When a client chooses to keep the old brand of copiers while their dealer transitions to a new brand, several pitfalls can arise, including:
1. Diminished Support:
- As the dealer shifts focus to the new brand, their expertise, parts inventory, and priority for the old brand may decrease. This can result in slower service response times and less effective troubleshooting for the client’s older equipment.
2. Limited Access to Spare Parts:
- With the dealer no longer stocking a full inventory of parts for the old brand, acquiring needed components for repairs might become difficult, leading to extended downtimes. The dealer may even need to source parts from third parties, which can be slower and more costly.
3. Reduced Technical Knowledge:
- As technicians are retrained to support the new brand, their familiarity with the old brand may diminish over time. This could result in less efficient or lower-quality service for the client’s existing equipment.
4. End-of-Life Issues:
- The old brand’s manufacturer may eventually discontinue certain models, parts, or support, making it harder to maintain the equipment. This becomes especially problematic if the dealer is no longer fully committed to servicing that brand.
5. Decreased Priority:
- Clients sticking with the old brand might find themselves receiving lower priority from the dealer, who is now focused on promoting and supporting their new brand. This could impact service responsiveness and overall customer care.
6. Service Contract Changes:
- The dealer may revise service agreements for clients who remain with the old brand, potentially leading to higher costs, reduced service levels, or different terms that may not be as favorable as before.
7. Compatibility and Integration Issues:
- As technology evolves, newer systems and solutions may be optimized for the dealer’s new brand, leading to integration challenges or suboptimal performance if the client continues using outdated models from the old brand.
8. Pressure to Upgrade:
- The dealer might gradually reduce support for the old brand or increase maintenance costs, effectively pushing clients toward upgrading to the new brand. Clients could feel pressured to switch despite being satisfied with their current equipment.
9. Lack of Future Upgrades:
- Clients who keep the old brand may miss out on new features, technology advancements, and improved efficiency offered by the dealer’s new brand, potentially leading to operational inefficiencies compared to clients who embrace the new brand.
10. Long-Term Viability:
- Over time, the old brand’s presence in the market could decline, leading to fewer support resources, reduced innovation, and limited aftermarket options. Clients sticking with the old brand may find themselves increasingly isolated with outdated technology.
For clients choosing to maintain the old brand, it’s essential to closely monitor the level of support they receive and assess whether it remains viable in the long run. Transition planning or negotiating a tailored support agreement can help mitigate some of these risks.