Technology companies are looking for a boost in sales this year as U.S. companies (especially small businesses) increase spending on computers and software, according to a Statesman Journal article.
The Salem, Oregon Mac Store is already seeing a sales spike. Steve Poland, the store’s general manager, told the Statesman Journal that July sales were up 3-4 percent. The store is offering free printers with computer purchases and touting a trade-in program for used Macs.
“We see a lot of businesses taking advantage of that,” Poland said. “They want to get rid of old machines and they don’t want to hassle with them.” Most businesses replace office computers every two or three years, though home users usually go three or four years before trading up, he told the Statesman Journal.
One reason small businesses are expected to buy more high-tech equipment this year is an increase in what’s called the Section 179 tax deduction, the article explains. Named for an Internal Revenue Code provision, this deduction allows a small business to expense rather than depreciate up to $100,000 of the cost of new equipment, including computers. Last year, the deduction limit was $25,000.