The first thing you will want to look for in your copier service agreement is to see if there is a provision which allows the copier company to charge more each year. It would read something like “Copier company reserves the right to raise the base rate by no more than 10% per year…” If you have this in your contract, it basically allows your copier company to increase your base by 10% each year. Sounds fine at first, but then do the math.

 

· Year 1 — $150 per month for 12,000 black and white copies

 

· Year 2 — $165 per month for 12,000 black and white copies

 

· Year 3 – $181.50 per month for 12,000 black and white copies

 

· Year 4 — $199.65 per month for 12,000 black and white copies

 

· Year 5 — $219.62 per month for 12,000 black and white copies

 

Of course, in year 3, your Copier company will come back and show you how getting a new copier would be much cheaper than what you have. For just $160 per month, you can have a new copier which does what your current copier is capable of. It looks good because you have gradually gotten used to paying to much.  If you see this clause in your contract, make sure you ask to have it removed or at the very least lower the percentage the contact can go up.