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Printers and copiers keep evolving every year, offering faster speeds, smarter features, and better security. You might think, “Ours still works just fine.” And that may be true. But what if it's costing you more than it should in repairs, lost productivity, or even security risks?
The good news is, if you want (or need) an upgrade, you can trade-in your current machine anytime. You may even get a trade-in bonus or discount for doing so.
At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas, we’ve spent nearly 40 years helping businesses upgrade their printing equipment and lower long-term costs. In this article, we’ll show you when trading in your current machine makes sense, and how it could actually save you money.
Not sure where to begin? Start with our guide: 5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Printer.
5 Reasons Why It’s Worth Trading in Your Printer or Copier
When a copier has frequent service calls or produces poor-quality prints, it’s clear it’s time for a new machine.
But what if the copier/printer is functioning well? Are there still reasons to trade it in for a new model?
Absolutely.
Here are the top five reasons trading in is often more advantageous than keeping older models.
1. Security Risks from Older Machines
Machines that no longer receive firmware updates can become prime targets for hackers. As soon as you get a new copier/printer, make updating the firmware a priority so documents and data can always be secure.
Additionally, as new models are released each year, older models stop receiving updates. The vendor will notify the client that the model is being phased out.
And if you bought your machine from a big-box retailer like Walmart or Office Depot, you might not even know it's been phased out.
If your device hasn’t prompted a firmware update in a while, that’s a red flag.
Learn more in: Why Are Older Printers Security Threats and Should I Replace Them?
2. Access to Modern Productivity Tools
Newer models come with advanced features like cloud printing, app integrations, and automation. These tools can save you time and help employees work more efficiently.
Additionally, newer models are often faster. The increase in productivity and time saved is well worth the upgrade.
Apps powered by AI are transforming what your printer can do. From translation to auto-redaction, you might be missing out.
Read: How AI is Transforming Printers Today
Also See: Pros and Cons of Printer Apps: Is Investing Worth It?
3. Promotions That Make Upgrading More Affordable
Printer vendors (including us!) often run seasonal promotions where newer models are offered at the same price or even lower than older ones.
For example, STP Texas once offered a brand-new multifunction printer at the same price as the older version. A faster and more advanced machine for the same price, not to mention, a new unit means fewer maintenance issues.
Check with local copier vendors to see what deals or promotions they offer.
4. Trade-In Bonuses or Discounts
Depending on your machine’s model, age, and condition, you could qualify for a trade-in bonus or discount toward a newer printer.
This means better performance and savings without paying full price for a new machine.
Want to save more? Read: 3 Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Printer/Copier
5. Match Your Printer to Your Needs (Not the Other Way Around)
Is your current machine overused or underutilized?
- If overused, you may be paying more per print.
- If underused, you might be overpaying for features you don’t need.
By reevaluating your current print volume, you can trade in for a model that better fits your business’s real printing demands.
Explore: 10 Hidden Costs of Owning or Leasing a Printer
What If You’re Leasing?
Leasing gives you flexibility to upgrade as your needs evolve. Many lease agreements come with a maintenance plan so you’re covered for issues and can easily upgrade at the right time.
Read: 4 Options You Have at the End of Your Printer/Copier Lease
What If You Own Your Machine?
Even if you bought your device outright, trading it in could still be a smart move, especially before the machine becomes outdated or unreliable. This can help you avoid being stuck with a dead machine that’s hard to get rid of.
Note: Machines from online retailers might lack vendor support. But if you bought from a local trusted vendor like STPT, we can likely help you trade in and upgrade smoothly.
Also Read: Who Should I Buy From: Printer Brand or Print Vendor?
How Trade-In Value Is Determined
Every copier vendor has different rules regarding trade-ins and promotions. The terms and conditions are up to the vendor's discretion and should be discussed before making the final decision.
Once you decide to discuss trading with a sales rep, understand that each trade-in situation is unique. The final value often depends on:
- Make and model of the current machine
- Age and condition of the current machine
- If you're a current customer
- Current vendor promotions
The trade-in value depends on the factors above, but your sales rep is going to do everything in their power to get you the best copier/printer for your business needs.
Keep an eye on local vendor deals and promotions.
A Smart Move for Long-Term Success
Trading in your printer or copier isn't just about upgrading for the sake of it. It’s about:
- Improving security
- Saving money
- Equipping your team with tools that work smarter, not harder
And sometimes, it's just about peace of mind.
Need help deciding? We’re happy to talk through your options.
Ready to See What an Upgrade Could Do for Your Business?
Whether your current machine is failing or just falling behind, our team can help you evaluate your options, explore trade-in value, and find a better fit for your team and budget.
Request a Free Trade-In Quote | Talk to a Print Specialist
