Laser vs Inkjet: What Printer is Best for Your Customers?

It’s a debate as old as time…what’s best, an inkjet or laser printer? Both printer types have their place in the office. Let’s explore the key selling points and considerations for each technology.

Laser Printers: High-Volume Workhorses

Selling Points:

1. Speed and Efficiency: Highlight the impressive output rates, often 20-100 pages per minute, ideal for busy offices.
2. Cost-effectiveness for high volumes: Emphasize the lower cost per page for large print jobs, despite higher initial investment.
3. Print Quality: Stress the sharp, professional text output, perfect for document-centric businesses.
4. Durability and Reliability: Showcase their robust build and ability to handle large workloads with less frequent maintenance.
5. Advanced Networking: Highlight easy integration into complex office networks, a key feature for larger businesses.

Considerations:

1. Initial Investment: Be prepared to justify the higher upfront cost with long-term savings calculations.
2. Color Limitations: While color lasers exist, manage expectations regarding photo-quality prints.
3. Space Requirements: Discuss office layout and space availability with clients.
4. Energy Consumption: Address potential concerns about power usage, especially for eco-conscious clients.

Inkjet Printers: Versatile Color Specialists

Selling Points:

1. Versatility: Emphasize the ability to print on various media types, appealing to creative businesses or those with diverse printing needs.
2. Superior Color Quality: Highlight the exceptional color accuracy and photo-quality outputs for marketing materials or visual-heavy industries.
3. Lower Initial Cost: Position as an attractive option for businesses with budget constraints or those starting up.
4. Compact Design: Stress the space-saving benefits for smaller offices or decentralized printing setups.
5. Energy Efficiency: Promote as an eco-friendly option, especially for businesses with occasional printing needs.

Considerations:

1. Print Speed: Set realistic expectations about output rates compared to laser printers.
2. Operational Costs: Provide transparent information about ink cartridge usage and replacement frequency.
3. Maintenance Requirements: Educate clients about regular use and maintenance to prevent print head issues.
4. Print Longevity: Discuss the potential for fading or smudging, especially relevant for archival purposes.
5. Volume Limitations: Guide clients on appropriate usage levels to avoid overworking the printer.

Tailoring Your Approach

Here are some tips to match the right printer with each client’s unique needs:

For Laser Printers:

• Target large offices, legal firms, or educational institutions with high-volume printing needs.
• Emphasize the long-term cost savings and efficiency for document-heavy environments.
• Highlight the robust nature and network integration for IT-focused clients.

For Inkjet Printers:

• Focus on creative agencies, marketing departments, or small businesses with diverse printing requirements.
• Stress the flexibility and superior color reproduction for visually-oriented clients.
• Position as a cost-effective solution for startups or businesses with moderate printing needs.

Value-Added Services:

1. Offer print volume assessments to help clients choose the most cost-effective option.
2. Provide TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) calculations to illustrate long-term financial implications.
3. Include training sessions on printer maintenance and optimal use.

By understanding each client’s specific needs – monthly print volume, document types, quality requirements, and budget constraints – you can guide them towards the ideal printing solution. Some clients may benefit from a mix of both technologies, presenting an opportunity for comprehensive office printing solutions.

Your expertise in navigating these choices not only ensures client satisfaction but also positions you as a trusted advisor in office technology solutions. Stay informed about the latest printer models and features to continually provide cutting-edge recommendations to your clients.

About ISI

Impression Solutions Inc. is a value-add, full-service distributor of printing and imaging solutions. ISI offers their dealers, resellers and their end users unparalleled service and support as an OEM full line authorized distributor of Kyocera monochrome and color printers, MFPs, Wide Format Printers, printer accessories, printer supplies and customized printing solutions. 

Recent launches include Virtual Inventory Services and IS Docs, a turnkey Document Management program for Imaging Dealers to grow their monthly recurring revenues (MRR). 

ISI maintains a full inventory of over 2,200 SKUs of printer products ready for same-day shipment from their 35,000 square feet of warehousing space in 5 distribution centers from coast to coast.