How is Utility Rentals’ 3D Printer package for schools different?

So you’re looking to acquire a 3D printer for your school; you’ve done the research and have found the perfect model, as well as a great price to buy it on the internet. Surely all that’s left to do is to place an order, right? … Well, no – there are a few things left to consider and we promise you won’t regret it!

With the price of desktop 3D printers becoming affordable for the first time, the market is flooded with companies selling 3D printers, with some even claiming they have the best option for schools. Unfortunately, some of these companies are only interested in selling 3D printers and have no interest in what happens once it’s been delivered. Some suppliers may offer installation of the printers, but this is usually very expensive and can soon dramatically increase a price that initially seemed like a good deal. Some suppliers may also provide the option of training for your new 3D printer, but this often requires school staff travelling to their showroom, which is not only difficult for teachers who are predominantly based in lessons, but it’s also an added expense.

You may be thinking that installation and training aren’t a necessity, especially if you have already used 3D printers in the past. But one thing you can’t ignore, is the fact that at some point in its life, your 3D printer is likely to breakdown. Whilst some suppliers offer a warranty with the purchase of their 3D printers, which may even be for 1 or 2 years, it is likely to be a return to base warranty only. This ultimately leaves the school responsible for shipping the printer back to the manufacturer for investigation and repair, which could even mean sending the 3D printer outside of the UK, if the manufacturer is based abroad. This could potentially leave the school without a printer for weeks, even months at a time and yes, you’ve guessed it…out of pocket again! Then there are the instances where schools are left with nowhere to turn when a fault occurs, once the warranty has expired. More often than not, schools in this situation are either unable to source a suitable repair agent or cannot afford the parts and labour required, thus leaving the 3D printer unusable, collecting dust in the corner!

Not all companies out there are looking for a quick sale; some providers claim to help schools spread the cost of a new 3D printer by offering a rental scheme – but be careful. The majority of companies are partnered with commercial leasing companies whose contracts haven’t been designed for schools and therefore, won’t meet the operating lease criteria schools are required to abide by. Such companies will usually only be able to offer the rental of a 3D printer without any additional services, leaving you back at square one.

How are Utility Rentals different?

Don’t give up hope just yet, Utility Rentals really do have the perfect 3D printer package for schools! With 30 years’ experience of helping schools to acquire equipment through rental, we appreciate that a 3D printer involves a fairly substantial investment and therefore feel it is important for schools to not only get a 3D printer that matches their requirements, but also a 3D printer that is backed up by a complete support package. And so, together with some of the world’s leading 3D printer suppliers, Utility Rentals have created the only genuine 3D printer operating lease package for schools in the UK. Our contracts have been designed specifically with schools in mind and by spreading the cost over a number of years, enable them to acquire a more premium printer or higher number of printers than perhaps possible through purchase.

At Utility Rentals, our market leading rental package can be tailored to your school’s needs. Each rental contract includes a brand new 3D printer from our carefully selected range which are perfect for schools, together with a Teacher Lesson Pack as standard, which provides plans and exercises to help introduce 3D printing into the curriculum. Schools also have the option of including installation and training, which will take place onsite, at a time that best suits you. But we are sure you will breathe a sigh of relief to know that we also offer an onsite 3 year breakdown warranty. Our dedicated support team are on hand throughout the rental to provide guidance and support as and when required. But most reassuringly; if we are unable to resolve the fault over the phone or during the site visit and the printer needs to be taken offsite for repair, with most manufacturers a loan printer will be provided first to ensure your school always has access to a working printer. We know you’re probably thinking that this package is going to come at a price, but rest assured; all of the additional services we provide are priced fairly and won’t break the bank, meaning it is much easier for schools to obtain the total support package they really need to offer 3D printing successfully.

So what are you waiting for? Ensure getting a 3D printer is an enjoyable experience, not one you’ll come to regret – contact us today on 01628 667373 to find out more!