Operating Lease vs Finance Lease for Printers
An operating lease lets your business use a printer for a fixed monthly fee and return it at the end of the term, treated as an ongoing usage cost.
Call for your quote — 0414 641 504
Enquired on Monday and had a printer installed by Friday. Fast, easy, and exactly what we needed.
We have been using Global Document Solutions for about eight years now and would not go anywhere else.
Get your tailored printer lease quote — takes 2 minutes
From $189/month ex GST · 36 to 60 month term · maintenance and genuine toner included.
No obligation · Same business day response Mon to Fri · Your lease never auto-renews without your written sign-off.
Quick formLast updated: May 2026
Operating Lease vs Finance Lease for Printers
An operating lease lets your business use a printer for a fixed monthly fee and return it at the end of the term, treated as an ongoing usage cost.
A finance lease is structured so your business carries the device and its risks, usually with the aim of owning or buying it out at the end of the term.
Printer lease cost bands in Australia (indicative)
The Australian printer lease market sits in four broad monthly bands. Figures below are indicative market benchmarks compiled from publicly published competitor pricing as at May 2026, not LMP quotes. Your formal quote depends on the device, term, monthly page volume and finance provider.
| Device class | Typical use case | Monthly band (ex GST, all inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| A4 mono MFP | 1 to 5 staff, under 1,000 pages per month | from $80 to $150 per month |
| A4 colour MFP | 5 to 15 staff, 1,000 to 3,000 pages per month | from $150 to $220 per month (LMP entry $189) |
| A3 colour MFP | 10 to 30 staff, 3,000 to 8,000 pages per month | from $220 to $320 per month |
| A3 colour high volume | 30+ staff, 8,000+ pages per month, finishing options | from $320 to $500+ per month |
Indicative market benchmarks based on publicly published competitor pricing including CopierChoice, Sharp EIT Solutions, Mitronics, ABT Group, Global Document Solutions and Axia Office (May 2026). All-inclusive bands assume the lease bundles equipment, scheduled service, parts and toner consumables. Per-page rates are quoted with each lease based on the device, term and your monthly print volume.
At a glance
- •An operating lease lets your business use a printer for a fixed monthly fee and return it at the end of the term, treated as an ongoing usage cost.
- •A finance lease is structured so your business carries the device and its risks, usually with the aim of owning or buying it out at the end of the term.
What an operating lease means for a printer
- You pay a fixed monthly fee to use the device for an agreed term, commonly 3 to 5 years.
- Maintenance, genuine toner, parts and support are bundled into the one payment for the contract term.
- At the end of the term you upgrade to a newer device, continue on the current one, or return it.
- You do not aim to own the device, so it stays a predictable usage cost rather than a capital purchase.
What a finance lease means for a printer
- The agreement is structured around your business carrying the asset and its risks for the term.
- It usually points towards ownership, often through a final payment or buyout at the end.
- Service and consumables are not always included, so check what the monthly figure actually covers.
- It suits a business that specifically wants to own the equipment rather than refresh it each cycle.
How to choose between the two
- Decide whether you would rather keep upgrading to current technology or own one device long term.
- Confirm exactly what each monthly figure includes, especially service, parts and toner.
- Check the end of term position: return and upgrade, or a buyout that leads to ownership.
- Ask your accountant how each option is treated for your business, as tax and reporting treatment varies.
- Request a like for like quote so the same device is priced on each path.
How LeasemyPrinter structures its leases
LeasemyPrinter leases are all inclusive operating style agreements from $189 per month ex GST on a 36 to 60 month term.
The monthly fee covers the device, scheduled service, genuine parts and toner, and remote support for the contract term.
Your lease does not auto-renew. We contact you well before the end date to confirm your choice, and you decide from three options: upgrade to a newer device, continue on your current equipment at a reduced rate, or return it at no cost. Nothing rolls over automatically without your written sign-off.
Ready for your own quote?
Request a tailored printer lease quote in under 2 minutes. No obligation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between an operating lease and a finance lease?
- An operating lease is about using the equipment for a term and handing it back, with the provider carrying the device. A finance lease is structured around your business carrying the asset and usually aiming to own it at the end. In practice an operating lease keeps things as a predictable monthly usage cost with service included, while a finance lease points towards ownership.
- Which lease type is better for a printer?
- There is no single right answer. An operating lease suits businesses that want a fixed monthly cost, included maintenance and toner, and a regular upgrade path, from $189 per month ex GST. A finance lease suits a business that specifically wants to own the device. Confirm the tax and accounting treatment for your situation with your accountant.
- Do I own the printer at the end of an operating lease?
- No. An operating lease is built around use, not ownership, so at the end of the term you choose to upgrade, continue, or return the device. Your lease does not auto-renew. We contact you well before the end date to confirm your choice, and you decide from three options: upgrade to a newer device, continue on your current equipment at a reduced rate, or return it at no cost. Nothing rolls over automatically without your written sign-off.
- How are printer leases treated for tax?
- Lease payments are commonly treated as an operating expense, but the correct treatment depends on the lease structure, your business type and current ATO rules. Always confirm the treatment for your specific situation with your accountant before relying on it.
Researching, not ready for a quote yet?
Download the free Printer Lease Buyer's Guide. Covers the lease vs buy comparison, contract red flags, and the key questions to ask any provider before signing.
Looking for related answers? Explore other lease cost guides:
- How Much to Lease a Printer in Australia
- How to Lease a Printer in Australia
- How Much Does It Cost to Lease a Printer in Australia
- How Much Does It Cost to Lease an Office Printer in Australia
- How Much to Lease a Copier in Australia
- How Much Does It Cost to Lease a Copy Machine in Australia
- How Much Does It Cost to Lease a Plotter in Australia
- See all printer leasing services and pricing
- Printer leasing across Australia
- Mid North Coast NSW printer leasing pricing and service area
- Printer lease renewal checklist for Australian businesses
- EOFY printer lease and tax deduction guide
- Estimate your monthly print volume to size your lease
- Compare Toshiba vs Kyocera printer lease for your office
- What an operating lease is
- How cost per page works on a printer lease
- How GST applies to printer leases
- What a lease term is (36 to 60 months)
- Printer and copier leasing glossary