The meter count is the single most important data point when evaluating a used copier. It measures the total number of pages the machine has printed across its lifetime — similar to mileage on a car.

Most commercial copiers are rated for 1–2 million total impressions before major maintenance is typically needed. A machine with 200,000 meters is early in its life. One with 800,000 is mid-range. Over 1.2 million and you want to ask more questions about service history.

Color meter count matters separately. Color prints put more wear on drums, developer units, and fuser components. Ask for both the total meter and the color meter if you are buying a color machine.

Stick with major commercial brands: Ricoh, Canon, Konica Minolta, Xerox, Sharp, Toshiba, and Kyocera. These manufacturers have strong parts and toner availability, active service networks, and well-documented service histories.

Avoid off-brand or consumer-grade machines marketed as “business copiers.” They typically lack the duty cycle capacity for sustained business use and are harder to service.

Also confirm that the model is not end-of-life from a parts and supply perspective. An older machine might look good on paper, but if toner cartridges are no longer manufactured, you have created a future problem.

This is a question most buyers do not think to ask, and it matters. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) toner is engineered specifically for the machine. Aftermarket toner is third-party and varies widely in quality.

Sustained use of low-quality aftermarket toner can leave residue in the fuser, contaminate the developer unit, and shorten drum life. Ask the seller whether OEM toner was used throughout the machine’s life. A reputable wholesaler will know the answer or be transparent that they do not.

A good wholesaler will clean, test, and run diagnostic prints on every machine before sale. Ask for a test print or ask what the seller’s pre-sale process looks like. If they cannot tell you, that is a signal.

EBU inspects every machine that comes through our facilities. We run print tests, check for error codes, and note any mechanical issues before any unit goes to a buyer.

Warranty and guarantee terms vary significantly between sellers. Some offer 30–90 day warranties covering parts and labor. Others sell as-is with no recourse. Understand exactly what is covered before you commit: parts, labor, shipping, and which failure modes are included or excluded.

EBU’s Certified Pre-Owned program is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee for up to 30 days — including after the machine has been in your warehouse. That is a satisfaction guarantee, not a repair warranty, and it applies to CPO inventory. Ask any seller to be specific about what their commitment actually covers.

Be skeptical of “as-is” sales with no warranty unless you have an in-house technician or a service contract in place before the machine arrives.

This is the question that determines your total cost of ownership. A copier without a service plan can become expensive quickly if something goes wrong.

Before you buy, confirm you have one of the following:

• A service contract with a local copier technician or dealer
• Access to an independent copier service company that covers the brand and model you are buying
• An in-house technician familiar with the machine

A company that has been in the pre-owned copier business for decades has a reputation to protect. Ask how long they have been in business, whether they specialize in commercial equipment, and whether they can provide references.

Equipment Brokers Unlimited has been operating since 1982. We sell primarily to dealers and resellers who depend on us for consistent quality — that accountability shapes how we operate.