Office110's Findings: Understanding Fixed Costs of Multifunction Printers

Discovering the Hidden Costs of Multifunction Printers

In a recent study conducted by OFFICE110, a service offered by Beltechnos Co., it was found that a significant 44.3% of inquiries regarding multifunction printers (MFPs) involved discussions about basic fees. This analysis, which covers inquiries accumulated between December 7, 2022, and July 11, 2025, sheds light on a crucial aspect that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overlook when considering the adoption of these machines: the recurring fixed costs associated with them.

Analyzing the Study

MFP inquiries often emphasize printing costs—both monochrome and color—when obtaining quotes. However, this study indicates that the fixed costs related to maintenance, such as basic fees and minimum usage charges, tend to be inadequately understood. The primary objective of this research was to visualize the cost structures that SMEs frequently miss during the decision-making process for MFP acquisition.

Key Findings

Finding 1: Concerns Related to Basic Fees

The analysis discovered 47 inquiries concerning basic fees for MFPs, representing a notable 44.3% of the total inquiries. This statistic highlights the importance SMEs place not only on printing costs but also on ongoing fixed expenses that recur monthly, which require careful examination before making a decision.

Finding 2: Understanding Fee Details

Upon categorizing the inquiries, it became evident that many were focused on understanding what was included in the monthly fee rather than simply differentiating between high and low costs. Specific topics of concern included:

1. What type of maintenance is covered?
2. Do fixed fees apply even during months of low usage?
3. Are there additional charges beyond the basic fee?
4. What is the difference between basic fees and minimum usage fees?

These highlighted points show a need for clarity, as many SMEs are unaware of the implications of their choices.

Finding 3: Correlation Between Printing Volume and Fixed Cost Anxiety

The inquiry records revealed a trend: companies that print fewer pages show more apprehension regarding fixed costs. A lack of thorough verification of the conditions surrounding basic fees and minimum utilization charges can lead to discrepancies between initial impressions from estimates and the actual monthly bills. It is essential to analyze not only unit costs but also to break down the basic fees, minimum usage charges, maintenance scope, and how months of non-use are handled when comparing costs.

Expert Commentary

According to Kazuhiro Chijinami, Sales Manager at Beltechnos Co., multifunction printers cannot be evaluated solely based on the cost of the printer itself or printing rates. In practice, many inquiries focus on the total monthly cost, including the basic and minimum fees, maintenance scope, and counter rates. This study has brought to light that decision-makers in SMEs prioritize the understanding of cost structures over pricing alone. The firm intends to continue providing easily digestible information about fee structures so users can make informed comparisons.

For more detailed graphs and explanations of this study, check out the full report here.

Company Overview and Contact Information

Beltechnos Co., Ltd.

- Service Name: OFFICE110
- Representative: Daisuke Nakajima
- Location: 3-11-3 Yakuin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan, 6F TS Building
- Business: Sales of office automation equipment (business phones, multifunction printers, corporate mobile phones, cloud PBX, etc.), installation, maintenance, and media management.

For press inquiries regarding this release: