LCD Projectors: To Buy or To Rent?

Which Option is the Best One for Your Business?

If you’re considering purchasing an expensive LCD projector for your business, there are a few points to consider first:

1. Frequency of use.
2. Storage.
3. Maintenance.
4. Portability.
5. Depreciation.
6. Cost per use.

First, ascertain how often a projector will get used. Keep in mind this is likely NOT an item that you will use more often just because you have it handy. Consider what kind of events you typically need a projector for — annual meetings, conventions, trade shows, employee training, etc. If you plan to use a projector six times per year or less (approximately once every other month), it does NOT pay to purchase a projector — you would be far better off renting a projector when you need one.

Next, consider where and how you will store the projector. A case or protective cover is essential to protect the machine from dust, and ideally, a projector should be stored in a location where it will not be bumped or otherwise disturbed. However, storing your projector too far out of reach will certainly diminish its likelihood of getting utilized.

Projectors require maintenance, so if you don’t already have a staff member who can handle this task, you’ll want to purchase an extended warranty or a maintenance contract. Remember to include this when calculating your cost-benefit analysis.

Where will you use your projector? If you don’t have a standard conference room (or if you typically go offsite when you use a projector, e.g., at conventions or trade shows) you will need a durable, highly protective carrying case. Remember that this will be bulky and somewhat difficult to transport.

The cost of depreciation is a factor to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a projector to keep in-house. Check with your accounting department for specifics on how this will affect your bottom line.

Taking all this into consideration, you should be able to calculate the cost per use. If your calculated cost per use for purchase, depreciation, maintenance, storage, and transport is less than $100, it simply makes sense to rent a projector when you need it instead of housing and caring for your own projector.

There’s no need to purchase, store and lug around a company projector if it’s only used a few times a year. Save time, money and incur less risk and responsibility by contactingProjector123.com whenever you need a projector rental. Rates start as low as just $99 — contact us today.