--- title: The Life of a Printer description: Learn about the lifecycle of an office printer and how to maximize a Managed Print partnership. image: https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Setup.png --- [![Gordon Flesch Logo](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Logos/GFC-2021-Logo_Blue.svg) ](https://www.gflesch.com/) **Number 1 Canon®** Independent Dealer in the U.S. **Number 1 Lexmark™** Independent Dealer in the U.S. [CLIENT PORTAL](https://einfo.gflesch.com/einfo/Gateway/Login)  |  [LOCATIONS](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us#locations)  |  [EVENTS](https://www.gflesch.com/events)  |  [CONTACT ](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us) |  [CAREERS](https://www.gflesch.com/careers) [![FREE ASSESSMENT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2259185/d975359c-4073-49ee-9a07-aea2dabf5a9f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2259185/d975359c-4073-49ee-9a07-aea2dabf5a9f) Search gflesch.com Open Menu #### [Hardware](https://www.gflesch.com/hardware) #### [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/managed-print-services) [![ImageCARE](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/GFC/Website/Logos/ImageCARE_logo.svg "ImageCARE")](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/what-is-imagecare) #### [Managed Voice Services](https://www.elevityit.com/managed-voice-services) #### [Managed IT](https://www.elevityit.com/) [![Elevity](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elevity/Elevity-Logo_No-Tag.png?width=165&height=61&name=Elevity-Logo_No-Tag.png "Elevity")](https://www.elevityit.com/) #### [Who We Serve](https://www.gflesch.com/who-we-serve) #### [The GFC Difference](https://www.gflesch.com/the-gfc-difference) ![GFC team after bike 4k](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Page-Images/Careers/13937955_732396103564956_2200806867025572720_o_600x400Web.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=13937955_732396103564956_2200806867025572720_o_600x400Web.jpg "GFC team after bike 4k") Explore opportunities to join one of the country’s largest independent business technology providers! [CURRENT POSITIONS](https://www.gflesch.com/current-positions)[BENEFITS](https://www.gflesch.com/careers#benefits) #### [Resources](https://www.gflesch.com/resource-library) ![support_icon](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2020_website/icons/support_icon.svg "support_icon") #### Technical Support Quick Help [SERVICE CALL](https://einfo.gflesch.com/einfo/Gateway/Login?ReturnUrl=%2feinfo) ![ImageCARE_logo](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2020_website/logos/ImageCARE_logo.svg "ImageCARE_logo") #### [Managed Print Blog](https://www.gflesch.com/blog) #### [Customer Support](https://www.gflesch.com/customer-support) ![phone_icon](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2020_website/icons/phone_icon.svg "phone_icon") #### [Contact Us](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us) Toll Free: 800.333.5905 Corporate Headquarters: 2675 Research Park Drive Madison, WI 53711 [![GFC Logo](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2020_website/logos/GFC_badge.svg) ](https://www.gflesch.com/) ** ** ** #### [Hardware](https://www.gflesch.com/hardware) #### [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/managed-print-services) [![ImageCARE](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/GFC/Website/Logos/ImageCARE_logo.svg "ImageCARE")](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/what-is-imagecare) #### [Managed Voice Services](https://www.elevityit.com/managed-voice-services) #### [Managed IT](https://www.elevityit.com/) [![Elevity](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elevity/Elevity-Logo_No-Tag.png?width=165&height=61&name=Elevity-Logo_No-Tag.png "Elevity")](https://www.elevityit.com/) #### [Who We Serve](https://www.gflesch.com/who-we-serve) #### [The GFC Difference](https://www.gflesch.com/the-gfc-difference) ![GFC team after bike 4k](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Page-Images/Careers/13937955_732396103564956_2200806867025572720_o_600x400Web.jpg "GFC team after bike 4k") Explore opportunities to join one of the country’s largest independent business technology providers! [CURRENT POSITIONS](https://www.gflesch.com/current-positions)     [BENEFITS](https://www.gflesch.com/careers#benefits) #### [Resources](https://www.gflesch.com/resource-library) ![support_icon](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2020_website/icons/support_icon.svg "support_icon") #### Technical Support Quick Help [SERVICE CALL](https://einfo.gflesch.com/einfo/Gateway/Login?ReturnUrl=%2feinfo) ![ImageCARE_logo](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2020_website/logos/ImageCARE_logo.svg "ImageCARE_logo") #### [Managed Print Blog](https://www.gflesch.com/blog) #### [Customer Support](https://www.gflesch.com/customer-support) ![phone_icon](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2020_website/icons/phone_icon.svg "phone_icon") #### [Contact Us](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us) Toll Free: 800.333.5905 Corporate Headquarters: 2675 Research Park Drive Madison, WI 53711 Search [![GFC_LogoTag_800x170_White](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Logos/GFC-2021-Logo_White.svg)](https://www.gflesch.com/) [LOCATIONS](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us#locations) [CAREERS](https://www.gflesch.com/careers) [Business Equipment](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/business-equipment) | 3 min Read # The Life of a Printer [![Kirk Hoeppel avatar](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kirk%20Hoeppel.