How To Choose A Printer For A Small Business

Despite having fewer employees and lower turnover than larger corporations, small businesses come in many shapes and sizes. Whether newly established or long-running, modern businesses rely on their printers to increase profits and productivity.

Printing costs are frequently cited as the third highest expense for businesses, following only employee payroll and rent for business premises and warehouses. In a recent study, Gartner UK cited that British companies had the potential to save 30% of their annual costs by embracing and implementing print management systems. Consequently, it is crucial for small business owners to judiciously select their printer.

Consult the following list of tips and tricks for choosing the best printer for your small business enterprise.

1 – Cost of printer

It is worth considering your budget when purchasing a new printer for your small business. Note that the cost of a printer is not isolated, but includes:

  • Original Cost
  • Cost of Paper
  • Cost of Ink
  • Maintenance Costs

These expenses may be daunting, but it is worth considering them alongside the potential profits to be gained from increasing your businesses’ efficiency.

3 – Printer features

With the current state of technology, there are countless options of configurations, accessories, features and updates to enhance your printer’s capabilities so that it can suit all your workplace needs. Here are a few questions to help determine which features are important to you:

  • Do I want an environmentally friendly printer?
  • How will I ensure that the printer is well maintained?
  • Will I want to add to my company’s printing capacities over the following months and years of our expansion?

4 – Energy Efficiency

Choosing an energy-efficient printer for your small business can significantly reduce your operating costs. Look for printers with energy-saving features such as automatic shut-off and low power consumption modes. Energy star certified printer are a good option as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.

5 – Ease of Use

A user-friendly printer can save time and reduce frustration for your employees. Look for printers with intuitive interfaces, easy setup processes, and robust customer support. Additionally, consider whether the printer offers a card reader, which can be highly convenient for a modern, on-the-go workforce, allowing them to print whenever they need to.

6 – Sustainability Features

More businesses are focusing on sustainability. Look for printers that support eco-friendly practices, such as using recycled paper, energy-efficient operations, and use of ink rather than toner that reduces waste. Some printers also offer features like automatic duplex printing to save paper.

7 – Scalability

Consider whether the printer can grow with your business. Modular printers that allow you to add features or capacity as your business expands can be a wise investment, saving you from having to buy a new printer as your needs change.

Where can I buy an effective printer for my small business?

Having answered these questions for yourself, it likely becomes clear that adaptability is crucial for a small business printer. With a multitude of printer options available to you at the click of a button, trying to narrow down the search can be overwhelming.

Helpfully, RISO has devoted a section of our website which enables you to do just this. Have a look for yourself in order to browse, cost-effective, purpose-suited, and feature-equipped printers. If you would like to talk to a member of our team to find out more get in contact today.