Printer Lease vs Buy: How to Decide for Your Business
Leasing a printer turns one large purchase into a fixed monthly payment with service, parts and toner included, while buying is a single upfront cost plus your own running costs.
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Quick formLast updated: May 2026
Printer Lease vs Buy: How to Decide for Your Business
Leasing a printer turns one large purchase into a fixed monthly payment with service, parts and toner included, while buying is a single upfront cost plus your own running costs.
Leasing suits businesses that want predictable cash flow and regular upgrades; buying can suit stable, low volume offices with capital to spare.
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
- •Leasing a printer turns one large purchase into a fixed monthly payment with service, parts and toner included, while buying is a single upfront cost plus your own running costs.
- •Leasing suits businesses that want predictable cash flow and regular upgrades; buying can suit stable, low volume offices with capital to spare.
When leasing makes sense
- Your business wants one predictable monthly cost instead of a large upfront outlay.
- You want maintenance, parts and toner bundled in so there are no surprise service bills.
- You expect to upgrade to newer technology every few years rather than run one device until it fails.
- You would rather keep cash and finance facilities free for core business needs.
When buying makes sense
- You have capital available and prefer to own the asset outright.
- Your print volume is low and stable, so a simple desktop device may serve for years.
- You are comfortable arranging your own service, toner and repairs as they come up.
- You do not need to refresh equipment on a regular cycle.
How to decide between leasing and buying
- Estimate your monthly print volume so the device is sized to the work.
- Add up the true cost of owning, including toner, parts, callouts and downtime, not just the purchase price.
- Compare that against an all inclusive monthly lease over a 3 to 5 year term.
- Factor in how often you want to upgrade and how your accountant treats each option.
- Request a like for like quote so you are comparing the same device on both paths.
What a lease includes that ownership does not
A printer lease folds the device, scheduled service, genuine parts and toner into one monthly figure from $189 per month ex GST.
Owned hardware adds callout fees, consumable orders and downtime that are easy to underestimate.
At the end of a lease term you can upgrade to a current model rather than running ageing equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to lease or buy a printer?
- Neither is automatically cheaper. Buying can have a lower long run cost if the device stays reliable and you manage service and toner yourself. Leasing spreads the cost into a fixed monthly fee with service and consumables included, which is often the lower total cost once downtime and toner are counted. The right answer depends on your volume, cash flow and how long you keep equipment.
- What are the trade offs of leasing a printer?
- A lease is a fixed term commitment, usually 3 to 5 years, and you do not own the device at the end. In return you get a predictable monthly cost from $189 per month ex GST, included maintenance and toner, and a clear upgrade path. 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.
- Should a small business lease or buy a printer?
- Many small businesses lease so they can keep cash free and avoid surprise repair bills, with everything covered for one monthly fee from $189 per month ex GST. A very low volume office with capital to spare may be just as well served buying a desktop unit outright. Size the decision to your monthly volume and cash flow.
- Does a printer lease include servicing and toner?
- Yes. A LeasemyPrinter lease bundles scheduled maintenance, genuine toner, parts and remote support into the monthly payment for the contract term. Per page rates are quoted with each lease based on the device, term and your monthly print volume.
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.
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