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=Kirk%20Hoeppel.jpg) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/author/kirk-hoeppel) [Kirk Hoeppel](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/author/kirk-hoeppel) 11/07/2024 ![installing a multi-function printer](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Setup.png) [**Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last) [**LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last) [**Email ](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20great%20blog%20post%20from%20Gordon%20Flesch%20Company,%20INC.&body=Check%20out:%20https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last) You’ve signed a contract for a new multi-function printer fleet with Gordon Flesch Company (GFC). Congrats on making an awesome decision to address business technology gaps and leverage opportunities for improvement. Through the use of data from your current print fleet, your GFC Team has analyzed your print usage and recommended multi-function printers suited for your office environment. GFC works with several award-winning multi-function printing device manufacturers, including [Canon](https://www.gflesch.com/news/gordon-flesch-company-honored-as-the-largest-independent-canon-dealership-for-ten-years-running), [Lexmark](https://www.gflesch.com/news/gordon-flesch-company-recognized-as-the-largest-independent-lexmark-dealer-for-2023) and [Ricoh](https://www.gflesch.com/news/gordon-flesch-company-receives-multiple-awards-from-ricoh). By leveraging our partnerships with these manufacturers, you’ll be carving a path of productivity and cost-effectiveness for your business. Well done!  --- **RELATED:** [Workhorse Office Printers](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/workhorse-office-printers-canon-and-ricoh)  --- When you contract with GFC for multi-function printers and [managed print services](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/managed-print-business-advantages) – rest assured that we are here to help with resources for the full lifecycle of your printer. What might this look like? Here’s an overview: - [Behind the Scenes Configurations](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last#Behind1) - [Meet Your New Printer ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last#Meet2) - [Partnering With Your Printer for Greater Productivity ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last#Partnering3) - [Maintenance and Service Needs ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last#Maintenance4) - [End-of-Life Security Measures and Recycling Programs ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-long-should-a-printer-last#End5) Founded in 1956, GFC has grown steadily and responsibly for more than 68 years. As one of the [largest independent companies in the office technology industry](https://www.gflesch.com/the-gfc-difference#our-history), you can count on our organizational and financial stability, as your technology will be supported and serviced by the industry’s most reliable partner. ## Behind the Scenes Configurations Your printer’s journey starts when it arrives at GFC and meets the Shop Setup Team. This Team works behind-the-scenes to unpack, set up and configure equipment to the specifications noted in your contract. This also includes installing machine accessories and any additional software (such as [uniFLOW or PaperCut](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/comparing-papercut-vs.-uniflow-print-management-software)). In addition, before the equipment is sent out for delivery, this Team will check to make sure the latest version of [firmware](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-to-update-printer-firmware) is installed and the default password is changed. ## Meet Your New Printer Your installation plan will include notes for your delivery driver. Notes may include things such as which door or loading dock the delivery will be expected and any additional doors, elevators or stairs that the delivery driver will need to navigate with the equipment. A Digital Support Specialist (DSS) will be on hand to connect the printer to your network, install firmware management options (as requested) and test to make sure everything is working within your specified parameters. After installation and testing, a Client Support Specialist (CSS) will be available to conduct training sessions with your staff. General printer use or training for customized end user workflows, your CSS will be on-site to answer all of your questions. Training is also available via video meeting, upon request. We’re here to help your new printer blend seamlessly into your organization’s culture. ## Partnering With Your Printer for Greater Productivity Once your new printer is up and running, your GFC Team is only a phone call, email or chat message away in case any questions come up. In addition, your GFC Client Portal will give your admin the power to view printer usage statistics in real time. Using the handy dashboard, you’ll even see the toner levels for each of your GFC printers and have the convenient option to order replacement toner or request service on a machine, with the “click” of a button. In addition, your GFC Account Executive will be in contact regularly to help analyze your printer fleet dashboard data