A multifunction printer (MFP) can be a big investment and leasing options can also come with a sizeable monthly fee. It’s not the kind of purchase you want to make hastily. And you certainly don’t want to end up spending thousands on a device you seldom use or be constantly repairing a small capacity printer that just can’t handle your print volume. So how do you choose the right device for your business? Here are 3 things to consider…
How Much Do I Print?
So, you need to buy a new printing device for your business. But this is a significant purchase that has to last several years. Before you get lost in the bells and whistles, it’s best to determine the reality of what you need versus what you think you need.
Often, people buy a Multifunction Printer without really knowing a few key things, such as print volume, which is how many pages you’ll be printing every month.
By calculating your monthly printing needs, it will allow you to determine the right “size” of printer. After all, you don’t want to spend hundreds more on a high-capacity MFP if all you need is a small-volume printer. You also don’t want to underestimate your print volume and end up with a device that can’t keep up, which may result in costly repairs and maintenance.
What Features Do I Need in a Multifunction Printer?
Another consideration should be features. There are so many models with varying capabilities, but there are some basic questions to ask yourself first, such as, is your office Mac or PC-based? This matters because some multifunction printers are better suited for certain computer systems.
You’ll also want to think about whether you need a “smart” printer. With more businesses choosing smart offices that are better suited to an increasingly remote and diverse workforce, your office equipment will also play a part in keeping things interconnected.
If your business requires advanced IT Security, uses integrated cloud-based applications like Office 365, or makes use of remote workers that need more complex document capabilities, such as scanning files into a cloud management system, then a smart MFP may be the best fit.
Smart MFP’s can also support software updates, which means you’ll benefit from periodic upgrades and enhancements to a printer’s functionality. Some also have the added protection of antivirus software, a must these days, when so many hackers are finding their way into IT infrastructures through unsecured printers.
What’s My Budget?
Since these print devices have multiple functions, you have to think of them as an office investment. But that doesn’t mean your budget is unlimited. You need to strike a balance between what you need and what you can afford. Once you figure out your office’s print volume, and the features you’ll need, then you can narrow down your selection by price.
But besides the sticker price, there are associated costs which people often overlook. Over time, the cost of print supplies and maintenance can run more than the actual device. Toner cartridges, printer repairs and routine servicing all add up. Plus, you have to look at all the billable hours you might spend on locating the right print supplies, ordering them, and stocking them. It’s vital to have a simple and efficient system for ordering print supplies and replacements.
That’s where vendor choice comes into play and this is something to factor into your total cost calculations. You could save some money up front by purchasing your multifunction printer through a retail vendor or directly through a manufacturer. However, most of these vendors work by selling high volume. They have no interest in ongoing support. And if something goes wrong, they often refer you to a remote, third-party repair service, or back to the manufacturer, causing massive delays that could cost you productivity.
How Com Pro Compares When it Comes to Multifunction Printers
One of the biggest benefits of sourcing your MFP through a local copier dealership like Com Pro is that we want you to get the most out of your purchase. We provide added value by ensuring that customers have the right equipment and will make recommendations that will save you money in the long run. In fact, we have long-term partnerships with three core brands that have excellent reputations for reliability and manufacturing quality.
Unlike manufacturers, we also provide services that protect your investment, such as ongoing printer support, and device maintenance and repairs through a local dispatch, so you can get expedient servicing for your MFP. In fact, we boast an 84% First Call Fix Rate!
We can also take care of your day-to day printer needs. Through our state-of-the-art monitoring system, we can even monitor your toner use remotely and make sure you have replacement toners before you run out.
And if you’re worried about your environmental impact or print footprint, we’re also committed to sustainability and work in partnership with the Print Releaf Program to actively replants trees in critical forest habitats across the globe.
Just a few things to think about when you want to make an equipment purchase, and we hope we gave you some food for thought. In the end, it’s up to you which printer you choose, but understanding printer features and costs will make the decision-making process that much easier.
Still need help finding the right printer fit, why not call us? We can help you make all the necessary calculations and provide some great recommendations.
Ready to buy and know what you want? We can help there too! Contact us at 604-574-8623 or through our website.