Does anyone have any data on copier life expectancy?
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Any particular model or manufacturer?
I would say as long as they have parts available, whether new parts or from old trade ins.
One of the conversations that I have with people is that unlike before, our systems now have two lives to consider.
Because our systems are now an intergral part of the overall technology of a business or organization, they need to not only realize that there are both a mechanical and a functional lifespan to their system.
As I said earler, as long as there are parts available, we can keep a copier going, however, because they are asking these systems to be a huge part of their technology they must consider when that unit ceases to be a productive part of the business. When does it functionally become a part of the problem rather than a part of the solution. Just as a business doesn't want to use 5,6 or 7 or older computers because of their becoming obsolete, do they really want a vital piece of their technology to become a drag on productivity.
Just my two cents worth.
One of the conversations that I have with people is that unlike before, our systems now have two lives to consider.
Because our systems are now an intergral part of the overall technology of a business or organization, they need to not only realize that there are both a mechanical and a functional lifespan to their system.
As I said earler, as long as there are parts available, we can keep a copier going, however, because they are asking these systems to be a huge part of their technology they must consider when that unit ceases to be a productive part of the business. When does it functionally become a part of the problem rather than a part of the solution. Just as a business doesn't want to use 5,6 or 7 or older computers because of their becoming obsolete, do they really want a vital piece of their technology to become a drag on productivity.
Just my two cents worth.
Yes, I agree, most companies outgrow their copier.
Obviously, the most important change was in connectivity. Digital technology and modular technology added to reliability and total uptime for productivity.
Whereas with analog machines, they are older, cheaper and they can be rebuilt until the cows come home.
Obviously, the most important change was in connectivity. Digital technology and modular technology added to reliability and total uptime for productivity.
Whereas with analog machines, they are older, cheaper and they can be rebuilt until the cows come home.
Ricoh use to claim that they would guarantee parts availability for 7 years after a product was discontinued. Not sure if that still holds true but that was the standard.
As for the parts availability of any of the Ricoh series, you can find that info on ROL under the Parts Bulletins.
quote:t is actually the law that any manufacturer must maintain parts for 7 years after the last date that the product is sold new.
What kind of law? How would that be enforced on overseas manufacturers?
quote:Originally posted by Old Glory:
It is actually the law that any manufacturer must maintain parts for 7 years after the last date that the product is sold new.
It appears that is a legend. I couldn't find any federal law covering that, but here are some state laws covering it...
Parts Availability Laws
Can your item be repaired? If parts are required, are they available to a servicer? In some states, the answer may be "no."
California:
7 years after date of manufacture for goods with a wholesale value of $100 or more, 3 years for items valued at $50 to $99.99. This law covers functional parts only.
Connecticut:
4 years after the date of final sale.
Indiana:
7 years after the date of final sale.
Rhode Island:
4 years after final sale.
New Hampshire:
For goods valued at over $100, parts and service info for the period of time covered by the warranty.
BTW, these are enforced on overseas manufacturers because they cover any product "sold within the state".
Jomama
Posted Mon April 14 2008 07:51 AM
quote:
It is actually the law that any manufacturer must maintain parts for 7 years after the last date that the product is sold new.
What kind of law? How would that be enforced on overseas manufacturers?
Beats me...all I can say is that in the 27 years I've been in the business, I have represented every manufacturer except Xerox and Sharp (including some not around anymore like Saxon and 3M) and everyone says the same thing. How does the U.S. get Toyota to install seat belts or meet emission standards? What about lead paint in toys from China? I guess if you are in it for the long haul, you do what the country asks.
Posted Mon April 14 2008 07:51 AM
quote:
It is actually the law that any manufacturer must maintain parts for 7 years after the last date that the product is sold new.
What kind of law? How would that be enforced on overseas manufacturers?
Beats me...all I can say is that in the 27 years I've been in the business, I have represented every manufacturer except Xerox and Sharp (including some not around anymore like Saxon and 3M) and everyone says the same thing. How does the U.S. get Toyota to install seat belts or meet emission standards? What about lead paint in toys from China? I guess if you are in it for the long haul, you do what the country asks.
Is this site great or what? Thanks JasonR!!! I guess if you are an overseas manufacturer wanting to do business in every state, you would probably adopt a policy that would cover the laws of every one. No telling how much the rest of the country is paying for laws passed in the state of California. I bought a stud finder the other day. It came with instructions to wash my hands after every use because the State of California has determined that lead in the plastic may be hazardess to my health.
Give me a break
Give me a break
Heres how Ricoh does it:
"The period of assured parts avialability is seven years from Ricoh Corporation's product discontinuation date. After the Final Month of Assumed Availability for a discontinued model, procurement of such parts may not be available. After the termination of Parts Availability, theere is a high risk of being unable to obtain such parts."
"The period of assured parts avialability is seven years from Ricoh Corporation's product discontinuation date. After the Final Month of Assumed Availability for a discontinued model, procurement of such parts may not be available. After the termination of Parts Availability, theere is a high risk of being unable to obtain such parts."
and thats the name of that song! 
Thank you for all the feedback. The customer is asking if I have any 3rd party data from a source like BLI. Any info would be great. Thank you again!
I have read the 3rd party data about life expectancy, drum yields, etc. and some salesmen rely on this, but I don't, and the reason is that the tests that are run on these machines is done in a controlled environment, not real world. Life expectancy is based on how the customer operates the machine, and how well your service department maintains the machine.
If I buy a car, the manufacturer does not guarantee that the car will last 20 years. I have some customers who want fast speed and large paper trays, but hardly ever run over 5k per month. They think bigger and faster will last longer.
If using 3rd party info will help you get the sale, then go to BLI, Industry Analysts, or BERTL Meganet and print out the specs for the system you are trying to sell. The customer might believe it and they might not.
If it were me, I would sell myself and how well my service department maintains machines, and if that weren't enough, I would put them in touch with current customers who already have that equipment, and let that customer tell them how well YOU and your company take care of them.
The Ricoh systems will do anything except make coffee in the morning. But the bottom line is still service after the sale. If the potential customer believes you will be there to take care of whatever problem they may encounter, and back it up with service, you will get more sales than what the analysts say.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
If I buy a car, the manufacturer does not guarantee that the car will last 20 years. I have some customers who want fast speed and large paper trays, but hardly ever run over 5k per month. They think bigger and faster will last longer.
If using 3rd party info will help you get the sale, then go to BLI, Industry Analysts, or BERTL Meganet and print out the specs for the system you are trying to sell. The customer might believe it and they might not.
If it were me, I would sell myself and how well my service department maintains machines, and if that weren't enough, I would put them in touch with current customers who already have that equipment, and let that customer tell them how well YOU and your company take care of them.
The Ricoh systems will do anything except make coffee in the morning. But the bottom line is still service after the sale. If the potential customer believes you will be there to take care of whatever problem they may encounter, and back it up with service, you will get more sales than what the analysts say.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Copier Life Expectancy:
When you can see my tail lights anymore (haha)
When you can see my tail lights anymore (haha)