Buying a printer can be overwhelming. There are so many options available from different brands, and buying guides galore. Yet we still often see people with printers that aren’t the best ones for their needs. That said, we’re offering five tips to help you find the right one for you.
What are you going to use that printer for? Is it for family use? Home office use? Just as a backup for occasional documents you need to print and sign? For printing photos? For printing graphic designs? Your needs for quality, efficiency, speed, and color or black-and-white prints will influence your choice.
Different printers offer distinct perks. You may want one that prints quickly or one that is compact. Or perhaps you want one that holds a lot of paper. If your priority is photos, you may need a printer that can handle many types and sizes of paper.
If you are running your office from home, you may want to invest in a multi-function printer. These not only print but also scan and copy.
This is the digital age, and no matter your industry, it’s safe to say there has been digital transformation. Yet there’s still a need for printers and paper copies, and it might be time for you to partner with a managed print services (MPS) provider.
An MPS provider is a third-party that handles document printing with more efficiency. They manage printing services to find savings, maximize productivity, and ensure security. You get expert help with your business printer technology and usage. Let’s consider the benefits of partnering with an MPS provider.
You might have a highly capable printer, with the operating costs to match, that your business doesn’t need. An accounting firm needs a different printer from a graphic design outfit. The numbers folks might get away with a desktop office printer, whereas those working with fuchsia, salmon, and coral pinks need a high-quality color printer. The MPS provider can identify the best copier for every budget and different needs.
You know your business, and you know it well. An MPS has insight into the value of different printer features for your environment. They make recommendations to increase productivity and reduce costs related to printers.
As an example, you might have two printers on each floor of your business. One is in constant use, while the other is seldom touched and in great condition. Instead of overworking a costly printer, the MPS knows when to rotate your equipment. This can avoid downtime and extend the equipment lifecycle.
How long have you had your home printer? Maybe you have a printer that came as a package deal with your desktop or free with your laptop purchase. Look in many home offices and you’ll probably see a less-expensive inkjet printer sitting beside even the swankiest monitor. Here’s why it’s time for an upgrade.
You should know that printers are often sold at cost or even as a loss leader (below cost to get your business). After all, once you get that cheap/free inkjet printer, you’ll pay for ink cartridges for the life of the printer. To make sure they get your money, manufacturers often sell new printers with half-empty ink cartridges from the start!
You’ve heard “you get what you paid for,” right? Well, that’s definitely true for low-cost printers. Manufacturers are cutting production costs to keep the price down. These printers are not built with longevity in mind. Printer owners encounter all kinds of problems:
Frustrated customers soon discover they’ll pay more to fix their printer than they would to buy a new one.
Our solution? High-performance commercial printers. Office-grade printers are designed as workhorses. These robust printers are built to withstand heavy use with speed and reliability. Yes, they cost more, but they are also less prone to problems and more likely to be a long-term, valuable addition to your home office.
