Perils and Pitfalls - The Traps That Often Come with Managed Print Contracts

For businesses in Burnley contemplating a managed print service contract with Precision Peripherals Ltd, it's critical to understand the typical challenges these agreements might present. Leveraging over 40 years of industry experience, Precision Peripherals Ltd offers a wealth of knowledge, ensuring clarity and integrity in every interaction with businesses in Burnley, including areas like Nelson, Padiham, and Colne.

Common Challenges in Managed Print Service Contracts:

• Hidden Charges and Fees: Be cautious of contracts that might include unexpected charges such as delivery, installation, and various "administrative" fees, which can significantly raise the overall cost above the initial quote.

• Excessive Print Volume Requirements: It's common for contracts to set minimum monthly print volumes that surpass the actual usage, leading to wasted funds on unneeded services—a key issue for cost-conscious businesses in Burnley.

• Rigid Long-Term Commitments: Many print services require long-term commitments that are difficult and expensive to break, posing problems if your business dynamics change, rendering the agreement impractical.

• Auto-Renewal Clauses: Auto-renewal terms can automatically prolong your contract, necessitating you to cancel in time to prevent unwanted extensions—a critical point for all Burnley enterprises to watch.

• Price Escalation Clauses: Beware of clauses that permit unchecked price increases at set intervals, which may not reflect real improvements in service or value.

• Lack of Contractual Flexibility: Often, contracts do not offer the flexibility needed to adjust services according to your business's scaling needs, which might result in paying for unused services.

• Refinancing Schemes: Be wary of pitches promoting equipment refinancing or paying off existing leases under terms that appear misleading, potentially trapping businesses with dual financial obligations.

• Overestimating Requirements: There is a risk of sales teams advocating for more advanced equipment or broader service packages than necessary, escalating ongoing expenditure.

• Subpar Service Quality: Critical to evaluate service level agreements (SLAs) for promptness and effectiveness in addressing problems, as poor service can lead to significant operational downtimes.

• Strict Return or End-of-Lease Terms: Some agreements impose severe penalties or fees for wear and tear, which might be considered excessive, at the end of the lease.

Precision Peripherals Ltd is dedicated to empowering the Burnley business community to make knowledgeable choices about their print management needs. If an offer seems too advantageous, it probably is. We're committed to transparently discussing and clarifying contract specifics, eliminating unethical practices to ensure the most favourable terms possible. Contact us for bespoke guidance, specifically crafted for the challenges faced by businesses in Burnley.