For businesses that require high-quality, versatile office printing, an A3 laser printer is often essential. Whether you’re producing marketing collateral, architectural plans, or internal reports, leasing or hiring an A3 printer offers flexibility, cost control and access to the latest technology – without the burden of ownership.
This guide explores how to hire or lease an A3 laser printer, what to consider and how to choose the right solution for your business.
Hiring vs. Leasing: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Hiring | Leasing |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Short-term (days to months) | Long-term (1–5 years) |
| Flexibility | High – ideal for temporary needs | Moderate – fixed contract terms |
| Ownership | No | No (but purchase option may exist) |
| Cost Structure | Higher per week | Lower monthly payments |
| Upgrade Options | Limited | Often included mid-contract |
Hiring is ideal for short-term projects or seasonal demand, while leasing suits businesses with consistent print needs and a desire to spread costs.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting an A3 laser printer, consider the following:
1. Print Speed & Volume
- Small offices: 20–30 ppm (pages per minute)
- Medium-sized teams: 40–60 ppm
- High-volume environments: 70+ ppm
Choose a device that matches your monthly output to avoid bottlenecks or overpaying for unused capacity.
2. Colour vs. Monochrome
- Monochrome: Lower cost, ideal for internal documents
- Colour: Higher cost, essential for marketing and client-facing materials
Colour toner is more expensive, so assess whether full-colour output is truly necessary.
3. Connectivity & Integration
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet for network printing
- USB ports for direct document access
- Cloud integration for remote workflows
Ensure compatibility with your existing systems and security protocols.
4. Size & Placement
- Desktop models for small teams
- Floor-standing units for high-volume use
Measure your available space and consider noise levels and accessibility.
Sustainability & Cost Efficiency
Leasing or hiring supports sustainability goals by:
- Reducing e-waste: Providers refurbish and reuse devices
- Improving energy efficiency: Access to newer, eco-friendly models
- Optimising usage: Managed print services help reduce unnecessary printing
This aligns well with businesses focused on environmental responsibility and cost control.
What’s Typically Included?
Most providers offer all-inclusive packages that cover:
- Toner and consumables
- Maintenance and repairs
- Installation and training
- Usage monitoring and reporting
However, check for exclusions like paper, delivery fees, or excess print charges.
Who Should Hire or Lease?
- Startups: Avoid capital expenditure while scaling
- SMEs: Benefit from predictable monthly costs
- Project-based teams: Hire for short-term needs
- Large enterprises: Centralise print management across departments
Leasing is particularly useful for organisations undergoing digital transformation or expanding operations.
Making the Right Choice
Hiring or leasing an A3 laser printer offers a practical, scalable solution for businesses that need professional-grade printing without the financial commitment of ownership. Whether you’re looking for short-term flexibility or long-term reliability, the key is to choose a provider that understands your needs and offers transparent, tailored packages.