Where to find the product code sticker on a Ricoh copier or printer

When Ricoh introduces a new copier or printer, it gives the machine two separate identifiers: a product name (such as Aficio 2035e) and a product code (like B135).  The product name is what most people know the machine by, and is typically all you'd ever need.  However, in some instances -- such as when contacting Ricoh directly for either parts or support -- it can be helpful to know the product code.  The product code will almost always be four characters long -- one letter followed by three numbers.

Just about every Ricoh copier and printer has a silver or gray sticker somewhere on it that lists the product name, product code, and that machine's serial number (along with other information).  The sticker can come in handy, for example if the label with the machine's name has come off the front and you don't know what kind of copier or printer it is, or if you need to get the serial number and the machine won't turn on.  It is also an easy way to find out the machine's product code (though you can also usually look that up online if you know the product name).

The product code stickers appear in different places on different copiers, and they can sometimes be difficult to find.  Here are the locations of the product stickers for many Ricoh models:

• On many of the high-volume copiers, such as the Aficio MP9000/1100/1350 series or the Pro 906EX/1106EX/1356EX series, the sticker can be found by opening the right front door.  It will be on the plastic frame cover facing out.

• On the Ricoh Aficio MP4000 and MP5000 copiers, as well as on the newer MP4001 and MP5001, the product sticker can be found on the rear of the machine, in the bottom left corner of the rear cover (close to the finisher, if there is one installed).

• On the 55 to 80 copy-per-minute machines such as the Aficio MP6000/7000/8000 series or MP6001/7001/8001 series, as well as their color counterparts like the MP C6501 and MP C7501, the product sticker is hidden by the bypass tray on the right side of the copier.  You have to pull open the bypass tray to see the sticker, which faces out to the right.

• On low-volume models like the Aficio MP2550 and MP3350 (and on the older machines in the same family) the sticker is on the rear cover, close to the center and toward the lower half of the copier.

• On the Aficio MP C2030, MP C2050, and MP C2550 color series, the product sticker is located on the rear cover of the machine, in the lower left corner.  (When looking at it from the back, it's in the lower right corner.)

• On the wide format Ricoh FW780 printer, the product code sticker is on the rear left side of the machine.

If your model isn't listed here, there's a good chance you can find the sticker somewhere on the back of the copier or printer.  Ricoh accessories (document feeders, bridge units, duplex units, etc.) also have their own product code stickers.  They will vary in location as well, but are typically easier to spot.  On many Ricoh finishers, the sticker can be found by opening the finisher's front door and looking either at the very top of the inside of the finisher, or the very bottom.  If it's not there, it's probably underneath one of the finisher's exit trays, viewable from the left side of the machine.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, Sept 2010)