A printer is one of the single most important tools in any small business. Printers are also often one of the biggest expenses in a small business, so it's critical to make sure you get your money's worth out of your printer and keep it running as smoothly as possible.
The process of choosing, purchasing, and installing a new printer can be quite daunting if you don't know what to look for. The good news? There are plenty of signs it's time to get a new printer that will make the whole process much easier for you! Here are some red flags to look out for when deciding whether or not it's time to start shopping around for a new printer!
It Doesn't Make Sense for Your Needs
Are you printing in color? Black and white? Large quantities? Faxing? Scanning? If your current printer doesn't meet these needs, it might be time to get a new one. Think about what you're printing most often, and then do some research. Don't just choose based on price either; quality, especially when it comes to photo paper or ink, can play a big role in how much use you get out of your printer. Many people find that they don't print as much as they expected because of cost concerns or other considerations.
Your Cartridges Are Too Expensive
Before you throw out your old printer, please take a look at its cartridges. If they're too expensive or incompatible with new printers, it might be time to start looking at new printers. Ink, toner, and printer cartridges can all be expensive when it comes to replacing them. If you're spending way too much on new ink cartridges, it may be time to consider getting a new printer that uses less ink. Make sure you shop around at price comparison sites before making your decision.
You Have to Manually Align Your Printouts
Even today's highest-end printers should still be able to automatically realign themselves in response to being moved or simply turned off and on again. If you find yourself regularly having to align your printout by hand, there's probably something wrong with your device, and it might be time for a replacement.
Your Ink Is Bad
The amount of ink that a cartridge holds can drastically affect its lifespan. In addition to ruining your printouts, an empty cartridge can impact performance and cause damage to other parts of your printer. If yours are dried up or leaking, you may need a new set of cartridges before buying a new printer.
Print Speed Is Too Slow
Let's be honest; there's nothing more frustrating than having to wait for a document to print. Even if you have plenty of memory, waiting for a printer to warm up and then take an eternity to spit out one page can make you want to rip your hair out. So, if printing is slowing down your workflow, it may be time for a new printer. Generally speaking, look for printers that offer speeds of at least 16 pages per minute (ppm) and go with a laser rather than an inkjet printer if possible—they tend to be faster and more efficient.
The Print Quality Is Poor
If you're experiencing streaks, blurry text, or a generally pixelated image, it might be time to purchase a new printer. If that's not your issue, then it could just be a matter of needing to change your printer ink or toner. In most cases, purchasing replacements will cost less than having someone else do and is often significantly cheaper than purchasing a new printer.