Usherwood Blog | Usherwood Office Technology

3 Common Copier Issues Businesses Run Into

Written by Darrian Breedlove, Content Writer | Mar 30, 2022 4:00:00 AM

Copiers are some of the most widely used office equipment today. They're essential in producing copies of important documents and materials. However, copiers can also cause frustration when they start to malfunction.  

It can lead to a significant stall in your business's operations, causing delays detrimental to your progress. If you're experiencing copier issues in your workplace, don't fret. Usherwood is experienced in printers, copiers, and their common malfunctions. Today we'll discuss the common copier issues businesses run into. 

 

Top Copier Issues You Might Experience 

Devices and machinery are expected to run into errors and malfunctions at times. No piece of equipment is perfect. However, it can be frustrating to experience unexpected delays when trying to maintain productivity in the workplace. Here are our top three copier issues we see clients frequently running into and how to fix them: 

 

Paper Jams  

Paper jams are an irritating experience for any business. When it happens, it disrupts the office's workflow and can cause a massive delay in your operations. The cause of paper jams may vary from one situation to another. However, there are still ways you can prevent it.  

One way is to ensure that you load paper into your copier the right way. Another is regularly cleaning your machine, especially the rollers, to prevent dust and other debris from accumulating. If you're already experiencing a paper jam, don't try to yank the paper out of your copier. Instead, turn off your copier and carefully remove the paper. 

 

Poor Image Quality 

Poor image quality is another common copier issue that businesses often deal with. Many factors, including a faulty toner cartridge, a glitch in the software, or a dirty scanner, can cause it. To fix this issue, try removing the toner cartridge from your copier and shaking it gently.  

Doing so can break apart any toner clumps that may prevent it from evenly distributing the toner. If that doesn't work, try replacing the toner cartridge altogether. Also, if your copier has a scanner leaving streaks, it might need cleaning. 

 

Error Messages 

Error messages are another standard problem you may encounter when using your copier. If you see an error message on your machine, don't worry too much about it. The error message is your copier's way of telling you that something is wrong, and you can quickly fix it by following the instructions that come with the message. It could be something as simple as replacing the toner cartridge, cleaning the scanner glass, or powering down and up the copier machine. 

 

Having Good Copier Hygiene 

Copier issues can happen anytime, and they can halt your business operations. However, most problems that copiers experience are easily preventable and fixable. If you want to avoid copier problems, ensure you're using and maintaining your machine correctly. Clean your copier frequently, load your paper correctly, and carefully handle your device.  

If you've already encountered some copier issues, apply the tips mentioned above, and you should be ready. Ultimately, by learning how to fix common copier issues, you can avoid downtime and ensure your business operations run smoothly. However, if you are still frequently experiencing copier issues, it may be time to upgrade your equipment. For more information on when you should be looking to switch out your printers or copiers, take a look at our "Best Time For a Business to Purchase a Printer" article, or contact a managed service provider like Usherwood to see if there are quality solutions to your print and equipment troubles.