Selling effectively typically means that you have been able to successfully set your business apart from the competition. Delivering presentations and marketing materials in color can help reinforce your company's distinct image. A color copier provides the most flexible way of delivering that pizzazz.

While business color copiers and printers are alike in many ways, a color copier offers a few advantages over the typical color printer. With one, you can easily copy paper-based images. Also, higher-end color copiers have better paper handling capabilities; you can equip one with a sorter, stapler and even have it print on both sides of a sheet. And you can even network the copier to your computer system and have it serve as a high-volume printer as well.

Color copiers fall into two distinct camps technology-wise. On the low end, there are color copiers that print using inkjet technology. This type of copier is suitable for use in a small office that will not require much copying. Higher volume users should consider laser-based color copiers, as they will be the only technology that can support the higher copy volume.

Laser-based color copiers are considerably more expensive than their inkjet counterparts, though. While you can buy an inkjet-based one for a few hundred dollars, you are looking at an investment of at least a few to several thousand dollars for a laser-based model. Add networking capabilities to the copier, which converts it to a color printer and you can expect to spend at least ten thousand dollars.

Whichever models you compare should be set up and tested in the way that you intend to purchase it. If you intend to obtain the color copier simply as a standalone device, you should test it that way. Bring examples of the type of work that you will typically need copied for testing. And don't forget to bring the type and size paper that you will be using most often to check for jamming.

When assessing copy quality, focus on the quality of the resulting image. Look for accurate color reproduction across several copies of the same image. Check the color registration, too. This refers to the alignment of the colors; you should not be able to discern the different layers of color that were applied to create the image.

While extensive copier-based editing features may seem impressive, they rarely get used. If you really anticipate having to fiddle around with your copies, it's far more effective to have the copier connected to your computer network so you can really manipulate the image.

Keep in mind that color copiers can be temperamental. As a result, obtaining one from a reputable dealer is critical. In particular, learn all you can about the service department. Since service visits will be more frequent, you should look to work with a dealer that has certified technicians. Having well-trained phone-based customer support can be very helpful, too, for assistance in troubleshooting problems that arise.

Even if it is a bit fussy, a color copier can be well worth the return. In exchange for producing copies in whatever color you need, you might see more green. To view products and services from multiple color copier dealers, use our provider comparison tool.