This Week in the Copier Industry 15 Years Ago

Neal · 3/30/097:49 AM

. - FreeFlow Print Server Version 7 (Xerox branded print controller) - GBC AdvancedPunch - Xerox won a managed print services contract from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: - Was spending $10 million per year on machines, supplies & service - Had 13,000 printers, copiers, fax machines and scanners for its 43,000 employees - Was one device for every 2.5 employees - Now has 3,000 Xerox MFPs - Hope to save 35% annually - Xerox sales agent, Mr. Copy, won a bid to provide DocuShare document

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/26/099:50 PM

then they pass on the "On Demand Show" in Phili. So, that leaves us with the 5 CORE copier companies, Ricoh, Xerox, KonicaMinolta, Canon and OCE (rumors here with OCE that KonicaMinolta may make a move), these are my bets for who will make the final cut. The big congolmerates such as Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp and Kyocera may have bigger roads to hoe than MFP's.

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/25/0910:40 PM

-users access to industry-leading print management capabilities. The newest system in Konica Minolta’s award-winning line of monochrome production print systems incorporates seamless interfaces to Konica Minolta's Printgroove® Production Suite and later this year will also support EFI's advanced MicroPress 8 solution making the bizhub PRO 950 an ideal end-to-end print management system. In addition, PageScope Web Connection allows IT administrators to easily combine the bizhub PRO 950 system on

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/27/0911:24 PM

Thursday, March 26, 2009 MFP Wars "The Final Five" How many players do we have now....let's see Ricoh, Xerox, Canon, KonicaMinolta, OCE, Sharp, Kyocera, Toshiba, Muratec and Panasonic. Many moons ago, I made a few predictions in reference to "what I thought" would happen with Ricoh Americas. To sum it up, my thoughts were that Ricoh would take all non performing dealers and ask them to become Lanier or Savin, while keeping the top Ricoh Dealer performers. It made sense to me in the fact that

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zico · 3/27/0910:25 PM

I just came across the Product Support Guide for the Pro C550, C700 color copiers. These appear to be identical to MPC6000, C7500 except for the toner.

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/28/091:03 PM

faster turnaround, many teachers and staff opted to print these medium- to high-volume jobs on the nearest multifunction printer (MFP), taking them away from the classroom or their normal support duties and ultimately costing the district more money. With Xerox Extensible Interface Platform™-enabled MFPs along with QDirect.SCAN™ software and the WebCRD™ portal from Rochester Software Associates (RSA), a Xerox Alliance Partner, turnaround times have been cut in half and the number of orders to the

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GMAN · 3/25/092:36 PM

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GMAN · 3/26/0910:18 PM

quote: So, that leaves us with the 5 CORE copier companies, Ricoh, Xerox, KonicaMinolta, Canon and OCE (rumors here with OCE that KonicaMinolta may make a move), these are my bets for who will make the final cut. All of the above have very good Products. It is the immediate direction that each entity is going to take, which will determine future success. I, myself, will bet on the 'core copier company' that supports and invests in their Independent Dealers, as critical and important

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/27/094:53 PM

quote: Originally posted by JLS: Art, I work in a Ricoh Direct (Lanier legacy) office located in an area where there are three local RFG competitors in our market. We have explicit instructions to disengage (turn around and walk out) if it's an IKON account or one belonging to the two other RFG dealers. Except for IKON, the dealers can compete against our MIFs and do so with no qualms. They kill us on price, too, which seems to be a different situation than is occurring in other parts of the

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GMAN · 3/25/0910:41 AM

As of December 2008, there were only eight (8) RFG Independent Dealers interested, and one of those is no longer an RFG Dealer. Again, since Ricoh is focusing strictly on IKON now, the direction would be for IKON to use the C900 and C900s to replace the Canon production units that IKON has in the field. Yet, we have all read the C900 product reviews and now Konica Minolta has launched great new Print Production models that are putting a wrench in the works.

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GMAN · 3/30/098:25 PM

Apparently, the Brand Keys survey demonstrates a customer's propensity to buy the same Product again and this is the second year in a row that Konica Minolta took the top spot. I don't think they won because of their TV commercials. From what I see, they are the best in Mid Range Color and Ricoh can't come close to Konica Minolta's Print Production systems. The Ricoh C900 hasn't exactly lit the world on fire.

