Why Independent Matters
When you buy from a supplier owned by a manufacturer, you’re not getting independent advice — you’re getting a sales pitch. Here’s why that distinction matters.
Independent doesn’t mean uncertified
Here’s the part that surprises most people. Being independent doesn’t mean we’re a step below the manufacturer-owned suppliers. It means we’ve earned the same recognition they have — without being owned by anyone.
Gold Customer Service Partner Award
Awarded following a rigorous independent audit of service quality, engineer competence, customer support processes, and response times. We hold it. Most resellers don’t.
Advanced Imaging Partner Award
Recognises suppliers who meet the highest standards of technical expertise and customer care across Canon’s full product range. We hold that too.
Two manufacturers. Two top-tier accreditations. Zero ownership by either.
What independence means for you
The right equipment — not the easiest sell
We work with Ricoh, Canon, and Sharp. When we recommend a product, it’s because it’s the best fit for your requirements — not because it’s the brand our parent company needs us to move.
Engineers who know the machine
Our engineers are trained directly by the manufacturers whose products they service. We don’t outsource. We don’t share engineers across regions. When your machine needs attention, the same team that installed it fixes it.
A 4-hour response time — and we mean it
Our SLA commits to a maximum 4-hour response time between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. That commitment is audited annually by both Ricoh and Canon. It’s not a marketing line.
A direct line to the people who own the business
Digital Office was founded in 1997 by Mark and Simon, who between them had spent over a decade at senior level in the industry before going independent. They’re still here. When something matters, you can speak to the people who are accountable for it.
How we compare
Digital Office (independent)
- Recommends Ricoh, Canon, or Sharp — whichever fits
- Ricoh Gold accreditation (audited)
- Canon Advanced Imaging Partner (audited)
- 4-hour response SLA
- Same team installs and services
- Locally owned since 1997
- Speak directly to the owners
Manufacturer-owned supplier
- Recommends their parent company’s brand
- Manufacturer certification (internally awarded)
- Manufacturer certification (internally awarded)
- Response times vary by region
- May use regional or outsourced engineers
- Part of a national or global group
- Escalation goes up a chain
The numbers behind the independence
1997
Founded — and still independently owned
3
Brands supplied: Ricoh, Canon, Sharp
2
Top-tier manufacturer accreditations
4-hr
Guaranteed response, independently audited
Ready to talk to an independent supplier?
No manufacturer agenda. No outsourced engineers. No automatic renewals you missed. Just an honest conversation about what your business actually needs.