What's Better - Purchasing a Large Format Printer Online or from an Independent Dealer?
Are you currently shopping for a new large format printer, and you’re left wondering why a printer model can cost about $1,000 to $2,000 less when...
1 min read
Cathy Miles
:
Mar 16, 2020 7:33:49 AM
The first thing that comes to mind when considering the topic of purchasing a Multi-Function Printer (MFP) online versus from a dealer is Aesop’s Fables: the story of The Tortoise and the Hare.
A quick start doesn’t ensure a fast finish.
ONLINE VS. DEALER — COMPARE AND CONTRAST
Online:
Dealer:
ONLINE VS. DEALER — YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
There’s no doubt that purchasing a MFP from an online source is cheaper than buying from a dealer. Over the lifecycle of your MFP, however, this cost differential only remains true if your MFP doesn’t need maintenance — and let’s be honest — how often does a printer work perfectly 100% of the time?
Parts wear out, trays jam, automation solutions require upkeep and constant monitoring — and while these are all factors that will be taken care of when purchasing a MFP from a dealer, they will all be your responsibility if you’ve purchased that MFP online.
What it really comes down to is this; do you want to spend less money upfront — or save time, energy, and resources throughout the lifecycle of your MFP?
MFPs are designed to increase your business’ efficiency — if you’re taking away time from your employees’ day so they can maintain and monitor your MFP, there will be a noticeable reduction in your business’ efficiency.
If your business doesn’t plan on using your MFP all to often, and isn’t worried about automation solutions, buying a MFP online might be a good option — but be aware that for every call to a service technician, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for their services.
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