Yesterday Office Depot announced the launch a new office equipment and furniture leasing option for small business customers in North America.

The new SmartWayLeasing service, which is provided in partnership with ThinkSmart (a specialist international leasing business) is only available in select Office Depot retail stores in the Tampa - St. Petersburg, Florida area. It is expected that nationwide expansion of the program will continue throughout the coming year. Office Depot’s leasing program is the first small business leasing program available through an office supply superstore.

The program allows small businesses to save thousands of dollars of upfront expenses by providing them with the option to lease office equipment, including computers, peripherals and office furniture. Inkjet and laser printers are included in this program. At the end of the lease term the customer has the option to renew the existing lease, return the equipment, or upgrade to new equipment.

And yes, Office Depot will even be leasing the ink cartridges you need for your printers. According to Office Depot, small businesses can include printer ink, toner, and paper in their leasing program.

An interesting idea. Would you use the program? Let Pacific Ink know what you think.