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

For businesses in Darlington considering a managed print service contract, understanding the potential pitfalls is crucial. Precision Peripherals Ltd, with over 40 years of experience in the printing industry, is dedicated to offering transparency and ensuring fair dealings across Darlington and its surrounding areas.

Common Pitfalls in Managed Print Contracts:

• Hidden Costs and Fees: Be cautious of contracts that include undisclosed fees for delivery, installation, and administrative tasks, which can significantly inflate the cost beyond the initially advertised price.

• Excessive Minimum Print Volumes: Many contracts set minimum monthly print volumes well above the actual needs of your business, leading to unnecessary expenses for services you don’t use—a major concern for cost-conscious Darlington businesses.

• Long-Term Commitments: Some contracts enforce lengthy durations that are costly and difficult to exit, especially if your business needs evolve, potentially making the contract unsuitable.

• Auto-Renewal Clauses: Watch out for clauses that automatically renew your contract, requiring proactive cancellation to avoid unwanted extensions—a crucial detail for all businesses to manage.

• Escalation Clauses: Exercise caution with clauses that allow for price increases at predetermined intervals, which may not correspond with actual improvements in services.

• Limited Flexibility: Many contracts lack the flexibility to adjust services as your business conditions change, which can lead to overpaying for services that are no longer necessary.

• Refinancing Scams: Stay vigilant against sales pitches that propose refinancing existing equipment leases, which can be deceptive and leave businesses liable for both old and new leases.

• Overestimating Needs: Be wary of sales teams pushing for higher-spec machines or more extensive service packages than necessary, which can lead to higher ongoing costs.

• Poor Service Levels: It is vital to scrutinize service level agreements for prompt response times and effective problem resolution, as poor service can lead to extended downtime and negatively impact your operations.

• Ownership and Return Conditions: Some contracts impose strict conditions on the return of equipment or at the end of leases, which may include penalties for wear and tear deemed excessive.

At Precision Peripherals Ltd, we are committed to helping Darlington businesses make informed decisions about their print management needs. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. We are here to review and clarify any contract details, eliminating unscrupulous practices to ensure you receive the most favourable terms. Contact us for bespoke advice and support tailored to the unique needs of Darlington organisations.