The Value Of Color

"And pricing was a big factor, too," he adds.

Sidestepping the purchasing route altogether is another option to consider. If, like Paul Hughes, your shop leases (or plans to lease) a color copier, there are ways to use that agreement to save money and increase efficiency.

Hughes is printing department supervisor at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, in Frazer, Pa. He says his shop operates two leases—one with Xerox and one with IKON for its two Canons. Because he runs the leases simultaneously, he can make the companies compete for his business, thus driving down his costs.