By: Marty Long – Cartridge World Cherry Hill, NJ
Home printing hassles may not extend beyond general inconveniences– paper jams and slow print jobs. But for businesses, the implications of inefficient printing can be much more far-reaching and expensive. In fact, printing is a top-four business expenditure – closely following payroll, rent and utilities. Here are some common printing problems I see with companies of all sizes, and how business owners can effectively resolve them:
- Overrun IT Department
Many larger businesses have in-house or contracted IT departments. And while most IT employees should be focusing on larger issues – from network security to optimizing servers and workflows – 40 to 60 percent of IT helpdesk calls are printer-related. IT support can get expensive, and your help desk likely has higher priorities than a paper jam or out-of-toner request.
Instead of tying up your IT department with printing problems, find a print provider that also offers technical support and onsite service. More and more businesses are investing in managed print services because it’s a cost-effective option for fixing printing issues. This allows your IT department to complete bigger projects, while eliminating downtime and frustration from employees trying to troubleshoot problems on their own.
- Overspending on Printing
Roughly 90 percent of businesses don’t know how much they spend on office printing – which means they’re likely spending too much. Overspending on printing can be the result of any number of issues, but here are some of the main ones:
- Ordering from multiple vendors
- Using printer brand (OEM) printer cartridges
- Not matching your printers to your needs
- Careless printing by employees
- Toner delivery fees
There are a few ways businesses can combat these problems:
- Consolidate vendors to save time and money – make sure your vendor doesn’t have inflated toner delivery fees.
- Switch from expensive printer brand (OEM) printer cartridges to a high-quality alternative. This can save you up to 30 percent on printing costs.
- Implement an office print policy to reduce wasteful printing. Print volumes tend to decrease by no less than 10 percent when people believe their print usage is being monitored.
- Lack of Knowledge During Print Purchase
Lack of knowledge and awareness when purchasing a printer oftentimes leads to printers not suited to your needs – and ultimately, inefficient and expensive printing. When buying a printer, make sure you’re asking the right questions and matching the type of printer you use to your printing needs. Inkjet printers are a great choice for low-volume, color printing. Laser printers are usually preferable for higher print volumes – since they are faster and up to 70 percent less expensive to operate.
Sometimes, I see businesses that have a few printers they never even use – either because the machines are unnecessary, or no one really knows how to use them. Getting rid of these printers and consolidating your print fleet can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs alone. Make sure you understand your needs and aren’t wasting money and space on equipment you never use.
If your business continues to fall prey to these printing issues, it could be time to bring in an expert. With Cartridge World’s, friendly, unbiased advice, we can help you find the right solutions for you – saving you time and money. Find out more about our Why Buy a Printer Program – Why pay for printers and printer service, when you can just pay for the toner?
