Getting support for Toshiba Estudio copiers.

[MBT]

Kind of an odd question (If this is in the wrong place please let me know and I'll delete/repost in the correct place)

The company I do work for wants to start servicing Toshiba Estudio copiers, but theres a catch. They don't really have any support besides service manuals available for these machines.

They look to be black and white estudios ranging from 16ppm to 52ppm machines. While I can handle basic problems I suspect I'm going to need support for more complex problems.

My question is, is it possible to either; get certified to become a Toshiba Estudio service technician without paying thousands of dollars, or to find some place that will offer phone support for a reasonable price?
Thanks

[Mr Spock]

Either another "certified dealer" for support or you will have to set up an account with Toshiba. Check and see if a local dealer is a DATE dealer. THey are certified to train in house and may offer you a special but do not count on it.

[emujo]

not being certified shouldn't stop you from working on the MFPs, parts are available from Toshiba and other 3rd party vendors, SM and Parts books should be obtainable for a resonable price (if not free) from sites like this, drivers are available from the manufactures website. The real issue will be when you need to re-install firmware. These files are not readily available and Toshibas need firmware updates/reloads quite frequently. If you are not able to get copies of the update files, I would not put anything under a contract or you will lose your ***. Emujo

[ivovb]

Hmm, certification... It wont teach You how to service a machine. This is my point of view for my country. Non of the training or test for certification helps more than 5% for my daily work! They only shows directions. After that is reading and a lot of testing. Fortunately if You have experience with other brand it will be a big help!

But since You have enough machines to exchange modules and make a tests, enough costumers, documentation and parts supplier/s You are OK! So go ahead.

BR

[MBT]

I have worked on a number of copiers over the years but not a lot of Toshibas. The reason for wanting support is as a backup for times when a copier is doing something strange.
Having that support can mean the difference between scratching my head for hours or having the person on the other end saying, "Oh yeah that happens all the time, it's not the feed assy, it's this sensor."

I'll have to call around to any local dealers, but I can't imagine them wanting to help as I'd technically be competition to them. I'll try calling Toshiba and see what they say.
Thanks.

[ToshibaTech]

Do you deal with HyTec board repair? I know they offer us free Toshiba support. I haven't really used it so I don't know how good it is and I dont' know if you HAVE to have an account with them or what. Worth a call.

[jonezy999]

The users of this site will help you loads and loads. Which country are You located, if ya dont mind sharing?

[toshibadale]

read your pm's....

[SalesServiceGuy]

MBT, wake up! I see from your profile you are in the USA and lots of support is available. If you want support become a Toshiba USA dealer, buy some current product and get factory trained. If not sell/service something else. If you want to sell used equipment from equipment brokers than you have not paid your dues and are on your own.

It costs several $1000's $ to get factory trained. You expect quality, timely pro advice for free?

Toshiba America does not have time for part timers.

You are either in or out and it costs money, time & mind share.