Pricing & Leasing

How to Optimize Your Copier/Printer Fleet for Larger Businesses

Submitted by Mary Shamburger on

If you’re running a large business, chances are your copier and printer fleet feels a little more like a chaotic traffic jam than a well-orchestrated system. You might have multiple devices across multiple floors or even multiple states, which means IT is constantly fielding supply requests, service calls, and error messages. And let’s be honest, nobody wants their CIO spending Monday morning hunting down why “Printer 12B” is flashing a cryptic error code again.

As a print vendor, we’ve been helping organizations of all sizes tame their printer fleets for over 35 years. As an authorized Xerox partner, we specialize in making large fleets run smoothly, securely, and cost-effectively.

In this guide, we’ll walk through practical steps you can take to optimize your printer fleet—whether that means trimming excess devices, streamlining supplies, or tightening up security.

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5 Signs It's Time to Switch to Leasing Your Copier/Printer

Submitted by Keith Metzler on

Remember when you first bought your office printer? It probably felt like the easiest, most cost-effective choice. Buy it once, set it up, and get to work. But as your business has grown, you might have noticed that same machine causing more headaches than it solves. Whether it’s running out of toner at the worst time, breaking down when you need it most, or simply struggling to keep up with demand.

As a print vendor, we work with businesses and organizations every day who hit this exact crossroads. Many started out with a retail-bought printer from a place like Staples or Amazon, but soon realized their needs had outpaced their machine. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses make the switch to leasing, giving them access to better equipment, ongoing support, and predictable costs.

STPT vs. Office Depot: Who Should You Buy a Printer From? 

Submitted by Karla Metzler on
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When it comes time to buy a printer for your business, you may immediately think of Office Depot or another big-box retailer. But is that always the best option?

If you're comparing a retail giant to a dedicated print vendor like STPT, the answer might not be as straightforward as you'd expect. Whether you’re looking for a simple desktop printer or a multifunction powerhouse, where you buy matters, and not just in price.

With nearly four decades of experience in the printing industry, STPT knows what business buyers need. We’ve helped organizations large and small navigate the printer-buying process, and we know that who you buy from can make all the difference in long-term satisfaction and support.

In this blog, we’ll give an honest, head-to-head comparison of STPT and Office Depot so you can decide which option makes the most sense for your needs.

Who Should I Buy From: Printer Brand or Print Vendor?  

Submitted by Karla Metzler on

When it’s time to buy a new printer, one of the first questions many businesses and organizations ask is: Should we buy directly from the manufacturer, or work with a local print vendor?

It’s a great question, and not always an easy one. The right answer depends on your business’s needs, how much service you want, and what kind of long-term relationship you're looking for. As longtime partners of Xerox and experienced print vendors ourselves, we understand both sides of the equation.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option, clarify what each buying route really looks like, and help you start making the best decision for your business. If you're feeling unsure, that’s okay, we’re here to help.

How Trading In Your Current Copier/Printer Could Benefit Your Organization

Submitted by Karla Metzler on

Printers and copiers keep evolving every year, offering faster speeds, smarter features, and better security. You might think, “Ours still works just fine.” And that may be true. But what if it's costing you more than it should in repairs, lost productivity, or even security risks? 

The good news is, if you want (or need) an upgrade, you can trade-in your current machine anytime. You may even get a trade-in bonus or discount for doing so. 

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas, we’ve spent nearly 40 years helping businesses upgrade their printing equipment and lower long-term costs. In this article, we’ll show you when trading in your current machine makes sense, and how it could actually save you money.

Not sure where to begin? Start with our guide: 5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Printer.

6 Places to Buy or Lease Printers/Copiers in Dallas (2025)

Submitted by Karla Metzler on

Where can you buy or lease printers and copiers in Dallas, TX? 

According to World Population Review, Dallas is one of the top 10 largest cities in the United States. Therefore, there are dozens of places where you can buy new office printing equipment. 

It’s important to know your options, since the types of products and services offered by local Dallas print vendors can vary. Additionally, factors such as location and customer satisfaction history will differ from company to company. 

For nearly 40 years as a trusted printer and copier vendor in North Texas, we at STPT feel it's our duty to provide honest guidance on your purchasing options for your next office machine. 

Given this, we’ve put together a list of six places where you can buy printers and copiers in the Dallas area.  

​Leasing vs Purchasing a Printer: Which Is Right for You? 

Submitted by Karla Metzler on

Two payment options reign supreme in the world of office equipment: Leasing and purchasing. 

Which one is the better option for you?  

As a local print vendor of nearly 40 years, we’ve dealt with the leasing vs. purchasing question in almost every sales interaction we’ve had. We know firsthand the intricacies that go into each option. 

While there are other acceptable forms of payment in the printer/copier industry, such as credit cards and personal financing, they will not be universal to all print providers or vendors.  

Therefore, informing yourself of the two most common forms of payment in the office equipment sector is crucial to determining how you’re going to pay for your next machine. 

64 Common Printing Terms Defined  

Submitted by Joel Metzler on

Pop quiz: What does ppm mean? What’s a printer’s duty cycle? Can you tell the difference between A3 and A4 paper?

If you can answer even one of those questions, you’re already ahead of many when it comes to basic printer knowledge.

Understanding printer terms is helpful, especially when you’re on the hunt for a new machine. You could easily fill a textbook with all the printer jargon out there, and knowing terms like these will make your search smoother.

As a locally managed print vendor for nearly 40 years, we’ve encountered countless confused customers. It’s clear that a “Printing Encyclopedia" is needed!

Getting familiar with basic terms during your research will make you more knowledgeable and prepared to tackle questions about what you need

5 Best Practices for Color Printing

Submitted by Mary Shamburger on

Color printing can be essential for business materials, from marketing flyers to detailed reports. We all want our color prints to look sharp. But achieving vibrant, professional color prints without overspending on ink or toner requires more than just hitting "print." You need to consider factors like color combinations and printer paper options to use. 

Even when you perform a color printing test before scheduling a large print job, you are still wasting money on ink or toner—and those dollars really add up if your company prints significant amounts of marketing material.

What Are Escalations in Printer Contracts?

Submitted by Keith Metzler on

You’ve just signed a contract to lease a new printer at your office. Everything seems straightforward until you notice a clause about "escalations." What are escalations in printer contracts, and how do they affect you? If you’re scratching your head over this, you're not alone. Many business owners and office managers find this aspect of their contracts confusing.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we know that the world of printer contracts can get complex. With over 35 years of experience assisting businesses with their printing needs, we've seen it all. We understand the nuances of printer contracts and the importance of clear, transparent agreements. That’s why we want to provide information that educates consumers and empowers them.  

In this article, we’ll explain escalations in printer contracts, how they work, their benefits, and what happens if you prefer not to have them in your contract.

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