If you’re here, that means you’re at that crossroad where your printer is down, and you’re left wondering if it’s worth repairing or if it’s time to buy a new one.
It’s a tough decision, especially if you’re not sure what to look for.
On the one hand, you want to save money. But on the other hand, you don’t want to get stuck with a printer that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
In this article, we’ll help you decide by covering the pros and cons of both options. We’ll also give you some tips on how to assess the condition of your printer and how to find a good repair shop.
So, whether you’re a business owner or a homeowner, read on to learn more about whether it’s worth repairing your printer.
When Does Printer Repair Make Sense?
As a rule, if the cost of repairing your printer exceeds half of what you’d spend on purchasing a new one, it may be time for a replacement.
However, this shouldn’t be the sole factor influencing your decision. Consider the following questions to make an informed choice regarding your printer repair in Saskatoon.
How often is your printer breaking down?
If your printer is breaking down every couple of weeks, it’s a sign that there’s a serious problem. Even if you can fix it with minor repairs, it’s likely to keep breaking down. This is especially true if your printer is a newer model. There may be a flaw in the design of the printer itself.
How long can your printer function without breaking down?
A well-maintained printer should last for at least a few years without breaking down. If you’re calling for repairs more than three times a year, it’s probably time to consider getting a new printer.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The type of printer: Laser printers are generally more durable than inkjet printers, but they can also be more expensive.
- How often you use the printer: If you print a lot, your printer will naturally wear down faster.
That said, if your printer isn’t running perfectly for at least four months, it’s probably time to start thinking about getting a new one.
Is it easy to find replacement parts for your printer model?
If your printer is old, even if it’s just a few years old, it may be difficult to find replacement parts. This is especially true for inkjet printers, which are generally cheaper and designed to be replaced sooner.
If you’re not sure whether you can find parts to fix your printer, it’s best to ask a professional repair shop.
Is your printer old?
Technology is changing rapidly, so you may want to consider upgrading to a newer printer, especially if your current printer is non-USB.
Newer printers often have more features, such as wireless printing and duplex printing. They may also be more reliable and last longer.
Of course, newer printers can be more expensive. But if you need a printer that will last for several years, it may be worth the investment.
Do you have a lot of printer supplies in stock?
One of the main reasons people keep their old printers is because they don’t want to waste the printer supplies they’ve already bought.
Printer supplies can be expensive, and it’s not always possible to use them with another printer model.
So, if you’re thinking about repairing or replacing your printer, be sure to take into account the cost of printer supplies.
If you have a lot of supplies in stock, it may be worth repairing your printer, even if it’s old. However, if you’re running low on supplies, it may be time to upgrade to a new printer.
When is it not Worth Repairing a Printer?
Printers sometimes break down, and that’s normal. But it’s not always worth repairing a printer, especially if it’s old or the repair would cost more than buying a new one.
Generally, repairing your printer isn’t worth it if;
Cost-per-page (CPP) is rising
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to repair or replace your printer is the cost-per-page (CPP).
The CPP is the cost of printing a single page, and it can be calculated by dividing the cost of the cartridge by the page yield of the cartridge.
If you notice that your CPP is rising considerably, it may be time to retire your printer.
There are a few things you can do to try to lower your CPP, such as switching to compatible cartridges or printing in draft mode. However, if your CPP is still high, it may be more cost-effective to replace your printer with a newer model.
Manufacturer support has expired
When a manufacturer drops support for a printer, it means that they will no longer provide software updates, security patches, or other support for that printer.
Usually, this makes it difficult to use the printer with newer operating systems and software, and it can also make the printer more vulnerable to security attacks.
If your printer’s manufacturer support has expired, you should consider replacing it with a new model.
Newer printers typically have better security features and are more compatible with newer operating systems and software.
Your printer has outdated capabilities
New printers often have more features than older printers, such as wireless connectivity, duplex printing, and support for memory cards, to mention but a few.
These features are in place to improve efficiency and usability, and they can also save you money.
For example, wireless connectivity allows you to print from your computer or mobile device without having to connect the printer with a cable.
Duplex printing prints on both sides of the paper, which can save you paper and money. And support for memory cards allows you to print photos and other files directly from the printer without having to connect it to a computer.
Suppose you’re dealing with an older printer lacking these capabilities and requires repairs. In that case, it’s worth considering whether investing in a newer model would be a more beneficial choice for your office.
Take into account the potential efficiency improvements, such as higher pages-per-minute (PPM) and reduced cost-per-page, which can lead to long-term cost savings with a new printer.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Everything you need to know about whether to repair or replace your printer: there is no right or wrong answer, and the best decision for you will depend on your circumstances.
If your printer is old, unreliable, or doesn’t have the features you need, it may be worth replacing it with a new model. However, if your printer is still under warranty or if the repair cost is relatively low, it may be more cost-effective to repair it.
No matter what you decide, make sure to do your research and choose a printer that’s right for your needs.