Signs It’s Time for a Printer Upgrade
If you’re wondering if it’s time to upgrade your office printer or copy machine, you’re probably already dealing with some issues that disrupt your team’s workflow. For example, maybe your printer blasts through ink faster than it should or jams are happening frequently. Your printer/copier is a lifeline for your business, and you can’t afford to have it break.
Printers and copiers aren’t made to last forever. At some point, they will need to be replaced. However, new printers cost money, so it’s understandable that you’d want to know for sure if yours is beyond repair.
In this article, you’ll learn about printer lifespans along with the telltale signs that it’s time for a printer upgrade.
How Many Years Should a Printer Last?
The answer to this question will vary based on your printer’s size, condition, and brand. It also depends on whether you’re using the right kind of printer. For example, if you’re using a printer designed for home use, it won’t last long in an office setting. If you’re using one designed for commercial use, it should last for many years, but exactly how long still depends on a variety of factors.
First and foremost, spending thousands of dollars on a printer doesn’t mean it’s going to last for a decade or more. In fact, most printers only make it to about five years. The factors that influence a printer’s lifespan include how often it’s used, how fast you make repairs when needed, and the brand you choose.
Factors That Influence Printer Lifespan
- How often your printer gets used. In a small office, printers don’t get used that frequently unless job duties require plenty of paperwork. This works in favor of prolonging the printer’s life. In larger offices, printers are used daily by many people, which significantly shortens their lifespan.
- How quickly you make repairs. When your printer has issues, it’s critical to make repairs immediately. Ignoring necessary repairs can make things worse if it’s still being used in other ways. Fixing problems as soon as they arise is one way to extend a printer/copier’s life.
- Your printer’s brand. It’s known that certain brands have a better reputation than others. For example, Brother and Sharp are two of the best printer/copier brands on the market, and they tend to last longer than the competition. As with any industry, some manufacturers use inferior components that break down faster and more frequently.
How Often Should Printers Be Replaced?
There’s no specific frequency at which a printer should be replaced, and there’s no predetermined interval of time or method for calculating this consistently. Printers need to be replaced when they can’t be repaired, are showing signs of degradation, or when a business owner decides they want an upgrade.
However, these aren’t mandatory factors—it all depends on preference. Some business owners wait until their printer is completely dead before buying a replacement, while others would rather get a new one before that happens.
Time for a Printer Upgrade
Quality print jobs are hard to find. Connected Office makes it easier with exceptional black-and-white or color production printers.
Five Signs You Need a Printer Upgrade
Not sure if you need a new printer/copier? Here are five signs that it’s time.
1. Your machine is out for repairs often.
How frequently are you calling technicians to repair your printer? Machines need regular maintenance, and repairs are inevitable, but you shouldn’t have to call a tech every month.
If you’re experiencing a printer/copier breakdown once a month (or more) and are starting to get familiar with the repair person, it’s time to get a new machine.
2. You need data security.
The need to protect sensitive data is one of the best reasons to get a new printer. Chances are, your copier/printer is on your network, which makes it vulnerable to attacks that can result in a data breach. If your current machine doesn’t offer security features like encryption and password protection, you need to replace it with a more secure unit.
3. Toner/ink cartridges don’t last long.
A copy machine that blasts through toner faster than usual is a telltale sign that it’s on the fritz. If this is happening to your machine, you probably need a new one. If your printer is really old, getting an upgraded version will be a significant improvement in terms of how fast you go through toner.
4. Your copier/printer is missing an important function.
If your team members complain that your machine is missing an important function, it’s time for a copier upgrade. Copiers are part of your team’s workflow, and an upgraded machine will make them more productive.
Sometimes you’ll have to pay more for better features, but it’s worth the investment because it will streamline your daily operations, support productivity, and positively impact your bottom line.
5. Service costs are too high.
You may have gotten a good deal on service costs when you first got your printer, but now it might be cheaper to have a different machine serviced. Did your service contract expire, eliminating a good deal? Every dollar you can save counts, so it’s worth considering if you can get a better printer with a cheaper service plan.
Overdue for a Printer Upgrade?
If it’s time for a printer upgrade, you’ve come to the right place. We offer a variety of high-quality, professional machines that will support all of your daily usage needs. We offer a variety of multifunction color printers and black-and-white printers that are sure to meet all of your daily needs.
When you get a printer from Connected Office Technologies, you won’t just get a great machine—you’ll also have access to knowledgeable technicians and representatives who will take care of all your needs. When you need toner, we’ll mail it to you directly. When you need maintenance, repairs, or just someone to help with troubleshooting, we’ve got you covered. If an upgraded copier is on your list, contact us today and find out how we can help.