Advantage Business Systems, Xerox Northeast

What happens if I don't return the copier?

The consequences of keeping a copier past lease maturity: continued billing, forced buyout at full value, collections and credit reporting.

What's actually going on

At maturity, the leasing company expects either the equipment back or a payment. Keeping the machine without agreeing to a buyout means the contract keeps running.

Unreturned equipment is usually billed at the stated fair market or full replacement value, which is higher than the buyout you could have negotiated.

What to do in the next 48 hours

  1. 1If maturity has passed, call the leasing company today and ask what is owed to close the account.
  2. 2Ask specifically whether they will accept the equipment back now and what the return authorization process is.
  3. 3Get any settlement figure in writing before paying anything.
  4. 4Record the final meter and photograph the machine so the closing invoice can be verified.

The honest tradeoffs

  • Keeping a machine you never intended to buy is the most expensive way to own a copier, because you pay lease payments and then a full-value purchase.
  • Paying a negotiated buyout now is nearly always cheaper than letting the account go to collections, where it can be reported against the business's credit.

Your next step

Rather just talk it through with someone local?

203-777-0011Or request service

Questions people ask next

What happens if I keep a leased copier after the lease ends?
Billing usually continues, and the leasing company can invoice the equipment at fair market or full replacement value. Unpaid balances can go to collections and be reported against the business's credit.
Can I still return a copier after the lease has matured?
Often yes. Call the leasing company, request a return authorization and ask for the amount required to close the account. Get both in writing before shipping anything.

More on a lease that's ending

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