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GMAN · 3/26/094:39 PM

Three Dealer Sales Reps walk into a bar, one sells Ricoh, one sells Savin, and one sells Lanier. They all sit down next to each other and order a round of beer, after a long hard day of cold-calling, prospecting, and checking in on existing customer accounts. After discussing various proposals that they are witnessing on the street from IKON and RBS, they decide to pay the tab and head home. As the three Dealer Sales Reps prepare to settle the bill, the bartender says; "Don't worry about it

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Neal · 3/26/0912:19 PM

Here's a BLI on it: Canon Color imageRUNNER C4580i Status: Current Manufacturing Status: New Console, Full-color copier, MF Dry, dual component toner Dataquest Segment: NA SRP/Street Price: $22,000/$ not avail Domestic Intro Date: October 2006 OEM: Canon (China) Also Sold As: None Distribution: Dealers and subsidiaries Max Monthly Duty Cycle: 165,000 impressions MULTIFUNCTION MODES: Copier: Std Fax: Opt Internet Fax: Std Network Fax: Opt Network Printer: Std PC Fax: Opt Printer: Std Scanner

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/25/0910:41 PM

their printed business communications with better color matching.” Color testing is expected to conclude within the next few months. Upon final results, Kyocera will publish its PANTONE Color Palette, or reference chart, of the colors optimized by Pantone for Kyocera’s TASKalfa series. This information will be made available on the company’s public website. For more information on TASKalfa, or to find the nearest dealer, please visit Kyocera Mita America’s dealer locator at: http

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GMAN · 3/25/0911:02 AM

RUMOR has it that Ricoh will change the name of the company to IKON Americas Corporation, effective August 1, 2009. RBS will fold into IKON, with several offices closing across the country. This new IKON direct organization will be the only distribution channel selling 'Ricoh' brand products, while the remaining "strong" Independent Dealers can sell Lanier and Savin (for a limited time) at an approximate 20% higher price than IKON will enjoy. RFG Dual Line Dealers will be requested to drop

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Neal · 3/27/097:21 AM

It is sad that Ricoh has laid open the market and is allowing the direct reps to compete in current RFG business. The direct operation for Konica Minolta has been put on notice that if they walk into a current KM customer, then they are to turn around and walk out the door. That's from tRick Taylor himself. That doesn't mean if you're a duel line dealer and have non Konica Minolta equipment in there, then it's fair game, but KM is trying to protect its dealer side.

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/28/0912:55 PM

, Kitty Hawk, Lumberton, New Bern, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Virginia Beach and Wilmington. The company employs 176 employees. As an authorized Canon dealer, COECO expects to grow more, as it will be selling the full line of Canon digital office products, including monochrome and color copiers and digital presses. The agreement can only help the company expand even more, COECO chief executive officer Chuck Robbins said. Robbins said the fact that the Canon line offers the largest supply of digital

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fisher · 3/27/0910:06 AM

As a dual line dealer who also has Kyocera I have to say Tom Clark is right on. Because of service issues the Kyocera is the winner. Once you know how to customize the Kyocera touchscreen it is just as user friendly as a Ricoh. In fact you can customize their touchscreen any way you want for the customer, something you can't do with a Ricoh. My suggestion would be not to be selling based on the hardware. The hardware is now just a commodity. If you focus on the hardware you will lose alot of

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fisher · 3/30/0911:40 AM

I will be the first to admit that I am not your traditional copier salesman (Don't really want to be either). I spent 12 years as a technician wrenching on machines before switching over to sales 6 years ago. I am a hands on person. That is what works for me. It is a selling point and a reason why people buy from me. The buck stops with me so to speak. I don't like to rely on other people to implament the selling features I have highlighted for the customer. I also know the job will be done

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/24/099:52 AM

I want to make may Gelsprinter 3050N wireless. DCan someone direct me to a third party solution that will work with this device.thanx

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/26/0911:28 AM

Can this system auto duplex thick stock from the paper draw or by-pass. I have someone telling me it will auto duplex #110 or higher. Canon brochure does not go into specifics. HELP!

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fisher · 3/30/0910:50 AM

How many of you sales reps out there do your own networking and set up of scanning and so forth on your network connected devices??? I have become very proficient at doing my own networking for the clients. So much so that I refuse to use our own IT department to do it for me. I prefer to be hands on. I view it as a value add for the client and part of building the relationship. Also its a big help when a customer calls me with a question because I know exactly how their printing and scanning

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fisher · 3/31/099:18 PM

Simple question. Where do you see this industry in 5 years????? I look forward to everyone's responses.

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Deanw · 3/29/098:48 PM

We are strictly a office equipment company. Selling and servicing copiers, network printers, our IT knowledge consists of setting up network printing and network scanning. Recently the dominant IT company in our market area jumped into the copier industry. I'm afraid that they are at a competitive advantage versus us, especially in companies where they already control the network. I am considering purchaing an IT company to "fight fire with fire". I'm interested in getting feedback from this

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IT Dude · 3/26/098:37 PM

I personally don't see this to be very believeable. Financially it doesn't make sense to destroy Ricoh's independent community which if you read this, every independent selling RFG would immediately drop them and pick up another manufacturer (we have already). If they went forward with this they would know that they would immediately loose a large percentage of their distribution and more importantly of that percentage it is the most with decent margins, as we all know that IKON/RBS and not

