Many businesses fall into the trap of buying low-cost printers from big-name retailers like Amazon, Staples, Office Depot, or CDW. These printers may seem like a bargain upfront, but they come with hidden costs that can severely impact your bottom line.
Let’s be clear: residential or open-box printers were never designed for the demands of a business environment. Manufacturers often sell them at extremely low prices to lock you into purchasing overpriced ink and toner. It’s the classic “razor and blades” model. The printer might cost you $99, but replacing the cartridges could cost more than the device itself—again and again.
The Real Cost of Cheap Printers
- Average cost per black-and-white page: Over 6¢
- Average cost per color page: Over 20¢
- Average cost with commercial-grade printers: Less than 1¢ per page
When you consider how often your team prints, that adds up fast. In fact, businesses unknowingly spend 60–90% more on printing supplies with these “cheap” printers. And when something goes wrong? Most of these consumer-grade machines are not worth repairing—so your team ends up tossing the device and buying a new model, often incompatible with the supplies you already have. It’s a costly, wasteful cycle.
The Smarter Move: Commercial-Grade Printers from Ricoh, Sharp & Brother
Commercial multifunction printers (MFPs) from trusted brands like Ricoh, Sharp, and Brother are built for business. They’re reliable, cost-effective, and include service and support—so you’re not on your own when issues arise.
Here’s what you gain by switching:
• Significant savings: Businesses switching to commercial-grade print solutions save on average over 30%.
• Increased efficiency: Faster print speeds, scanners with larger capacity, and advanced features streamline your workflow and make your team more efficient.
• Less waste: Standardized equipment means fewer unused or obsolete toner cartridges sitting around.
• Reliable service: Ongoing maintenance and support are included, ensuring minimal downtime.
Most companies don’t track their print spending—but they should. A low-cost residential printer could be costing your business $150 to $1,000 per month, depending on usage. Compare that for a commercial solution through Barlop, and the difference is clear.
Barlop Can Help: Free Print Fleet Assessment + Flexible Solutions
At Barlop, we specialize in helping businesses cut costs and boost productivity with tailored print and office technology solutions.
We’re offering a FREE Print Fleet Assessment to help you understand your current print costs and identify areas for savings.
We also provide:
- Short-term rental programs (ideal for remote teams, temporary offices, temporary work sites, and events)
- Flexible leasing options (12–60 months)
- Affordable, scalable commercial-grade printers and MFPs
- Promotions on software like document management, workflow tools, and billing automation
- Expert service and support from a local team you can trust
For over 40 years, Barlop Business Systems has been South Florida’s go-to partner for high-quality office technology. We’re committed to keeping your costs low, your equipment reliable, and your business productive.
Ready to stop overpaying for ink and toner?
Contact Barlop today for your free print fleet assessment and discover the benefits of commercial-grade office solutions. sales@barlop.com or fill out our contact form via our website
