What Are STPT's Maintenance Plans?

Is your office’s printer behaving like it’s auditioning for a comedy show instead of doing its job? Paper jams, weird noises, or just plain refusal to print—every office has been there. While managing print issues can be frustrating, having the right maintenance plan can make all the difference.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve been helping businesses of all sizes keep their printers running smoothly for nearly 40 years. With our expertise and customer-first approach, we ensure that your office equipment stays in top shape, so you can focus on what matters most—your work.

In this article, we’ll explore what a maintenance plan is, the different plans we offer, the benefits of auto-toner shipments, and which plan might be the best fit for your business. Whether you’re an IT manager or a decision-maker tasked with finding reliable printing solutions, this guide is your roadmap to stress-free printing.

What Is a Maintenance Plan?

In simple terms, a maintenance plan is like health insurance for your office equipment. When you buy a printer or copier, a maintenance plan ensures that you’re covered for servicing and repairs. Instead of scrambling to fix a problem when it arises, you pay a predictable monthly fee to keep your equipment in great shape. Think of it as peace of mind wrapped in a service agreement.

At STPT, we offer a range of maintenance plans designed to meet diverse business needs, from startups to large organizations. No matter your printing volume or budget, there’s a plan that can fit your requirements.

Wondering why you should consider a printer maintenance plan? Check out our blog article that highlights the key benefits of investing in one for your business right here.

Types of Maintenance Plans Offered by STPT

We understand that every business is different, which is why we provide four distinct maintenance plans. Here’s a breakdown of each, along with their pros and cons:

1. Time and Materials (T&M)

This is a pay-as-you-go option—essentially no maintenance plan at all.

• Pros:

  • No monthly fees.
  • Cost-effective if your printer rarely has issues.
  • No long-term contracts.

• Cons:

  • Repairs can get expensive quickly.
  • High financial risk if your equipment breaks down frequently.

Best for: Companies with low printing volumes and plenty of cash reserves to cover unexpected costs.

Curious about printer service costs? Check out our blog article, “How Much Does Printer Service Cost?” to find out more!

2. Base Service Plan

This plan includes a flat monthly payment to cover service costs, but it doesn’t include supplies.

• Pros:

  • Covers all repair and maintenance services.
  • Predictable monthly costs for service.

• Cons:

  • Supplies like toner are not included.
  • You’ll need to purchase supplies as needed, which can become costly over time.

Best for: Seasonal businesses that prefer to manage their own supply inventory but want to avoid surprise repair costs.

Printer supply costs can add up quickly. Discover more about the cost of printer supplies here.

3. Base Service Plus Cost-Per-Copy (CPC) Plan

This plan adds a per-page cost to the base service plan, and supplies are included.

• Pros:

  • Comprehensive coverage for service and supplies.
  • Costs align with actual usage.
  • Auto-toner shipments

• Cons:

  • Monthly bills can fluctuate depending on printing volume.
  • Slightly higher per-page costs compared to the ”base plus included copies’ plan.

Best for: Companies with variable printing needs and a focus on paying only for what they use.

4. Base Plus Included Copies

In this plan, you prepay for a specific number of impressions each month, often at a discounted rate.

• Pros:

  • Best pricing for high-volume printing.
  • Predictable monthly expenses.
  • Auto-toner shipments

• Cons:

  • Unused impressions are non-refundable, which could lead to wasted money.
  • Requires a contract commitment.

Best for: Any organization like schools, hospitals, and government offices with consistent, high-volume printing needs.

The Perks of Auto-Toner Shipments

Ever had your printer flash the dreaded "toner low" warning at the worst possible time?

Auto-toner shipments take the guesswork—and stress—out of managing your printer supplies. Available with our Base Service Plus CPC Plan and Base Plus Included Copies Plan, this service ensures your toner is shipped directly to you before you run out.

Here’s how it works:

• Software installed on your system tracks your toner levels and alerts us when it’s time for a refill.
• Toner is automatically shipped to your office, ensuring your printer stays operational without you lifting a finger.

For more information about auto-toner shipments and tips on how to maximize their benefits, check out our dedicated blog: "Auto Toner Shipments Explained | What Is On-Hand Balance?".

Who Should Choose Which Plan?

To help you find your perfect match, here’s a quick guide to who benefits most from each plan:

• Time and Materials: Ideal for small offices or private firms that print sparingly and have the financial flexibility to handle unexpected repair costs.
• Base Service Plan: Great for businesses with seasonal workflows. For example, a tax preparation office that’s busiest during tax season can benefit from this plan to ensure their machines work flawlessly during crunch time.
• Base Service Plus CPC Plan: Perfect for businesses with fluctuating printing needs, like marketing agencies or consulting firms, that want cost-effective flexibility.
• Base Plus Included Copies: Tailored for high-volume environments like educational institutions or healthcare facilities, where printing is constant and predictable.

Why Choose STPT for Your Maintenance Plan?

While maintenance plans are fairly standard across the print industry, what sets STPT apart is our dedication to exceptional service. Over the years, we’ve earned a reputation for quick, reliable support. Many of our clients who’ve ventured to other providers have returned, saying they missed our straightforward approach and responsive team.

When you partner with STPT, you’re not just getting a maintenance plan—you’re gaining a trusted ally committed to keeping your office running smoothly.

Ready to Simplify Your Office Printing?

Whether your office prints a little or a lot, there’s an STPT maintenance plan designed to make your life easier. Don’t let printer problems slow you down—contact us today to discuss your needs and get personalized recommendations from our print experts.

With nearly 40 years of experience, we’re confident we can help you find a plan that’s a perfect fit for your business. Let us take the stress out of your printing.