Launching a small business is no small effort. If yours is like many new small businesses, there may be only a handful of people responsible for everything, from fulfilling customer needs to buying tissues for the restrooms.

You'll build your new small business on meaningful core values and excellent employees. But there is another piece of the puzzle: the equipment that allows you and your employees to do your jobs. Because you'll have a long-term relationship with your office printer, we urge you not to overlook the importance of investing in the process of choosing the right printer to fit your needs.

To help you get started, here are some important considerations to make when selecting the first printer for your new business.

Printing Needs

Think through the day to day printing needs of your office, taking into consideration printing speed, quality and the volume of your print needs. And don't just think about today, account for growth in the coming years. What kind of demand will that bring to your print environment? If you can establish your current needs as well as possible future needs early on, you're more likely to end up with a machine that does everything you need it to and more for years to come.

Budgetary Considerations

Small business owners are a cost-conscious bunch. You have to be! However, you have more to think about than just the upfront investment. Consider monthly print related costs -  where you may find a low upfront cost, you could encounter inefficient use of toner or ink, an overuse of electricity, paper jams, and print errors. In the long run, once you add in the cost of repairs and maintenance, the cheaper option could cost you more in time and money.

Multi Purpose?

Do you need to purchase multiple devices with specific functions, or would you be better served if you bought a multifunction device? Multifunction devices come with the ability to print, copy, scan, fax, and some have more advanced finishing options, such as binding and folding. Think about how you will manage documents as they flow through your business, as a multifunction device with smart scanning technology can be a key element in these processes. Think about what is ahead for your growing small business, as what gets the job done today might not suffice in just a few short months or a year from now.

Need to narrow down the search a little more? Check out our printer options, or contact us with questions!