Tagged With "Close More Copier Sales"
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Re: COVID19 "Remote Working" Day Eighteen of Sales
People always like getting free stuff. Two promo ideas 1). Offer 1-5 free color banner prints to your clients and prospects.. Many copiers can now print banners up to 12"W by 48" L . This feature is often not promoted. It costs you almost nothing but the customer might perceive as having value. It could be "Open for Business", "Happy Birthday," "Grand Re-Opening", whatever. The customer can dictate the content. You can add a little logo in the corner of the banner "supplied by ABC Copier...
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Re: COVID19 "Remote Working" Day Eighteen of Sales
I like the second offer, yes people always like free
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Re: Post-Virus We Must Defeat The Zombie Companies!
Although I am 60% on board with your move to A4 strategy, most of the rest of the stuff you are posting is "knocking it out of the park"! I would like to see a poll. As a business owner, during COVID-19 would you prefer? 1). No lease payments for 90 days 2). 1/2 price lease payments for one year The auto industry is pushing no payments for 90 days but I think business owners are more concerned about cash flow for the next year. I think the correct strategy is to offer as part of your...
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Re: Post-Virus We Must Defeat The Zombie Companies!
We generally do not build in prepaid copy/ print blocks into our leases. We do give away free copy prints up front but only intended as a short term bonus. We do normally charge a $25.00 minimum monthly maintenance fee but have waived that until the economy rebuilds momentum. I am in Canada, lease vendors are currently offering 90 day payment deferrals added back on at the end of term for those customers who request them. Leases expire every month and customers are happy with the equipment...
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Re: 7 Deadly Topics from 7 Deadly Sinners at Top 100 Summit (Part One)
Is it just me, or does West McDonald look like Wolverine? I watched the Seat-Based Billing video that was posted from the Top 100 Summit. Definitely some interesting points going back and forth. Print Audit has done a great job of persistently marketing seat-based pilling to the copier industry.
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Re: 7 Deadly Topics from 7 Deadly Sinners at Top 100 Summit (Part One)
I disagree that you have to own the network in order to offer seat-based billing. Before I go into why, can we (imaging industry) please stop referring to Managed Services as MNS? No one in the IT world uses this term; it's industry jargon that makes you stand out as a copier dealer 1st and an IT Services provider 2nd. Managed IT Services, Managed Services...fine. MNS needs to die. Now, here is why I disagree that you have to own the network as a client's Managed Services provider in order...
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Re: 7 Deadly Topics from 7 Deadly Sinners at Top 100 Summit (Part One)
Tx, awesome post! The conclusion for managed IT was at our own round table and not the general audience. One of the dealers in my group is heavily involved with managed IT, and thought it would be great offer. Yes, it was stated that MNS is only used by copier dealers and should be referenced to what you described. TY for the awesome reply!!
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Re: 7 Deadly Topics from 7 Deadly Sinners at Top 100 Summit (Part One)
Is it just me, it seems that the general rule of thumb for the copier industry to end users is "the take or leave approach". Meaning, come hell or high water we're not going to change the way we bill, the way we support, or the financial solutions that we offer. While I was at the Top 100 conference, a rep from Wells Fargo spoke about the billing options that they now have in their leases. One of the options was for seat billing for managed IT services. My thought is that if it's available...
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Re: 7 Deadly Topics from 7 Deadly Sinners at Top 100 Summit (Part One)
Originally Posted by txeagle24: I disagree that you have to own the network in order to offer seat-based billing. Before I go into why, can we (imaging industry) please stop referring to Managed Services as MNS? No one in the IT world uses this term; it's industry jargon that makes you stand out as a copier dealer 1st and an IT Services provider 2nd. Managed IT Services, Managed Services...fine. MNS needs to die. Now, here is why I disagree that you have to own the network as a client's...
