Inkjet printers have become a household staple for home offices, schools, and small businesses. Known for their versatility and vibrant color printing, they’ve managed to remain relevant despite the growing popularity of their counterpart, the LaserJet printer. However, one common gripe is that inkjet printers tend to be more expensive in the long run, not only in initial price but also in maintenance costs, particularly for ink.
One of the major reasons inkjet printers are perceived as more expensive is the ongoing cost of consumables, specifically ink cartridges. Inkjet printers use liquid ink housed in small cartridges, which tend to run out quickly. Manufacturers often sell ink at a high markup, leading to the notorious “ink is more expensive than gold” comparison. This is partly because of the proprietary formulations used to ensure quality and the reliance on frequent cartridge replacements.
Printer manufacturers often sell inkjet printers at a lower upfront cost (sometimes even at a loss) because they know they will make up the difference by selling expensive ink cartridges. This is commonly referred to as the “razor-and-blades” model, where the primary product (the razor or printer) is sold cheaply, but the replacement components (blades or ink) come with a premium price tag.
Inkjet printers also require more maintenance than laser printers. They are prone to issues like ink clogging in the nozzles if not used regularly. This can result in wasted ink as users perform cleaning cycles to get the printer working properly again. Laser printers, by contrast, are much more durable and require less frequent maintenance, making them a more reliable choice for many businesses.
When choosing your next printer for your business, have C Three Business Consultants do a cost of ownership comparison. We will provide you with several printer options and can calculate the costs of ownership over time. Knowing your total costs of ownership will help aide you in deciding which printer to go with. What may seem like an inexpensive option upfront, may be costing your business more money in the long run. Know before you buy!