using [imageCARE Business Reviews](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/what-is-imagecare). Clients have found these reviews to be especially helpful to identify areas that need to be adjusted as their organization grows and changes. ## Maintenance and Service Needs In the event that your printer needs maintenance or service, you have a variety of ways to contact GFC. As mentioned above, the GFC Client Portal can be used to request service on a machine. You can also place service calls through the myGFC app attached to your mobile device. Another method is to look on the front of the machine and locate the GFC sticker. This sticker features your machine ID number as well as contact information to request service or supplies. We’re here for you, with a variety of communication methods available to make managing your printer fleet, the easy part of your workday. ## End-of-Life Security Measures and Recycling Programs Office printers are typically efficient for three to five years. Afterwards, businesses often decide to replace them, due to increased wear-and-tear and potential equipment breakdowns. However, if a printer is not used in a heavy-duty fashion, businesses sometimes decide to buy out their [lease](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/office-printer-leasing-ultimate-guide) and keep their machine a little longer. But, when it’s time to say goodbye to your printer, rest assured that GFC will have print security procedures in place to safeguard your data. These end-of-life printer measures include resetting the machine to factory defaults and performing a [hard drive overwrite](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-to-erase-your-printers-hard-drive) designed to destroy any saved data. Upon request, GFC will even provide a certification of completion. Oftentimes, cybersecurity insurers will ask for this certificate to ensure that proper procedures have been completed. In addition, GFC is committed to recycling or refurbishing used equipment as well as promoting reduced equipment energy use and recycling waste products. GFC is your partner for more sustainable Managed Print solutions. We also strive to keep [printer ink & toner cartridges out of landfills](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/recycling-used-toner-ink-cartridges-made-easy) by encouraging the use of manufacturer-specific recycling programs. ## Need a Print Fleet Review? As your printer’s lifespan comes to a close, know that Gordon Flesch Company is here to help. [Contact us](https://www.gflesch.com/business-technology-needs-assessment) for a fresh perspective and a free assessment of your print fleet. We’ll show you how to improve your workflows and efficiencies with printers, software, security features and service designed to fit the evolution of your organization.  [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2259185/b0c19d76-75ba-43e4-ba1a-2fb45918c3e3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2259185/b0c19d76-75ba-43e4-ba1a-2fb45918c3e3) ## You may also like these posts about: **Business Equipment** [![person writing and reviewing a printed contract](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2026-Blog-Header_The%20Difference%20Between%20Office%20Equipment%20and%20Leasing.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/office-equipment-rental-leasing) [Financing/Leasing](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/financing-leasing) ### [The Difference Between Office Equipment Rental and Leasing](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/office-equipment-rental-leasing) 07/02/2026 | 4 min Read [![Woman in office pointing at a screen showing a neural AI network](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2026-Blog-Header_The%20Role%20of%20AI%20in%20Modern%20Office%20Technology%20Planning.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/ai-modern-office-technology-planning) [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/managed-print) ### [The Role of AI in Modern Office Technology Planning](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/ai-modern-office-technology-planning) 03/05/2026 | 4 min Read [![Man at desk in busy workplace](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2026-Blog-Header_How%20Your%20Office%20Technology%20Strategy%20Impacts%20Workforce%20Performance.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/office-technology-strategy-workforce-performance) [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/managed-print) ### [How Your Office Technology Strategy Impacts Workforce Performance](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/office-technology-strategy-workforce-performance) 02/24/2026 | 4 min Read [← How to Choose the Right Interactive Display](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/interactive-display-selection) [** ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog) [How to Know When It’s Time to Invest in a Large Format Printer →](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/large-format-printing) [![GFC-2021-Logo_White](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Logos/GFC-2021-Logo_White.svg "GFC-2021-Logo_White")](https://www.gflesch.com/) 2675 Research Park Drive Madison, WI 53711 800.333.5905 [CLIENT TOOLS](https://www.gflesch.com/customer-support) © 2023 Gordon Flesch Company. All Rights Reserved. [Security Policy](https://www.gflesch.com/security-policy) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.gflesch.com/terms-and-conditions)