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Re: 10 Ways to Close Net New Business #4 of #10
Just a short update in reference to the account I was speaking about. The IG came back with many additional questions today, asking if the cost per page could be lowered, the annual cost of the maintenance agreement, and the price of the system. I stated NO on all accounts. We had started with a 25ppm color A3 device and then moved to an A4 color device. They were not even happy with that price. In addition when they received all of the no's they asked about pre-owned or used. I then stated,...
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Re: When is Net New Business not Net New Business?
Interesting perspective. We constantly have the talks about competitive machines we took on service, especially brands we don't carry. I tend to consider is taking a Konica on service and then a year or two later upgrading it to our equipment net new business from the sales side. Obviously we had net new business on the service side but not net new for "x" with the equipment sale. I'd be interested to hear how others see this. I hear a lot of people say it doesn't matter but if I bring a...
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Re: When is Net New Business not Net New Business?
I was wondering if the subject of those customers who were acquired through service was going to come up, & Jason's comment is certainly "food for thought"... In his example, he brought on the service customer (with the obvious intention of upgrading them at the first opportunity) & the dealer gets a contract & machine sale that they otherwise wouldn't have. Sounds like net new to me. In my experience, though, most of these service to machine sale conversions are from customers...
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Re: When is Net New Business not Net New Business?
Jay, We typically go after about any machine other than a Xerox. If someone wants us to service their machine and its not a complete piece of junk we will take it on and will get parts and supplies from dealers etc. until we can upgrade to one of our lines; Savin, Canon, or Samsung. We expect our reps to go out and take service agreements and we pay them the first months billing. Most don't like to mess with 30.00 agreements but they add up and eventually you find a big one. We had a rep who...
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Re: Your Copier
Welcome back😀 https://www.p4photel.com/blog/...-the-copier-industry 6 Reasons Why Flat Rate aka One Rate Will Change the Copier Industry Art Post 36 minutes ago I remember when plain paper copiers used rolls of paper and not sheets. I remember when the glass on the copiers had to move back and forth. I remember when copiers used liquid ink (toner) to produce an image. I remember when you used a dial to set how many copies you wanted to make. Yup, it's been a pretty incredible journey to see...
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
More than a few copier/ printers are manufactured in Thailand and the Philippines due to low labor costs. I do not know but I think these products tend to be more low end A4 and printer products. I think most A3 product is made in China. I can only speak for Toshiba but I know the majority of North American toner is made in North Dakota. As I am from Canada, I am hoping with fingers crossed that this very likely US tariff war with China will not effect us.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
Do you agree that a new 25% tariff on copier/ printer products imported from China is a consumption tax on US businesses and consumers?
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
In a hint at what is to soon happen with tariffs on copiers/ printers from China headed to the USA, Harley Davidson Motorcycles announced today that it would shift some production headed for Europe to other global manufacturing facilities to avoid paying tariffs estimated at up to $2,200.00 per bike. It could take nine to 18 months to make this change. It also said that it would not increase prices to European dealers and would take a hit to profitability for the remainder of this year at...
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
I suspect that you are retired from the copier industry and do not have to earn commissions each month to support your family. As an active sales rep, I do not have the luxury of hoping that things will run their course when I have budgets and quotas to meet each month. The people who are going to be adversely effected will be US copier sales reps with a higher cost of goods.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
Nope...not retired and I do have to live from the commissions I earn from personal sales. I just don't believe that everything has to revolve around what is best for me. That being said, I am under the assumption that all copier manufacturers will be effected pretty much equally so I don't personally expect to be adversely effected.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
I am glad to hear that you are working in the copier industry so that I know that you have "skin in the game". There are very many players in the copier/ printer industry each with their own strengths/ weaknesses when faced with a trade war. Each player will have a different tolerance for how much money they want to loose to maintain market share. I definitely would not expect a uniform response. Multi line dealers will have more options to select from than single line dealers and brand...
