LING LOOK AT COPIER QUOTE AND LING SEE THINGS OTHER PEOPLE NOT SEE! Thirty years Ling watch supplier try to trap business with clever contract. Ling write this guide to help you spot it before you sign.

THE CONTRACT TRAPS LING WATCH FOR

MINIMUM VOLUME CLAUSE

Supplier set minimum page number per month. If you print less, you still pay. LING SEE OFFICES CHARGED FOR 5,000 PAGES WHEN THEY PRINT 1,500! Negotiate minimum volume to match your actual usage or walk away.

CLICK ESCALATION CLAUSE

Small print say "click charge increase 5% per year". Sound small. But 5 years compound = 27% more expensive in year 5. Ling see business paying double what they thought they agreed to. Push supplier for CPI-capped or max 3% annual increase.

AUTO-RENEWAL TRAP

Lease auto-renew for another term if you not give notice. Notice period sometimes 6 months before end. Ling see business stuck for 3 more years because they forgot. CIRCLE DATE IN CALENDAR. Send written notice. Always.

EARLY TERMINATION PENALTY

If you want out early, some supplier charge 100% of remaining rentals. Leave 2 years early on £100/month lease = £2,400 penalty. Ling negotiate: 50% buy-out, or roll-forward into upgrade with new supplier.

FINANCE COMPANY TRICK

Your copier lease not from copier supplier. It usually from finance company who "funded" the agreement. This mean TWO contracts — one with copier supplier (for service), one with finance company (for the money). Ling see business sign finance contract that look different from service quote. READ BOTH.

WHAT "ALL-INCLUSIVE" ACTUALLY MEAN

Supplier say "all-inclusive". Sound good. Ling ask: does it include?

• Toner? YES (should be standard)
• Drum? YES (should be standard)
• Waste toner container? USUALLY YES, but check
• Staples for finisher? SOMETIMES EXCLUDED
• Paper? ALMOST NEVER
• Delivery and install? SHOULD BE YES. If no, walk away.
• Relocation fee? NO — if you move office, you pay extra
• Engineer response time? CHECK THE SLA
• Parts and labour? YES

SERVICE RESPONSE — ASK THESE QUESTIONS

• What is engineer response time? (4 working hours standard)
• Is engineer named or from pool? (named is better)
• Do you have local engineer in my area? (ask specific)
• What if machine down more than 24 hours? (should provide loan unit)
• Can I get a dedicated account manager? (yes for mid-size contracts)

LING'S SNIFF TEST

Ling have quick test for any quote. Ling ask these five questions. If supplier not answer clearly, SOMETHING NOT RIGHT:

1. What is total cost over 5 years including estimated clicks?
2. What happen if my volume 50% lower than planned?
3. What happen if my volume 200% higher than planned?
4. What is exact early-termination cost in year 3?
5. What is renewal notice period and where it written in contract?

Good supplier answer all five in clear English. Bad supplier give vague answer or say "don't worry about that, it never happens". Ling worry. You worry too.

THE FINAL CHECK — WHO IS THIS SUPPLIER?

Before you sign: look them up on Companies House. Check reviews. Ask for three references of current customers. Ask how many years in business. Ling see many supplier rebrand every few years to escape bad reviews. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

When you ready, let LING COMPARE QUOTES FOR YOU. Ling already done the homework. Ling only work with supplier Ling trust. LING GUARANTEE BEST PRICE or £50 Amazon voucher!