If you are in the market for a new printer, you may be wondering which type of printer would be the most appropriate for your organisation. The printer market is at its highest level split into two categories: office or professional business printers, also called multifunctional photocopiers, and smaller consumer printers, which are usually purchased through traditional retailers, e-commerce stores or IT resellers.
Both types of printers serve different types of organisations. This article discusses the differences between the two and guides you in choosing the correct printer for your needs.
What is an office printer?
Multifunction photocopiers, often referred to as office or business printers, are typically provided by specialised managed print service providers or manufacturer-approved photocopier dealers. These larger printers can usually be rented by businesses over periods of 24 to 60 months or can be purchased outright. They are usually connected to an IT network and form the central printing and scanning hub for organisations, and are maintained through service agreements between the dealer and organisation.
Some of the common manufacturer brands in the office printer sector include:
- Canon
- Konica Minolta
- Kyocera
- Ricoh
- Nashua
- Toshiba
- Sharp
What is a home printer?
Home printers are classified as the smaller, desktop consumer printers which are typically purchased cash through traditional retailers, e-commerce stores or IT resellers. Consumer printers do not normally come with any level of after-sales support agreements, which means parts and service for these printers are the responsibility of the buyer once the printer is purchased from the retail outlet.
Some of the common manufacturers in the consumer printer market sector include:
- Canon
- HP
- Brother
- Samsung
- Lexmark
- Epson
Key differences between managed office printers and consumer SoHo printers
Which printer is right for you?
Use the questions below to guide you in determining which printer option is right for your business.
Business printer questions
- Does your business print more than 1 000 prints per month?
- Do you want professional after-sales support?
- Do you have multiple printers in your business?
- Will more than two users be using the printer?
- Is printing a critical aspect for the day-to-day running of your business?
If you answered yes to most of the questions above, then an office printer is best for you. View them here.
Home printer questions
- Does your business print less than 1 000 prints per month?
- Are you happy to service and maintain the device yourself?
- Are you happy to source and replace your own cartridges?
- Will only one to two users be using the printer?
- Does your business only print occasionally?
If you answered yes to most of the questions above, then a home printer is best for you. View them here.
Total cost of ownership calculation comparison
Below, we take a look at two total cost of ownership examples to understand the upfront and running costs of a business printer vs a consumer printer over time.
We have used the following devices in the cost comparison:
1. Home office consumer printer - Canon MAXIFY MB5440
2. Entry-level business printer - Canon imageRUNNER C1325if
United Copiers is a managed print service provider specialising in the supply and maintenance of multifunction business printers on service level agreements. We also have a retail division which supplies home office printers for outright, cash purchases. Contact our sales department for a quote on a printer best suited to your needs.
Website: www.onlinecopiers.co.za
Email: info@unitedbusiness.co.za
Telephone: (086) 001 8101
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