A Cheap Printer Is Often The Most Expensive Printer You Will Ever Own

Every week I see small businesses spend thousands of dollars more than they need to on printing.

Not because they chose the wrong brand.

Not because they bought a bad printer.

Because they focused on the price of the printer instead of the cost of ownership.

Let's look at a real-world example.

Retail Printer

An HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw sells for approximately $299.

At first glance, that sounds like a bargain.

But here's what most people don't calculate:

• Toner costs approximately 9¢ per page

• No local service or support

• When it breaks, you're on your own

• Downtime impacts productivity and profitability

For a business printing 1,000 pages per month, the total cost over 36 months can reach approximately $3,539.

That's more than ten times the purchase price of the printer.

Business Printer Option #1

For just $50 per month, a Brother MFC-L5715DW includes:

• The printer valued at $1000

• Toner allowance for up to 1,000 pages per month

• Full on-site service and support for 36 months

• Ownership of the printer at the end of the term

Total cost over 36 months: $1,800

Do the math and you will discover that is just 5 cents per page All-Included.

Need to Print more Pages?

Business Printer Option #2

For just $100 per month, a Brother MFC-L6915DW business printer includes:

• The printer valued at $2000

• Toner allowance for up to 2,000 pages per month

• Full on-site service and support for 36 months

• Predictable monthly costs

• Ownership of the printer at the end of the term

Total cost over 36 months: $3,600

Still just 5 cents per page All-Included

So as it turns out 5 cents will get you quite a lot if you know where to look.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Printers

Most businesses compare purchase prices.

Smart businesses compare operating costs.

The cheapest printer on the shelf is often the most expensive printer you'll ever own.

Before you buy your next office printer, ask yourself one question:

Am I buying a printer, or am I buying printing?

Because they're not the same thing.

And the difference can cost your business thousands of dollars.