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GMAN · 3/25/0912:16 PM

I do believe that classy Independent Dealers can (and do) win against due to providing excellent Service. That is because IKON and RBS fall short in this area. Yet, the game board is now changing, due to Ricoh's strict focus on supporting IKON and RBS at the expense of Dealers (yes with better 'pricing') and economic factors today, more and more business will erode for Independents. Meaning, at the very least, Independents will need to drop their pants and earn far less profit, far less to

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GMAN · 3/25/0912:32 PM

It was interesting to read that Keith Clark observes "customers are with Canon first & IKON second." Customers with a "national presence" may go with Ricoh, yet I think they will soon find out that Ricoh (i.e. IKON) can't manage business with that scope and size very well. Despite a Reuters press release, the Ricoh - IKON Oracle integration is not going well and they replaced the former Ricoh IT VP with an IKON IT guy, which also shows that IKON is beginning to take top management spots at

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Art Post (Guest) · 3/26/097:20 PM

week! In reference to the sales classes, I guess the that reason you're doing it part time is because....... Another wierd statement "the reason we win business is we don't complain about the competition" Who in their right mind would complain to a customer about competition? This board is an open forum to discuss, grip, embellish or complain if you like. If you don't like it, don't read it! -=Good Selling=-

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GMAN · 3/26/099:25 PM

quote: The reason that direct wins business is because they don't complain about competition. What on God's green Earth are you smoking? Despite the lack of acceptable customer support and decent Service, and with a revolving door of Direct Sales Reps, 'Direct' wins on price almost every time. Now, IKON joins in on that fun with support from the manufacturer. The key for Independents with such cut-throat competition in saturated marketplaces with too much distribution, is to revolt now. Seek a

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fisher · 3/30/099:12 AM

How about this one. "The Savin/Gestetner/Lanier product is an inferior product made with cheaper parts and is often reboxed factory seconds." I have encountered this one several times. On one occasion we had to take pictures of the boxes in the wharehouse for the customer to prove that in fact the Ricoh Gestetner Savin and Lanier all come from the same box and the only difference is the sticker on the front door.

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Old Glory · 3/30/095:31 PM

I have to disagree with Larry. What is wrong with perfecting your sales AND your IT ability? I would contend that in today's selling environment, anything short will impede your chances for success. Anyone that does their own installs can attest to the volumes of information you can learn about the account in the process. Oftentimes, installs lead to your only chance to have direct exposure to your customer's IT personel and there is no substitute for that. Also, your IT people may know how to

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Neal · 3/31/094:19 AM

I've been in dealerships where, as the rep, I had to do the installations and became very proficient at doing so. Being able to do it certainly doesn't hurt, however, to do so on a regular basis isn't my job. I will assist but not be the end all be all. That takes away from my demonstrating just what value my company as a whole brings to the customer. I know as a rep I like to think that I am the one and only reason for the customer going with me, but I have found over the years that I am much

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fisher · 3/31/091:24 PM

quote: Originally posted by CashGap: quote: For a point of reference, are you ***consistently*** leading the dealership in sales? Your answer is the answer. Well then that is the answer! There are only 2 sales reps in my company and we both handle our installations the same way. Perhaps this works for us because we have been in this game since before we had an IT department. Back then we had to do it ourselves because there was no other way. We brought on IT help about 3 years ago to take the

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GMAN · 3/26/095:15 PM

Found this in a Recycling Bin. Go Green! Unconfirmed, yet it sounds like Canon is going to utilize this to go after any Ricoh box in field, regardless of where it was sold. If so, this could be crippling and it makes one think they are having a tough time grabbing IKON upgrades.

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GMAN · 3/29/096:06 PM

I found an interesting Konica Minolta website: http://www.futureishere.biz/

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Larry Levine · 3/24/096:43 PM

At this point I do not believe a word that anybody at Ricoh has to say. If any changes are made I would be hard-pressed they would stick to any of them. Personally, Ricoh Corporate is full of hot-air. They should be thankful there is the dealer channel as we pay attention to the bottom line and our clients.

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DRichard (Guest) · 3/30/091:11 PM

Knoxville, TN: imageSource magazine, the leading information source for the document solutions channel, announced that Thermocopy, East Tennessee’s largest business technology company, was awarded the national 2009 Perfect Image Award for Outstanding Sales Program. The Perfect Image Awards are the annual awards given to dealers chosen as best in their industry. These (8) awards honor companies that are committed to providing a quality benchmark for ongoing success and reflect excellence within

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fisher · 3/26/099:52 AM

I have seen this many times. The problem is that when the pdf was created it was not properly flattened. When these pdf's go to print they explode into giant files and use up all of the computer's resources. The solution is to open the file in Accrobat Standard or photoshop and either re-pdf the drawing or convert it into a Tiff file. As a tiff file the frawing will print immediately.

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Former Member · 3/26/096:10 PM

Boo Hoo Art. The reason that direct wins business is because they don't complain about competition. And its all about "liking you" . You know better than tha man. I give sales 101 classes part time......