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
as of July 6th, there is no tariff on copy machines. Just copier parts and accessories.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
The Trump Administration today announced plans for a new round of $200 Billion worth of tariffs against China. https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/10...ffs-trump/index.html Copy machines were on the original list but but were taken off leaving parts and consumables subject to a 10% tariff. It seems most suppliers have not taken actions to increase their prices. On the new list which could go in effect sometime after Aug 30th are: 8443.39.20 Electrostatic photocopying apparatus, operating by...
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
It seems the prospects of tariffs going away anytime soon are fading. Eventually the cost of most goods in the copier industry are going to increase because of President Trump. SSG I'm okay with this! This may help in the long run because more clients may opt for something off lease, or even release their existing devices. In both cases I'll probably make more than selling new. You keep calling it a TAX, it's not a tax it's a tariff. When I go to the store and pay for an item, a tariff is...
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
"Tariffs have a way of redirecting business" Tesla announced yesterday plans to build a new car factory in Shanghai, China in part to escape potential US tariffs on auto parts and battery supplies. https://www.nytimes.com/aponli...-as-china-tesla.html I can only guess that it would take years and much capital and energy to start or relocate a new copier factory outside of China. The Philippines is currently an important manufacturing hub for A4 printers and MFPs due to low labor costs. Most...
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Re: 57 Days of Selling Copiers "Day 4"
Thanks Art for sharing your 57 days. Gives a great prospective. I'm going to reach out to Copier Solutions about adding the locks to my arsenal.
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Re: Top Ten "Why Copiers Should Have Warning Labels"
Ty Jason! Had fun with this!! Ty for the email about your rep, that was very humorous sale!! Maybe post in on the forums?
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Re: Sales And Branding Must Get Married, And Larry Levine Is The Priest
What is a recovering copier rep?
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Re: Sales And Branding Must Get Married, And Larry Levine Is The Priest
Art, you will figure it out one of these days!
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Re: Sales And Branding Must Get Married, And Larry Levine Is The Priest
Do you mean former copier rep? The only way I can see myself as former is when I retire. Recovering almost sounds like selling copiers was a "bad thing"?
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Re: A Halloween Tale of an A3 Copier’s Death
What is even more scary is how your commission cheques will fall in $ value if you only sell A4 copiers. The copier/printer market is not getting any larger and if a commission sales rep focuses on selling lower $ value A4 boxes, they are going to have to make a lot more sales calls and sell a lot more boxes to earn the same money.
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Re: New Ricoh MP C501SP "A4 or A3 or a New Hybrid MFP?"
Is that copier the same as the Kyocera cs 356 ?
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Re: A Few Copier Vignettes from the Late Eighties & Nineties
Art, You and I are from similar professional backgrounds and times. We started in 1980 selling Sharp and Juki typewriters. Everything sold near MSRP. Then the fax boom came and we caught that wave perfectly. We sold Ricoh thermal faxes for full list ($2995.00). The only issue was cash flow; we sold them faster than we could order and purchase them. Copier Maintenance agreements went from .022 up to .035 and did not include drums, developer, toner, fuser rollers or lamps! Also, like your...
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Re: A Few Copier Vignettes from the Late Eighties & Nineties
Yup we have the same issues with cash flow. It was a great problem to have. The Hunt for Red October was a great book, even found the movie awesome too! Ty for the comment, we should connect for lunch one day
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Re: The A4 Challenge or Opportunity
In my experience A4 machines are as much or even more hassle than an A3 machine to install and train which I do myself for the customer but my income off of the sale of the A4 device is a fraction of what it would have been had I sold an A3. Beyond that most A4 machines lack a document feeder built to handle the page volumes of walk up copying and scanning my customers do. At the end of the day I have to make a living so I spend my time on A3 opportunities.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
I read past the "bill" description too fast. A bill is not law, it is, I think, just an expression of unanimous opinion by the Senate. Somewhere in the news this week, I read that Kyocera intends to increase production of A3 copiers in China by expanding a current factory. I am sure all copier manufacturers plan 10+ years into the foreseeable future and cannot worry about politicians who could come and go every four years.
