What to Look for When Considering a Digital Printer, Part 1

Purchasing a printer for your business can be a major investment, similar to buying a vehicle. Both are considered capital equipment and can be depreciated over time as assets on your books. In some cases, a printer can even be the foundation of a business, such as a print service provider (PSP).

Because of the importance of this decision, it is critical to take your time and do your research. Reputable equipment distributors know that printer sales cycles can take weeks or even months. They understand the significance of this decision for any small business, and a poor choice can make or break a company, especially one that is just getting started.

Step 1: Site Survey

When purchasing a printer, it is often tempting to start by researching different brands and models. However, the most important step is to conduct a site survey to determine where the printer will be located. This may seem like an obvious step, but it is often overlooked.

Once you have conducted a site survey, you will be able to narrow down your choices and select the right printer for your needs. By taking the time to conduct a site survey, you can avoid the horror stories of printer installations that never happened.

Identify the space

• Is it a ground-level retail shop in a strip mall?
• s it a basement with only a Bilco® door?
• Is it on the third floor of an apartment building?

Identify logistical challenges

• Does the space have a loading dock, or will the delivery vehicle need a tailgate?
• Is there a freight elevator?
• How wide are the doorways?
• How steep are the steps?
• Need a forklift to deliver the printer?

Identify your power needs

• 110V or 220V
• Where will you plug it in?
• Where is the power source?

Identify key features of the room

• Windows or skylights? This can determine your ink type
• Vents, registers, ducts, fans, or other paths of air travel?
• Climate control? How hot or cold will it get during the year?
• Carpet, concrete, tile, wood floor?
• Does the space have adequate ventilation? This can determine your ink type.
• Is there anything flammable in the room? Curtains, drapes, window shades.

Room layout – where will you put the printer?

• Where are the doors?
• Where are the outlets?
• If you need to bolt the printer to the ground, do you have the area ready?
• Will you need to get behind the printer?
• Do you have adequate space above the printer?
• Where do you expect to keep supplies?

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices and select the right printer for your needs.

• Here are some additional tips for identifying the space where you want to put the printer:
• Take measurements: Measure the space where you want to put the printer to make sure it will fit.
• Take pictures: Take pictures of the space to help you remember the details.
• Talk to a sales representative: A knowledgeable sales representative can help you assess your needs and recommend the right printer for your space.

It is important to take your time and not rush into the purchase of a printer. This is a major investment, and you want to make sure that you are getting the right printer for your business. Talk to other business owners, read reviews, and visit different equipment distributors before making a decision.

With a little research, you can find the perfect printer for your business and ensure that you are making a wise investment.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a printer for your business:

Consider your budget. How much money are you willing to spend on a printer?

Think about your needs. What type of printing will you be doing most often?

Do your research. Read reviews and compare different printers before making a decision.

Talk to a sales representative. A knowledgeable sales representative can help you choose the right printer for your needs.

Step 2: Budget

When purchasing a printer, it is important to factor in the cost of consumables, such as ink, media, and tools. In addition to the initial cost of the printer, you should also budget for the following:

• Extended warranty: Most manufacturers only offer a one-year warranty, so you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty.
• Credit: There are many different financing options available. For example, we work with Geneva Capital to give you great rates and deals.
• Used equipment: If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider purchasing used equipment.
• Tax breaks: In some cases, you may be eligible for tax breaks on the purchase of a printer.
• Bulk discounts: Many manufacturers offer bulk discounts on consumables, so you may be able to save money by buying in bulk.

Step 3: Location

The internet has made it easy to purchase printers from anywhere in the world. However, when it comes to printers, it is important to buy from a local dealer. This is because printers are complex machines that require regular maintenance and repairs. If you purchase a printer from a dealer that is located far away, you may have to wait days or even weeks for a repair technician to arrive. This can lead to significant downtime for your business.

Here are some of the benefits of buying from a local dealer:

• Faster service: If your printer breaks down, a local dealer can usually send a repair technician to your location within 24 hours.
• Better support: Local dealers have a deep understanding of the printers they sell, so they can provide you with better support.
• More convenient: It's easier to deal with a local dealer if you need to return a printer or order supplies.

Wensco Sign Supply is a local dealer that has been serving the printing industry for over 30 years. We have seven locations throughout the Midwest, so we can provide fast and reliable service to our customers. We also have a large inventory of printer supplies, so we can keep you up and running even when your printer breaks down.

Here are some special notes:

• Printers break down. It's a fact of life. Even the most reliable printers will eventually need to be repaired.
• Plan for downtime. When your printer breaks down, you need to be able to get it back up and running as quickly as possible. This is why it is important to buy from a local dealer who can provide fast and reliable service.

5P's: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

By following the tips in this blog post, you can ensure that you are properly prepared to purchase a printer and that your printer will perform well for many years to come.

In Part 2, we will discuss printer hardware options and the additional steps that are needed to complete the purchasing process.