Choosing a new printer

HOW SHOULD YOU CHOOSE YOUR NEW PRINTER?

Many of our customers ask us for advice when purchasing a new printer.

The mistake that a lot of people make when they buy a new printer, ink or laser, is that they make their choice based on the price of the printer.

Consumers should be very wary of this.

Large printer manufacturers sell their printers at a loss, a bit like the supermarkets used to sell bread, knowing that they will make their money back ten fold on the cost of the cartridges.

When considering buying a new printer check with your local cartridge shop whether or not the cartridges are re-fillable. This can save you between 40-60% of the original cost.

If you are thinking about buying a printer that takes compatible cartridges, ie. Epson, Brother or Canon, ask which are the most cost effective cartridges. Are they available in sets at reduced costs?

Does the printer you have in mind take individual ink cartridges? This might involve an initial high cost, but if your printer takes 4 or more cartridges you only have to replace the one colour that has run out.

If you are considering buying a laser printer ask the same questions.

Also remember with laser printers that some will take high yield cartridges that can be refilled, saving you money and the environment.

Does your intitial choice of printer need other expensive consumables replacing. Laser printers, especially colour, can need transfer belts, fuser units and image drums which take the running costs into several hundreds of pounds for a seemingly cheap printer.

Above all do some research – ask questions.

Pop into your local refilling centre and ask for their advice – its free and could save you money.