Lease Return – A Guide to Copier Lease Returns

Keys to a Successful Copier Return

At the end of a lease, if it was an FMV lease (Fair Market Value), you will be asked to package and return your copier.  This is known as a lease return in the copier world. The lease return is an important step in the copier leasing process that is rarely talked about.  Here are some tips that may help you out before you get ready to package up that copier to ship halfway across the country!

We have helped companies return office copiers, mfps, and printer they may be leasing for over a decade. Our goal is to make sure you have the information you need to be able to return a copier without a headache.

If you are here, you probably searched for terms like lease return, return lease, copier lease return, or returning an office copier.

On most copier leases, it will be your responsibility to get the copier back to the leasing company in good condition. In order to avoid unexpected or unwanted charges on your lease return, here are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready to send back your copier at the end of your current lease.

Steps to follow for a copier lease return:

• Make sure all sensitive information has been removed from the copier’s hard drive and memory.  This includes wiping the hard drive (not removing or deleting it all as there is some info on the hard drive needing to remain on the copier which relates to the copier function.  When the copier was brand new, the hard drive was not empty.)
• Prepare the copier for the return of the equipment.  Take out the toner and consumable items, and clean the inside with a rag (make sure that toner won’t go everywhere during the shipping process.
• Unplug the copier and remove the paper
• Check and see if you have extra toner.  If the toner was included as part of a service agreement, then you will need to return the toner to whoever you got the toner from as part of the service agreement.  If you bought your own toner, you can go online and try and sell the excess toner.
• Attach the RMA to the copier.  The lease company will need to know who sent the copier and helping them identify the request number will speed up the formal end of your lease contract.
• Get your copier loaded on a pallet and strapped with cushioning around the corners or joints.  You don’t want to break plastic as you secure the copier to the pallet.   Depending on the shipping company, they may prefer that you DO NOT have it on a pallet.  It is best to ask what the preference is from BOTH the return warehouse and the shipping company and do it the way they recommend in case damage were to happen.
• Move the copier on the pallet to the closest or easiest point of access for the freight company.  Ideally a loading dock, but at least the first floor.
• See if your building requires anything special from the delivery company – A valid driver’s license, certificate of insurance, scheduled times, etc…
• Schedule a shipment with a company used to ship copiers.  Your vendor should know of a reputable company.  If your vendor is doing self-leasing, then most of the steps above are invalid as the vendor will generally just come and get the copier and you are done.  These instructions are for the other 90% of people who are financing through a leasing company.
• If your vendor does not know of a mover, contact the shipping warehouse where the copier goes to as they may have ideas.
• Make sure the copier is inspected before it leaves.  Take pictures in case a claim is needed.  Have the driver look and make sure he/she believes it was done properly.  Often good to also have your vendor check it out.
• Save a copy of the paperwork
• Validate receipt of copier and confirm there are no more damages that you are responsible for

You may wonder why most companies are not offering you a recycling option. The reason for this is that the older office copiers and printers are sold in the aftermarket as used equipment (thus the importance of deleting data off your hard drive.)

If you wonder why you are not getting any of the money for that, it is because you probably have a Fair Market Value (FMV) copier lease. What this means is you got a discount during your lease so the copier dealer could get your copier at the end of the lease. That was factored into your monthly payment and is why an FMV copier is cheaper per month than a $1 Out copier lease where you get to keep the copier at the end of the lease.

If you have any questions about returning a copier, please give us a call!

(888) 884-2113