The number of business printers on the market is bewildering, and numerous manufacturers are launching new models every year. It’s, therefore, challenging to make the right choice as every dealer salivate for your money. This guide will highlight some important aspects to look at when choosing office printers.
As you purchase your business printer, the initial cost should be considered alongside the long-term maintenance costs. The real money actually lies in the consumables your company will buy to maintain the operations of the printer. What initially looks like a modest cost could quickly add to thousands of dollars in consumables.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Business Printer
Business printers with multi-function features are available in a wide range of sizes, costs, and shapes. Basic features may include USB card readers necessary for PC-free printing, office photocopiers, colour laser printer, scanners, and so on. High-end features include automatic document feeders (ADF) which process over 50 copies at a go. It also generates booklets, staples, folds, and carries out duplex printing. In most cases, ADFs can comfortably serve most medium-sized businesses.
You also need to consider the cost per page (CPP) of a printer. In the earlier days, laser printers and inkjets had a wide price disparity. However, Inkjets have considerably lowered their prices to compete favorably. Take your time still to compare costs and choose the most cost effective printer for your business.
Printer manufacturers use industry standard ISO ratings to measure the cartridge and toner yields. It’s, therefore, easier to assess the overall cost of replacing toners or cartridges as a fraction of the print yields over a range of potential printer models.
Also, take into account the total quantity of prints you’re going to achieve with a particular printer model. Many models will come with quoted “duty cycle” as a recommended monthly maximum. Analyze the number of prints each employee makes per month and ensure that the machine will meet the current and future requirements of your business.
Finally, consider if your office needs a colour printer or you’re comfortable with black and white. Colour laser printers have higher consumables and will generally cost more. If over 90 percent of your printing is on black and white, you don’t need a high-end colour printer for full-time use. You’ll save a substantial budget if you choose a mono model with cheaper inkjet or out-of-house colour printing for occasional use.
Summary
Are you looking for a printer for small business? Even the smallest firms will have a network of users, and sharing common resources like a printer is very essential. So, consider business printers with networking capability. It should also offer robust functions and speed at a reasonable cost. Consider dropping some high-end features that you don’t really need and pick a machine that best suits your needs. There are additional resources at Hub Technology Group Inc., which may help you learn more information.
