Why we believe managed print subscriptions should be transparent

Subscriptions are everywhere in business today. From software and telecoms to equipment and ongoing services, paying a regular fee can make budgeting easier and give businesses access to support without large upfront costs.

But our view of subscriptions is changing. The Government is introducing new rules to tackle so-called “subscription traps”, with greater requirements around clear information, renewal reminders and making subscriptions easier to cancel. The new consumer protections are expected to come into force in spring 2027.

The reason behind these changes is simple: customers should understand what they are signing up for and shouldn't be left paying for something they no longer want or need. The Government estimates that almost 10 million unwanted subscriptions are currently active in the UK, with around £1.6 billion spent on them each year.

While these changes are aimed at consumer subscriptions, we think they are a good opportunity for businesses to rethink how they approach subscriptions too.

Managed Print should be different

Managed Print is a subscription-based service, but we don't believe it should be treated as simply another monthly payment.

A good Managed Print Service brings together your printers, servicing, toner, monitoring and support, helping make your print costs easier to manage and predict. Our service can work around a fixed cost per page, giving customers a clearer understanding of what they are paying for.

The important thing is that the customer understands the agreement. You should know what is included, how your costs are calculated and what service you can expect in return.

It should be based on what you actually need

We don't think businesses should be sold a standard print package just because it's available. Our Managed Print approach starts with understanding how your organisation actually prints.

We can audit your existing equipment, look at print volumes and identify where there may be unnecessary costs or opportunities to improve efficiency. From there, we can recommend a solution that is appropriate for your business rather than simply selling you more equipment or more services.

And importantly, your requirements can change. If your business grows, moves offices or starts printing less, your Managed Print Service should be reviewed to make sure it still makes sense.

We need to change how we think about subscriptions

The Government's changes are a useful reminder that a subscription should provide value, not simply create another recurring payment.

We think that's a principle that applies to Managed Print as well. The goal isn't to keep customers tied into something they don't need. It's to provide an ongoing service that continues to earn its place.

That means clear costs, useful reporting, reliable equipment, responsive support and regular conversations about whether the service is still right for you.

We've been supporting businesses, schools and organisations for more than 30 years, and we believe long-term relationships are built on being straightforward and honest.

We don't want customers to stay because they feel trapped in a subscription. We want them to stay because their Managed Print Service works, provides value and gives them a reason to stay.

Get in touch today and see how we can help.

hello@weaverbomfords.co.uk | 03456 123858