How do you select a printer?
Printers are a common piece of equipment found in most places of business and can be used for many reasons. If your business needs to select a printer or other piece of technology to purchase, it can definitely be overwhelming at first. Selecting an office printer doesn’t have to be difficult, but as long as you have an idea of what you want it to do and the features you want it to have, it can be simple. There are so many printers for business to choose from with a variety of features and perks, but choosing the right one for your business and industry is most important.
What are the different types of printers?
There are two different types of printers typically used in business for functions such as printing, copying, scanning, and faxing: inkjet and laser. Here are some characteristics about both kinds of printers to help determine which would best fit your business’ needs when it comes to a business printer for the office:
Inkjet:
- Less expensive to purchase
- More expensive to operate
- Prints both black and white and color
- Doesn’t last as long as laser
- Prints photographs and sharp text
- Uses liquid ink that needs to be replaced more frequently
Laser:
- More expensive to purchase
- Less expensive to operate
- Prints black and white
- Lasts longer than inkjets
- Prints extremely sharp text black and white text
- Uses toner (powdered ink) that lasts longer than liquid ink
Other types of printers include 3D printers, LED printers, and solid ink printers, but those aren’t common printers for office use. W.B. Mason offers many different types of printers, such as single function and multifunction printers, wide format printers, and specialty printers at low and discounted prices. Single function printers only print documents and images, whereas multi-function printers can print, scan, fax, copy, and email documents as well.
What printer is right for my business?
Based on the above characteristics about both types of printers, it depends on what you will be using the printer for when it comes to your business needs. If your business doesn’t need to print in color and needs to print things like documents, graphics and business pitches, a laser printer would be right for you. If your business prints photographs and needs color to be a priority, inkjet would be more beneficial. If you are planning to use the printer often, your best bet would be laser, and if you aren’t planning on using it much and it’s more for convenience, inkjet would be the better option. Similar to purchasing new office furniture, your model preference, budget, and the industry you are in all matters about the printer you buy for your office.
If your office needs a printer to do multiple things other than print, a multi-function is a better option over a printer that only prints. So, the next time you are wondering how to choose a printer that is right for your small business or even a large business corporation, think about what you want it to do, how often you will use it, and how long you need it to last before making your purchase.
How much do commercial printers’ cost?
When searching for printers, you may be wondering, how much does a commercial printer cost? Depending on which brand and which model to go with, you need to think about what type of printer would make the most sense for your business. Along with all the accessories, paper, and ink, the price can get pretty high, but getting a high-quality printer that will carry out the functions you need is crucial. You will get your money’s worth at as time passes, but for now, let’s break down tentative costs for the different types of printers.
Cost of Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers can cost as low as $50 to as much as $5,000, but it depends on what you need the printer to do, how much you are going to use it, and the amount of space you have for it, as their sizes vary. The bigger the printer, the more expensive it will be. Multi-function inkjet printers are more expensive because they do more than just print, and places like large businesses, schools, medical offices, and law firms are examples of industries where multi-function printers are necessary.
Cost of Laser Printers
Laser printers can cost anywhere between $100 and $7,000 depending on many different factors as well. The toner needed to print will also be expensive, but it doesn’t expire or dry out compared to ink that an inkjet printer needs leaving you with longer lasting ink.
Single function printers make good home office printers, as well as for small businesses where printing shipping labels is the only thing the printer is needed for. With modern technology, most printers can use many different kinds of paper to print with as well, such as cardstock or multipurpose paper, making documents more professional if you have a big meeting. The price of printers can get expensive, but with many different options from W.B. Mason, you are bound to find one that fits your specific needs.
What is the difference between leasing and buying a printer?
Making the decision to lease a printer instead of buying a printer can depend on a few different factors and might be able to save you money. Just like leasing a car, there are terms and conditions you must follow when leasing a printer. While there are pros and cons for each, it depends on your business and which option would work best for your company. Here are examples of pros and cons for each option:
Pros for leasing a printer:
- Leasing costs less up front
- Contracts allow you to try out different models and brands
- You can upgrade the printer whenever you want
Cons for leasing a printer:
- Might cost you more as time goes on with interest
- You might not be able to end your contract before it is up
Pros for buying a printer:
- Once you purchase it, it’s yours
- With a warranty, you won’t have maintenance fees
- Financially better for your business in the long run
Cons for buying a printer:
- You eventually have to replace the printer when it gets too slow and outdated
- The lifespan can be unpredictable
- The cost up front can be expensive
What printer brands does W.B. Mason carry?
W.B. Mason carries both single function printers, multi-function printers, from commercial printers meant for large companies, to small office printers, ink, toner, and all other accessories you might need for the printer in your office. We have all the printer brands you love at great prices such as HP, Brother, Canon, Xerox, Lexmark, Epson, and more. The next time you are searching for a high-volume commercial printer or even a simple specialty printer for a small business, look no further than W.B. Mason.
Are there warranties for any of these printer devices?
Along with your new printer, it might be a good idea to purchase the warranty for it, in case anything happens to it. W.B. Mason offers a wide selection of warranties and support packs and plans with various time and price ranges, just in case anything goes wrong with your printer. The majority of the warranties W.B. Mason offers is for HP printers, with a few more for Brother and Lexmark brand printers. Ask about our warranty options today.
Does W.B. Mason offer printer rental and leases?
W.B. Mason offers some printer leasing options for HP printers through HP Financial, which is a service where customers can speak to a W.B. Mason representative about a specific contract for their printer(s). Contracts can be based on your specific needs such as how many printers you have, the length of usage, and warranties. To learn more, contact a representative today.
Printers from W.B. Mason
Just like office supplies, W.B. Mason’s goal is to offer a wide variety of affordable office printers for your business whether that be single or multi-function. If you need a high-volume commercial printer, a heavy-duty office printer, or a simple specialty printer, we have you covered with a range of models and brands at discounted low prices.
References:
Consumer Reports. How to Pick the Perfect Printer.(https://www.consumerreports.org/printers/how-to-pick-the-perfect-printer) Accessed July 11, 2022.
EDUCBA. Types of Printers.(https://www.educba.com/types-of-printers)Accessed July 12, 2022.
SymQuest. Buying vs. Leasing a Printer: What You Need to Know. (blog.symquest.com/buying-vs.-leasing-a-printer-what-you-need-to-know)Accessed July 12, 2022.
