Refurbished vs New Business Printers:
Is Refurbished Really Worth It?

When it comes to buying a printer for your business, buying new might seem like the obvious choice.

But is it always the best option?

As we mentioned in our previous blog, choosing the right printer isn’t simply about finding the cheapest machine. You need to consider what you print, how often you print and the ongoing costs involved.

One option that’s often overlooked is a refurbished printer.

What Does Refurbished Actually Mean?

A refurbished printer isn’t simply an old machine that’s been cleaned and resold.

A properly refurbished machine would have been inspected, serviced and tested before being offered for sale. Depending on the machine, this can include checking print quality, paper feeding, drums, fusers and other important components.

The key difference is that you’re buying a machine that has been prepared for further use, rather than simply buying an untested second-hand printer.

Why Consider a Refurbished Printer?

The biggest advantage is usually value for money.

A refurbished printer can allow a business to buy a higher-specification machine without paying the price of a brand-new equivalent.

For example, rather than buying a basic new printer because it fits your budget, you may be able to buy a refurbished business machine with better paper capacity, faster printing and additional features.

For a busy office, that can make a big difference.

Technology Business Services specialises in both new and refurbished Xerox equipment, giving businesses a choice to suit different budgets and requirements.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

If you’re considering refurbished equipment, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Find out:

• What is the machine’s print count?
• Has it been serviced?
• What parts have been replaced?
• Is a warranty included?
• Are parts and consumables still readily available?
• Can the supplier provide ongoing servicing and support?
• Is the machine suitable for your monthly print volume?

A reputable supplier should be happy to explain exactly what you’re buying.

Don’t Just Look at the Purchase Price

Whether you buy new or refurbished, the purchase price is only part of the cost.

You should also consider:

• Toner costs
• Cost per page
• Drums and fusers
• Servicing
• Expected print volume
• Downtime
• How long the machine is likely to remain suitable for your business

A cheaper printer isn’t necessarily cheaper to run.

That’s why it’s important to look at the total cost of ownership, rather than simply comparing the prices of two machines.

New or Refurbished – Which Is Right for You?

There isn’t one answer for every business.

Buying new may be the best choice if you need the latest technology, a specific current model or particular features.

Refurbished could be the better option if you’re looking for a reliable business printer while keeping your initial investment lower.

The important thing is to choose a machine that is right for your business, rather than simply choosing the newest or cheapest option.

Final Thoughts

A good refurbished printer can offer excellent value and may give you access to equipment that would otherwise be outside your budget.

But make sure you know what you’re buying.

Check the machine’s history, condition, print count, warranty and ongoing support before making your decision.

At Technology Business Services, we supply and support both new and refurbished Xerox printers, with servicing and technical support available to help keep your business printing.

If you’re unsure whether new or refurbished equipment is right for you, get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.