few points you didn't mention:
--It's relatively easy for any small business, even a business of 1,
to print 2000 pages (not 4000) per month. I shifted a lot of my
photocopying to printing duplicates, did my own Xmas cards and
business brochures, etc. If you do fall behind, Xerox is actually
pretty forgiving. If you need to print more, just print a bunch of fax
cover sheets or something to help you stock up. Or print an email a
100 times. It's still a great deal. If you don't print anything in a
given month, you pay the $100 charge for that month only, which is
comparable to a lease contract. This is perfectly reasonable, since
they are expecting to make money in the long run on the consumables
and need to give you an incentive to actually use the printer.
--When I got into the program almost 3 yrs ago, the program gave me
$5,000 worth of equipment and paid the shipping to get it to me. I
didn't have to spend a dime on the printer for 4 months, which is when
I bought new ink. Of course you could go spend this money on buying
the same equipment if you want, but you'd still have to buy ink, pay
for your own onsite support, and pay for the shipping to get it to
you!
--Yes, Xerox wants you to buy your ink directly from them, and why
shouldn't you...they have the cheapest prices anyway! Each month they
have something on sale even. Still, Xerox doesn't physically prevent
you from spending more at a 3rd party retailer if you insist.
--The equipment comes with a 3-yr onsite repair contract. I've had to
use it twice, and I've been impressed with the quality of service each
time. The 2nd time the tech was in my office the same day I called.
The 800-number tech support is top-notch as well and I've never had to
wait on hold.
Overall, I disagree with you entirely that this program is not
anything but an incredible deal. Basically it comes down to whether
you want to pay for a nice color laser printer or not...you're going
to pay for the ink and supplies anyway, so why not get the printer for
free? This deal is a no-brainer for small businesses who have a
reasonable amount of printing to do and want the color laser quality.
However, the printer does not have a straight paper path and can not
print on invitation-quality card stock over 110 lbs. I've done 110 lb
card stock very reliably, however.
--John
Arthur Entlich <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:<RDCZc.50416$A8.21435@edtnps89>...
> What you fail to mention is that this is a consumables contract and it
> is only good in the US.
>
> The printer is "free" if you qualify (it's based upon your printing
> several thousand pages 2000-4000 a month). Xerox only charges you for
> your consumables, which you must buy on line from them. If you fall
> behind your "printing commitment" any month, it costs you $100. If you
> fail to report it's worse, $125. After 3 years you can keep the printer.
>
> However, the truth is, you pay for the printer via the consumables,
> because, just like inkjet printers, laser color printers have gone to a
> similar business model here.
>
> I figured out, for instance, that if I were to buy a Minolta Magicolor 2
> printer, that the cost of replacing the full consumables just once came
> to more than the cost of the printer with the initial consumables.
> Indirectly, the printer was "free" also, because the consumables covered
> the cost. However, the benefit of buying the printer was that once I
> owned it, unlike in the Xerox situation, I could buy consumables
> wherever I could get the best value, I wasn't in a 3 year monopoly
> contract with the vendor.
>
> Anyway, the point is this model Xerox has come up with is not any great
> value for most people. I am sure they have figured out their profits on
> the consumables, and they cover the printer cost well enough at
> 2000-4000 prints per month, especially if the person prints a lot of
> color images which use a great deal of toner up.
>
> Art
>
>
> JWil wrote:
>
> > "Lux" <lux@nospam_icanon.org> wrote in message news:<y3vZc.66$(E-Mail Removed)>...
> >
> >
> >>If you're looking to do printing soon, I know the Office Max near me is
> >>having a 39cent color copying/printing sale until the 4th I believe. I know
> >>they've printed on card stock for me in the past. It may vary from location
> >>to location tho.
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the good intentions, but I'm not looking for a service
> > bureau, but the best way to print on heavy card stocks myself at home.
> > I'm going to be doing this a lot in the future.
> >
> > But I'll return the favor, Lux. If you are still paying money for
> > color printing, you can apply for a FREE color laser printer grant
> > from Xerox. It's pretty easy if you get some tips on filling out the
> > application. Half my friends have them now. Xerox is indeed giving
> > color laser printers away to the right people. 2 yrs ago I got a
> > $5000 laser printer system out of them, and it works like a
> > gem...except on card stock heavier than 80 lb. And I've had 110 lb,
> > smooth card stock to go through it via manual feed, but it won't even
> > do that weight with the less smooth or pre-embossed wedding invitation
> > stocks you find at professional paper supply stores. The site is
> > www.freecolorprinters.com, I think. Contact me if you decide to do
> > this so I can tell you how to maximize your chances of succeeding with
> > the application...don't make me say "I told you so!"
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