If you haven't shopped for a copier lately, you will be amazed by the number of options that are now available. In the past, office copiers usually only did what they do best - make copies. However, modern office copiers have been transformed into multifunction document handling systems.

Before you shop for an office copier, you'll need to consider the kinds of functions your copier will be required to perform. Some small business owners are tempted to believe that they can take a go-it-alone approach to assessing their copying needs only to discover they missed the mark after the copier has been purchased and installed. A much better approach is to seek the input of your office staff - the people who will be using the equipment - before you buy.

Some of the office copier features you and your staff will want to think about are discussed below.

Color Copier or Black & White Copier?

The decision to purchase a color copier or a black and white one is largely an economical one. Color copiers are significantly more expensive than their black and white counterparts both in purchase price and in cost per copy. However, if your business regularly outsources large amounts of color copying for sales brochures, promotional literature, or other business projects, then you may actually save money by purchasing a color that is capable of printing in full color. On the other hand, if your color copying needs are minimal, the decision to purchase a color machine is really one of convenience more than economy.

Copy Volume

Copy volume is measured in c.p.m., or copies per minute. This may not seem like a very important feature on an office copier, but the difference between a high c.p.m. rate and a low one can make a noticeable impact on your bottom line. How? In a word - efficiency.

Think about how much time your employees will waste standing in front of a copier that only produces a few copies per minute. You may have gotten a deal on the copier, but you'll pay for it in lost time. Even more, slow copiers are annoying, and irritated employees are always less productive than happy ones.

Duplexing, Collating, and Paper Handling

Some other features that need to be considered are whether or not it is able to print duplex, collate, and handle a variety of papers.

Duplexing is the ability to print on both sides of a single piece of paper. You can do this by running the copy through twice, or you can purchase a machine that will do the work for you.

Collation involves the arrangement of copies as they are produced, and is most important for multiple-page copies.

Paper handling ability is a major consideration in a copier. Depending on your needs, you will want to make sure your copier is capable of handling a variety of paper weights, transparencies, and possibly even multiple paper supply trays.