Photocopier FAQ

What is a Document Feeder?

A document feeder is a unit that sits on top of the machine that allows the user to copy a single or multi-page document without having to place each page of the original onto the glass manually. Most document feeders are now fully reversing; which means it will turn over an original that is printed on both sides automatically.

How many paper trays do I need?

Standard paper trays hold up to 500 sheets of photocopier paper which can be placed in the tray landscape or portrait (up to A4 size) and can be adjusted to fit A3 paper. Please consider the types of paper you copy/print to regularly so as to not to have to change paper in the tray too often. So, if you print to letterheads, blank A4 and A3 then you will need 3 paper trays. High volume users may require Large Capacity Trays that can hold up to 1750 sheets at a time.

What finishing or sorting options are available?

Modern photocopiers now come with the ability to sort copies into an offset stack; either first copy portrait, second copy landscape, third copy portrait etc. or each copy sorted into a stack first copy to the left, second to the right etc.

Advanced finishing options such as hole-punching, single or saddle-stitch stapling, booklet making are available using a dedicated finisher; professional glossy documents can be produced cost-effectively and quickly without the need to send originals etc. to a printer.

I’m not sure what size of machine to purchase.

The speed at which your machine copies, prints or scans is usually indicated by the first two numbers of the model e.g. a 281c will probably copy a black & white image at 28 pages per minute.

If you are looking to upgrade your photocopier then a good place to start is the speed of your current machine. We can then discuss whether this suits your current photocopying needs, or if you are intending to add all of your print traffic, faxes etc. then we may need to increase the speed.

The speed of the machine dictates the average monthly copy/print/fax volume it will be able to cope with, so it is an important consideration.

Black & White, Colour Capable or Full Colour?

Modern photocopiers are now colour capable which means you will get a colour copy/print at laser printer standard at a fraction of the per page cost of a stand-alone desktop printer.

Black & White machines are getting less and less popular although are still available for dedicated purposes.

Full colour machines are perfect for publishing professional documents with excellent true colour performance.

Is using my photocopier as a printer/fax/scanner putting all my eggs in one basket?

Yes! However, the basket is particularly strong and a lot more robust than stand-alone machines.

An engineer will preventatively maintain your machine when it reaches a certain amount of prints (much like a car service) which will ensure it is running at its best with the minimum of downtime.

Do I have to pay maintenance cost per print?

It is strongly advisable to pay the cost per print as this includes all servicing, parts, labour, preventative maintenance, toner cartridges etc.

In fact, the only other expense you will have is to buy your paper, and at a fraction of a penny for a black & white print and much cheaper cost per print on colour than a stand-alone machine, it represents fantastic value.

I would like to scan and have electronic files of paper orginals.

No problem. High speed scanning can be set to scan to email, scan to fax or even scan to file; now you will be able to archive all those messy files with old paperwork that have been hanging around the office for years!

I’m not very technically minded, do I have to set up the machine on my network?

Our engineers will deliver and install your new machine and make sure that it is installed onto your network and can be shared by the appropriate users. Just sit back and let us do the complicated stuff, then enjoy the benefits of being able to print faster and cheaper than ever before.

Why should I order my new photocopier from Parrot Copiers?

Parrot Copiers offer the most advanced range of photocopiers available on the market, with a choice from three of the top manufacturers.

Finance options are available to help conserve capital via the biggest and most competitive names in leasing.

Service and maintenance is carried out by a network of around 400 engineers nationwide with response times averaging 4 hours.