Tips for Buying the Right Printer For Your Small Business
Date: June 14, 2010
New York, NY -- Most of the stories we post about here at Castle Ink have as their sources reporters inside the printing industry. For today’s post however, we found a different perspective, that from a business owner himself, Gene Marks who has advice for small businesses when it comes to buying printers.
The columnist is brutally honest, and suggests several things. First of all, when it comes to printers, the price you pay is directly related to what you can expect out of your printer. He gives the example that an inexpensive (sub $200) printer can’t realistically be counted on to serve as a workhorse printer. Also, keep in mind, Marks says, “I'm a naïve fool if I think my new printer will work 100 percent all the time, no matter who makes it.”
Mr. Marks also advises that when buying technology, there needs to already be a “good support system in place.” When vendors or stores attempt to sell you those support plans, since you are making an investment, consider protecting it. Be aware of your printer’s life cycle too. Don’t expect an inexpensive printer to last and last. Habe a plan in place to replace your printers before they break and you have to replace them.
Mr. Marks also proffers advice about printer reviews. He urges people to look beyond simple user reviews. While users do offer sometimes an unabashed picture on things, you may also come across a user that simply wants to gripe.
Lastly, he says that it is important to understand the overall cost of a printer. This includes the ink, which may even represent a larger portion of the pie for businesses. Try to project the costs you come with over the next few years so you aren’t hit with any unexpected delays that you can’t cover financially.
