Buyer Tips

What you need to know before you purchase your next printer

The following is must reading for anyone who is considering a printer purchase and wants to make an informed buying decision.

Do your research

Start by researching the kind of printer that will suit the needs of your office. Narrow down the choices, based on your text, graphics and photo needs. Generally, the highest quality photos are printed on inkjets; text and graphics are printed on lasers. Make sure you consider the cost of operating the printer (e.g. ink or toner and service), the key factor that is often not considered by small business owners. We have been helping small businesses make better printer buying decisions since 1994. That means not only getting good value, but also considering key issues such as ease of use and dependability.

Define your document needs

If your office needs high print volumes with many multi-page documents, consider printers that support automatic two-sided printing (aka auto-duplex) to save paper and reduce the bulk of a document. This is also a “green” solution because it helps reduce paper use.

Ensure you buy the right printer for the job

Instead of starting with a printer, start by defining what types of documents you need and how many you are planning on creating. Following is a checklist of standard documents offices commonly produce. Use it to help define what documents your office prints the most:

• Product brochures
• Invitations, event cards
• Newsletters
• Menus
• Postcards
• Sales presentations
• Proofing before going to a larger device (printing press for example)
• Manuals or course books
• Business cards
• Labels

Still not sure what printer matches your document output strategy? contact usto get the help you need to make the right buying decision for your business.

Choose a printer that has a proven track record

Printers with a proven track record usually deliver higher levels of performance and customer satisfaction. Some new models by manufacturers trying to break into this market can carry significant risks of problems. If you have a printer in mind, ask us for a free comparison and how it stacks up compared to the competition.

Test drive before you buy

Don’t rely on online reviews as they rarely provide a complete and unbiased point of view and you can’t take a complaint or concern to an online review. It’s always better to speak with a company that specializes in printer sales and service, like Modern Desktop. We can tell you about emerging technologies and if you ever need a follow-up, we are just a phone call away.

Take advantage of the savings offered by multiple function printers (MFP)

To save on space and efficiency, consider a multi-function printer that can print, copy, scan, fax and even email. We offer a wide selection of multi-functional printers that save you time, space and money.

Understand that resolution claims need to be put to the test

Don’t accept the claims of the printer manufacturer. Seeing is believing, so ask to see samples. Sometimes printers with lower resolution actually produce better results than printers with higher resolution. Use resolution only as a rough guide.

Understand the difference between “output speed” and “processing time”

A printer’s rated speed does not include processing time. Several factors, such as complex graphics, can dramatically slow down output speed.

Don’t assume you can always save by buying online

You may get a lower price online, but not always. In addition, you run the risk of getting a printer that is broken during shipment or worse, you might receive equipment you didn’t expect. Buying from a local dealer like Modern Desktop means you get available installation from a trustworthy local business, over the phone advice, and a higher level of service from our factory-trained service reps. You can also get special offers, maintenance plans, and in-store rebates. Best of all, we are motivated to ensure your highest satisfaction to win your repeat business.

Get the information you often don’t get from the national chains and big box stores

Make sure you ask about driver availability, long-term support and the strength of the printer brand. Again, you don’t get this advice from national chains or big box stores. We cover everything and we give you direct access to the insights we have gained over the years by working with some of the biggest name brand printer suppliers.

Don’t assume every multi-functional printer has the same features

Not all multi-functional printers are equal. Some big brand names offer all the functions, but are limited in that they can’t print and scan at the same time. It’s important to know upfront which printer can handle multiple functions at the same time (without malfunctioning).

Ensure your printer comes with all the necessary cables

There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering your brand new printer does not have the necessary cables. When you buy a printer from Modern Desktop, all standard cables are included.

Understand your printer’s memory and processing architecture.

Some printers require memory upgrades, some don’t. Many less expensive printers use an architecture where the heavy processing takes place on the computer sending the print job. Was any of this mentioned when you tried to buy a printer at a national chain or big box store? Not likely, which is why you are always better off using Modern Desktop for all your printer needs.

Take advantage of the savings offered by a high capacity printer

Constantly replenishing supplies and paper, a necessary step with low capacity printers, cost you time and money. High capacity printers, in contrast, require far less intervention and offer you a lower cost per page – two reasons why they are the best value in the long run.

Consider monthly duty cycle when making your printer purchase

Duty cycle numbers can be a source of confusion as there are no standards. Some manufacturers call this a recommended duty cycle and others would have you believe this is the number of impressions that the equipment can print in a single month though not every month. Because of this, we suggest this number only be used to compare between models of the same brand.

Maximize the usage of larger printing units while utilizing less expensive inkjet photo printer

Use a volume printer for big jobs, like text and graphical documents in bulk. Send small volume, but very high-quality photos to your inkjet photo printer for maximum efficiency and quality. Maximize your entire team of separate printers for optimum productivity.

Buy extra toner from Modern Desktop to avoid last-minute rush deliveries

You never know when you might run out of toner, so it is best to always have some extra inventory available. Buying in volume may also qualify you for some discounts.

Make a more environmentally responsibility purchase decisions

Printing two-sided where possible helps save paper. Consider the manufacturer, the model, and the paper you intend to use. Solid ink printing technology has green benefits. Also consider how your printer supplier handles the disposal of bulky packaging and shrink-wrap. Do they accept your empty supplies for recycling? That’s not only green, but smart too!