At Com Pro Business Solutions, we know that running a business, especially a small to medium sized one, means making each penny count and tackling difficult budgetary decisions, such as knowing when it is the right time to upgrade your office equipment. Replacing a printer can be a difficult decision with all of the new technical advancements, but it does not have to be. Here are a few signs that it might be time for you to upgrade your office printer.
Inconsistent Print Quality
Inconsistent print quality is the first sign that a printer might need to be replaced. Common problems can include faint ink application, crooked lines, blurry images, and print colours not looking the same as the colour on the computer screen. In order to ensure that the printer quality is actually decreasing, it is important to first ensure that the printer heads are clean and the ink supply is adequate, as both of these can also affect print quality. You should also confirm that you have all of the latest drivers and software updates installed, as out-dated software can cause erratic behaviour.
Toner Costs
Toner costs might also determine when it is time to upgrade your existing printer, as older machines tend to burn through toner faster than newer models. Older machines might also require more expensive toner, adding to operating costs. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient printer can save money in the long run, freeing up resources for more important matters than mere printer toner.
Slow Print Jobs
Upgrading hardware and software regularly can create technological glitches, since your old printer may not be compatible with newer programs and features. Before looking at purchasing a new printer, be sure to make sure to make a note of whether or not there are programs or documents that spool more slowly, so you can find a new printer that is optimized to your needs.
Available Office Space
Available workspace may determine a printer’s lifespan. A newer, smaller printer may alleviate office congestion, while also eliminating all the problems caused by the old print that might be annoying your employees. If you are in the process of expanding your office, a new printer might be needed as additional employees need to be connected to the office network, which can create more volume than your current printer can handle. Replacing the printer may be a mandatory step in maintaining profitability.
Discontinued Parts
Manufacturers are constantly looking to expand upon and utilize the latest technology in their devices. Unfortunately, this means that, depending on how old your printer is, there is a good chance that it could be or will soon be discontinued by the manufacturer. Once this happens, you will no longer be able to repair or replace any of the moving parts in your current printer as stock of such parts will diminish and become obsolete. Keeping your printer up to date with the latest technology means that, in the off chance that one of the parts breaks, you will be able to have the printer repaired or replaced.
If you would like to learn more about knowing when it is the right time to upgrade your printer, or if you are interested in one of our products, please contact Com Pro Business Solutions at 604-574-8623.