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
The Trump Administration announced today what they call a second tranche of tariffs against goods manufactured in China subject to 25% effective Aug 23. I think the copier/ printer industry once again escaped a direct hit. "8443.99.40 Parts of photocopying apparatus of subheading 8443.39.20 specified in additional U.S. note 4 to this chapter"
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
President Trump announced today, effective Sept 24 2018, a 10% tariff on a broad list of $200 B worth of Chinese goods. https://ustr.gov/about-us/poli...inalizes-tariffs-200 On this final list are all forms of copy devices. No mention of printers. No mention of toner. Unless China makes serious trade concessions to the USA, without retaliatory tariffs of its own on USA made goods sold in China, the 10% tariff will rise to 25% on Jan 01 2019. These devices are on the final tariff list,...
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
SSG Thanx for keeping this thread up to date! Kudos The economy is doing so well here in the US that I don't think many will care. I will use this to my advantage to get clients to move now. Now, I hope they do care! Art
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Re: Copier Parts & Accessories China Tariff Starts in 9 Working Days
Yup, it's a pretty BIG Hammer! I heard a radio report that the US trade debt rose significantly in July. I'm thinking what you stated is that "many of the manufacturers have stuffed thier warehouses". That's probably why we haven't seen anything to date with increases.
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Re: Assume My Copier Lease....What?
@Kitz: Dealer support is also a great question. Currently we approach this on a case-by-case basis. New transfers would go to an affiliated partner in the geographical territory that is qualified to service that equipment. Ultimately, we are building a network of independent dealers not unlike what the direct channel already has access to. This way, independent dealers can leverage the network for new contracts as well, such as when a sale is made to a head office that includes installations...
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Re: MFP & Copier Stream of Payments Calculator
Hi Art Can you please :- "send me the Copier Stream of Payments Calculator", as I would very much like to have a copy. Many thanks
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Re: MFP & Copier Stream of Payments Calculator
Hi Art, please "send me the Copier Stream of Payments Calculator, thanks so much Larry
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Re: MFP & Copier Stream of Payments Calculator
Please send me the Copier Stream of Payments Calculator. Thanks!
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Re: MFP & Copier Stream of Payments Calculator
Please send me the Copier Stream of Payments Calculator.
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Re: MFP & Copier Stream of Payments Calculator
Please send me the Copier Stream of Payments Calculator.
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Re: MFP & Copier Stream of Payments Calculator
I would love to check out the copier lease stream of payments calculator. Thanks, Walter Thomas Branch Sales Manager Sharp Business Systems - Southern California
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Re: Is it Frowned Upon if you Join a Competitor?
If you were unsuccessful where you are, but are unhappy with the company or the product, then moving should not be a problem. But if you were successful, and happy, and only the money was the inducement to move, then I suggest you have a good chat to your current dealer/manager before jumping ship, as "the grass is never greener" in most case. And if that turns out to be the case, then you will very quickly become dissatisfied and move on once again which could easily become the descent into...
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Re: Copier Scams Part Deux "Dude Where's my Copier"?
Art, it's a part of the industry that I doubt you will get rid of. I would like to add my own "observation". I don't think that 99.9% of dealers do a good deal. If 99.9% was the case these instances would not even be noticed because they would be unheard of. I think the reality is that around 60-70% of dealers are OK. Another point is that the leasing companies do not give a damn about the state of the copier at the end of a lease. As long as the customer has made all the payments they're...
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Re: Copier Scams Part Deux "Dude Where's my Copier"?
I do a lot of "contract disassembling" and am very successful at it - It's kind of like a fun sport or hobby to me. US & UK contract law are almost exactly the same. That would be an unenforceable penalty in both UK & US. Here's a reference to "Penal Damages" on Wikipedia that refers to US law. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penal_damages Most of the people I know who work in the copier industry are of the belief that these clauses are legal and enforceable. That works to my advantage,...