Copier market in India

The Copier market in India, basically divided into two segments – Analogue and Digital, is growing at a fast pace. In use since its inception in 1951, the copying machines have undergone drastic changes in layout as well as technology. The market with a volume of around 150,000,0,000 has been showing a growth rate of more than 100 percent since 2003. The present day market is highlighted by an overwhelming presence of MFDs (Multi Functional Devices) which have started grabbing a lion’s share in the traditional analogue territory. Instead of going for individual devices for the varied purposes of printing, scanning and copying, individuals and business houses are rather opting for MFDs providing all the above in a single machine with the added facility of even faxing. Despite all this and the relatively low costs projected by these machines the analogue devices are still very popular and giving stiff competition to the new age innovations. It will still take a couple of years for these advanced devices to capture the major share in the digital copying industry.

Color copiers, the most landmark change in copying technology, became available in 1968 with the use of Color In Color brought out by 3M and are very much in use today with some big companies in the copying segment providing high quality laser technology copiers. Talking about the black & white and color photocopy machines, the market has high volume, medium volume and low volume copiers depending on the need and requirements of the individual or organization. However, most of the color copiers or MFDs require huge investments and thus not feasible for every organization or individual. Used copiers provide an answer for this. The market has many options for the consumer and all kinds of used copiers are available at reasonably lower prices. The market also offers copier supplies in varied ranges and quality depending on the requirement. Everything from copier cartridges, copier lubes to copier drums are easily available in the market. From high end supplies to reasonable products, everything is now available under one roof. Copier supplies like toner, which is the most essential element in the device, is also easily available in the market.

Few things that should be kept in mind before going for a photocopier are the purpose and cost criteria. A host of companies are now present in the market equipped with the latest in digital copying technology and far more competitive prices than it was two years before.