One challenging decision that new entrepreneurs or growing companies face is whether to buy, lease, or rent computers for your staff.
It’s probably not a decision you realized you’ll need to make, but it’s an extremely important one to ensure the long-term productivity of your staff.
In this guide, we’ll help you learn which option is right for you!
1. The Buying Option
Purchasing computers can be a big capital expenditure. In fact, it would be the highest upfront cost of the three options. It also would give you a limited number of write-offs as a business.
On a positive note you would own the inventory and also be able to purchase extended warranty for the computers for 3-5 additional years just in case you need any parts or a complete replacement.
Some business owners like to overlap this option, for example purchase 10 computers this year and 10 new computers next year to extend the upgrades. Typically, owners would do an image deployment of the operating system. This involves customizing the operating system (OS), applications, drives and settings on a single computer and creating an image of it, then automatically deploying this image to all other computers. This usually saves time, effort and creates a standardization.
If this sounds like the option for you, our team can help you purchase computers at a discount and set them up. No long-term contract needed. Contact us to learn more.
“you may not realize that you’ll be required to undergo a credit check”
2.The Lease Option
Leasing computers allows you to have a lower upfront cost than option 1, but more ongoing costs. Typically leases are paid monthly or annually and you will continue paying until you have the option to purchase the machines at the end of the lease.
This option would also provide a 3rd party lease write-off as an operational expense. Additionally, you would lease your computers from the manufacture and have their direct support.
One thing you may not realize that you’ll be required to undergo a credit check. If you’re a new business, your company may or may not have established a credit rating yet, which could eliminate this option completely.
3.The Renting Option
Renting provides some comfort knowing that your provider is responsible for everything and the service and ongoing support will be provided to you for the term of your rental. Renting is typically the same price as a lease option with a bit more overhead on each machine as they are loaded with all of the software, firewalls, and protection required. Additionally, this could be used as a business write off.
Renting has the additional benefit of allowing you to be nimble with your technology adoption. As your business changes, your technology requirements may change. Renting allows for a quicker change of your core systems.
Managed Services providers like ARC typically provide access to all three options.
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful as you decide what to do. If you ever need any advice, our team is happy to help. We provide IT services for a wide variety of companies across Canada and over the last 21 years, we’ve seen it all.
Contact us if you need a hand deciding on if buying, leasing, or renting computers is the right option for you!
