These days, it seems like everything is done through emails and PowerPoint presentations. That’s not quite true though. Printers are still a huge part of office life — from flyers to meeting prompts to important documents that need signing, etc. — and a faulty printer can turn an otherwise normal day into a huge headache.
There are so many ways that a printer can malfunction, but those malfunctions don’t necessarily mean that it is time to purchase a new printer. However, there are signs that indicate your printer is on the fritz. Catching these signs early is a good way to avoid that headache and will give you a good idea of when it is time to invest in a new printer.
What is the lifespan of a printer?
Before wondering whether you need a new printer, it is important to know the lifespan of an average printer. If you have a printer that is only a year old, chances are, the problems you are facing could be solved with a few quick fixes.
A good printer will generally hold up for 3-5 years. If you properly maintain your printer, it can last longer than that, but you should budget for new office machinery every 3-5 years just to be safe.
This is mostly true for production printers as well. You can expect a high-volume printer to last anywhere between 5-7 years. If you are in the business of production printing, you want to make sure you have the budget to upgrade to prevent bigger issues.
What are the signs you need a new printer?
So, you go to your printer, and you try to type in a command. There’s a problem. The printer screen is not working. Does that mean it is time for a new printer? Or is it a simple fix? Here are some signs it may be time to get a new printer.
1. Frequent fixes
At first, one paper jam is a slight inconvenience. But when you begin dealing with paper jamming in a printer once or twice a day, that becomes more of an inconvenience and is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong.
Having to fix a printer day after day takes time and can lead to a lack of productivity over time.
2. High cost per copy
Modern printers are going to be more efficient than older printers, and they will cost less to produce more. Does your printer still deliver a good-looking copy? And if it does, how much does it cost to produce that copy?
It’s possible that the answers to those questions are not to your liking. If that is the case, there are modern printers out there that can produce a higher quality product for less money than the printer you are currently using. Although nothing is inherently wrong, an outdated printer could be enough of a reason to upgrade.
3. Inefficiency
Is your office filled with a bunch of different types of printers, and are you looking for the best office printers to streamline your operations? If yes, this can be very confusing to your employees. Offices become more efficient when they all use the same technology.
If all the printers are the same, anyone on the team would know how to fix them rather than one IT person who specializes in six different printers.
4. Low quality
The quality of printed material might not matter for some aspects of office life, but in others it sure does. When you are giving a presentation and handing out material to colleagues, you want it to look as professional as possible. If your printers are offering faded documents, or documents with lines through them, that is a good sign that it is time for a new printer.
If you are in the market for a new printer or would like more Information about Office Equipment, please contact Sissine’s today! We would love to work with you and your budget to get you the best possible solution for your home or office. Helping people based on their specific needs is what we do best.