Things to Consider When Purchasing an Office Printer

Getting the wrong printer can set you back, not just in regards to money, but also time. Whether your workplace is tired of streaky prints and paper jams, or wish to expand, there comes a time where you need to pick a new printer for your department. As with other machines, office printers vary, and looking for one that matches your needs can be a bit tricky.

That's why it is important to know your needs first.

In this article, we are going to dive deeper into some of the questions you should ask when it comes to getting a new printer for your workplace.

1. How Fast Do You Need to Print?

If you want to be able to print fast, pick a laser printer. If quality is more of a concern than speed and you need to print photo-quality items on a regular basis, then an inkjet should be your best option. If you are more interested in consistency and don't have speed concerns, then go for a laser printer. If you have any questions, you can speak with a professional HERE

2. Do You Print Images on a Regular Basis?

In some companies, there's a need to show photos and creative ideas to clients and partners. In other workplaces, there may never be a need to print anything more complex than a business logo. Picking a printer that can be able to produce high-quality images will save you a lot of headaches, especially if you run a creative services company. Choosing a machine that specializes in printing simple documents in an efficient manner can save you unnecessary costs.

If you need to frequently print images, then go for a commercial-grade inkjet printer. If not, then you should eye a toner-based office laser printer. If you only need to print images occasionally, go for a lower-volume inkjet printer, specifically designed for graphics-rich images and a laser printer for those simple, text-based documents.

If you rarely print images, your best pick is a commercial laser printer.

3. Do You need to Print Large Documents

If your company creates or manages creative plans or assets, you may need a printer to churn out those plans and posters. In such a case, you'll want to invest in a machine with wide format capabilities. If you need to print large documents, consider getting a wide format printer.

4. Do Your Prefer Laser/Toner or Ink-based Prints?

Laser toner-based and ink-based printing have their own distinct benefits. Settling for the laser or ink-based printer can substantially change your purchasing decision.

The Pros of Laser/Toner Printer

-Consistent

-Fast

-Inexpensive cartridge replacements

The Pros of an Inkjet Printer

-Vibrant color capabilities

-Photo-quality images

5. Do You Need a Device that Can Also Do Finishing?

If you need to create hole-punched documents, stapled documents, or spiral-found presentations, then picking a printer that can handle these special finishing features is important.

If you need finishing on a regular basis, then go for a production-level print rig with finishers.

6. How Often Do You Make Copies?

Did you know that some printers are designed more as copiers that ideally make prints? Others are more of printers than can also make copies. It is important to know which model will benefit you more. A multi-function device (MFD) will almost definitely meet your needs is copying is just as important as printing in your workplace.

7. Do You Also Need to Fax or Scan?

The added faxing or scanning features can also be extremely helpful in some settings. If this is the case for you, then it is best to invest in an MFD.

8. Do You Need to Print Sensitive Information?

If you need to print documents that have sensitive data, then you need to search for a device with solid network security features. This is vital in ensuring your business and client information is protected during the transfer from the computer to the printer.

9. What is Your Budget on a Printer?

If your department or workplace does not need much printing and additional features, you can cut the costs by picking a more affordable model. On the flip side, however, a cheap printer may end up costing you in terms of speed and efficiency if the demand for printing increases.

What's your company's philosophy on tech? If your organization likes having the latest and best technology, then you'll need to go for a new or remanufactured model. However, if you value having the latest technology for security and functionality, and not necessarily 'the best and latest', then you are good with a refurbished machine.

On the other hand, if your company wants the bare minimum, but consistent printing functionality, then you should consider getting a used commercial-grade printer.

10. How Much Do You Need to Spend on Supplies?

Most commercial printers might seem affordable at first glance. However, their true cost reveals itself in terms of supplies. Factoring in all the expenses over a particular period will give you a more precise idea of the actual cost of the machine. It is also good to take advantage of our bundled Managed Print Services for printing supplies.

And there you have it, ten important questions to ask when looking to buy a printer for your workplace. With these tips, you should be able to buy a machine that will meet your needs and save you on unnecessary costs. Burtronics provides all of the supplies and tech support for all of your Office Equipment needs, for a free quote CLICK HERE.