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4 minute read
When a business in Bakersfield or anywhere across Kern County begins evaluating new office technology, one question always rises to the surface. Should you lease or buy your next copier or multifunction printer? It is a decision that affects workflows, budgets, and long-term planning. Choosing the right option matters even more as we head into 2026, a year when many local organizations are preparing for growth, new digital processes, and stronger security expectations.
There is no universal choice that fits every business, but understanding the differences helps you make a confident decision. This guide breaks down the advantages of each option, explains how local service plays a role, and shows what Kern County teams typically prioritize when upgrading their office technology.
Why Many Kern County Businesses Choose Leasing
Leasing remains the most common path for organizations across Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Shafter, Tehachapi, and the surrounding communities. The pattern is clear. Companies want flexibility, predictable costs, and the ability to upgrade their technology on a routine schedule. A lease gives them that structure without requiring a large upfront investment.
Predictable Monthly Costs
Most businesses in the Central Valley operate with careful financial oversight. Leasing turns a major capital purchase into a simple monthly operating expense. Instead of spending thousands of dollars at once, companies pay a consistent amount over the term of the agreement. This makes budgeting easier and provides clarity when planning for future expenses. Predictability is especially important for small businesses, school districts, and nonprofits that rely on fixed annual budgets.
Easy Upgrades as Your Business Expands
Growth brings change. More employees leads to higher print volumes, new departments require different workflows, and expanding operations often call for advanced security or finishing capabilities. This is where leasing becomes valuable. At the end of the lease term, you can upgrade to a newer model that fits your evolving needs. You are never locked into outdated equipment, and you avoid the stress of reselling older devices on your own. For fast-growing Bakersfield businesses, this flexibility matters.
Less Maintenance Stress and Fewer Unexpected Costs
Most leases pair naturally with a service contract. This covers maintenance, repairs, parts, toner deliveries, and on-site support. When something breaks, you are not stuck with an unexpected bill. Instead, a technician arrives to diagnose and repair the device. This structure is ideal for organizations that cannot afford downtime, especially in industries like healthcare, education, government, legal, and accounting. These businesses depend on reliable equipment every day, and leasing ensures consistent support.
Better for Rapidly Changing Technology
Office technology advances faster than many realize. Modern devices offer stronger security protections, higher resolutions, better energy efficiency, and smarter workflow automation. Leasing helps businesses stay current with these advancements. Instead of owning a device that slowly becomes outdated, a lease gives you the option to refresh your equipment on a predictable cycle. In a county where competition grows each year, staying up to date can give businesses a noticeable advantage.
Why Some Bakersfield Businesses Still Choose to Buy
While leasing is popular, purchasing equipment outright still makes sense for certain organizations. Some businesses prefer complete ownership, while others prioritize long-term savings. Buying can be the right choice when print volumes are low or when a device is expected to serve the same function for many years.
Full Ownership Without Recurring Payments
Purchasing a copier gives you total ownership. There are no monthly lease payments and no restrictions around upgrades or returns. Once the device is yours, you decide how long it stays in service. For companies that prefer buying assets instead of financing them, this approach fits well into their operational structure.
Ideal for Low Print Volumes
If your team prints a limited amount each month, your needs may not change significantly over time. In these cases, a purchased device can last many years when paired with a maintenance agreement that extends the life of the machine. Small offices, professional service firms, and administrative departments often fall into this category.
Long-Term Cost Savings Over the Device’s Life
Buying can be more economical over the long run. After the initial purchase, the only continuing expense is maintenance. A high-quality device can last seven to ten years when cared for properly. For organizations with predictable workflows, ownership can reduce total costs over the lifespan of the equipment.
Best for Stable Workflows That Do Not Require Frequent Upgrades
If your workflow has not changed much over the last five years and will not significantly change in the next five, purchasing may be the better option. Some industries operate with consistent volume levels and do not need advanced finishing, automation, or security features. Ownership fits well in these predictable environments.
How Local Service Impacts Your Decision
Cost and ownership are important factors, but in Kern County, service response times often matter even more. A copier is a central part of daily operations. When it stops working, entire departments come to a halt. HR cannot print onboarding packets. Accounting cannot send out statements. Schools cannot produce classroom materials. In healthcare settings, delays can affect time-sensitive patient information.
Because so many local organizations depend on reliable uptime, the availability of fast, local service often influences whether they choose leasing or buying.
The Advantage of Local Technicians
When your office is located in Bakersfield, Porterville, Delano, Wasco, or any of the surrounding communities, you need service technicians who can respond quickly. Many businesses have learned that buying from vendors outside the region leads to long wait times and higher downtime. Local support minimizes these disruptions.
Service Contracts Provide Consistency and Peace of Mind
Most leased devices automatically include a service structure that covers maintenance, repairs, toner shipments, and parts. This creates a clearer experience and reduces stress for staff members. Purchased copiers can also be placed under a service contract, but the cost and coverage vary based on the age of the device and the package selected.
Why Our Local Presence Matters
American Business Machines has multiple offices across Central and Southern California. This structure allows businesses throughout Kern County to receive faster response times compared to out-of-area vendors. When a device goes down, a local technician is dispatched promptly to diagnose and resolve the issue. This local approach has been a deciding factor for many organizations who rely on consistent up-time.
Which Option Makes the Most Sense for 2026?
The best choice depends on your goals, your budget, and the pace of your growth.
Choose leasing if you want
- predictable monthly expenses
- easy upgrades every few years
- lower upfront costs
- built-in support and maintenance
- access to newer technology
Choose buying if you want
- long-term ownership
- no recurring lease payments
- stability with low print volumes
- a lower lifetime cost for equipment
For most growing businesses in Bakersfield and Kern County, leasing offers the ideal combination of flexibility, support, and financial predictability. However, purchasing
remains a strong option for organizations with steady workflows and low printing demands.
Choosing between leasing and buying is easier when you evaluate your print environment, your workflow, and your growth plans. American Business Machines can help you compare both paths and determine the most efficient setup for your organization in 2026.
