We all get attached to things that has given us years of good service. But there comes a time when we must decide between repairing or replacing a printer. This week we will look at some of the tell-tale signs that indicate the need to replace your printer. This article is focused on the home and small office user with out of warranty printers.
The economics
It is important to take note of the economics around printers. Most of the manufactures follow a product strategy that is centered around making a replacement printer as cheap as possible. Profits are then made with the sale of ink cartridges, toners and drum units. It is very important to keep an eye on the cost per page for your printer. As your printer age the ink cartridges or toner will become end of sale and eventually more expensive. This will increase your cost per page, which is the real cost of your printing.
Five indicators that you should replace and not repair your printer:
- If your printer originally cost less than R2000 or a replacement will cost less than R2000 it is generally not worth your while to get it repaired.
- Your printer has broken down more than twice during the last 12 months.
- The quoted repair cost is more than half of the original purchase price.
- Replacement cartridge or toner is difficult to source or has become increasingly expensive.
- You need additional features, like a higher print speed, full duplex printing, scanning, copying etc.
Please feel free to contact us for advice on the selection of a new printer or the evaluation if your printer would be economical to repair.