Buying a new label printer might seem like the obvious choice, but it isn't always the only option.
A professionally refurbished commercial printer can provide a cost-effective alternative, particularly if you need a backup machine, want to add capacity to an existing printer fleet or need to replace an older model you're already familiar with.
The important distinction is between buying a refurbished printer and simply buying a second-hand printer.
Before deciding between refurbished and new, consider what you're getting, how the printer will be used and the support available if something goes wrong.
A properly refurbished commercial label printer can provide many years of useful service.
However, the word “refurbished” on its own doesn't tell you very much.
A used printer could simply have been cleaned externally and offered for resale. A professionally refurbished machine should have been inspected, cleaned, tested and serviced, with worn or faulty components replaced where necessary.
Before buying, ask exactly what refurbishment has been carried out.
That could include checking:
A reputable supplier should be able to tell you what has been checked rather than simply describing the machine as refurbished.
The most obvious advantage is that you're getting equipment with no previous operating history.
You'll also normally benefit from a manufacturer's warranty, access to current technical support and greater confidence that software, drivers, firmware and replacement parts will continue to be supported for the foreseeable future.
Buying new can therefore make particular sense where the printer will be business-critical or is expected to remain part of your operation for many years.
Newer equipment may also provide improvements in connectivity, security, print speeds, usability and compatibility with modern systems.
However, those benefits only matter if your business actually needs them.
Replacing an existing printer with the latest model simply because it's newer isn't automatically the most economical option.
Cost is an obvious attraction, but there are other reasons to consider refurbished equipment.
As a backup printer
If your business depends on label printing every day, having a spare machine available can protect you against unexpected downtime.
When your main printer is being serviced or repaired, a backup can keep production or dispatch moving.
Buying a brand-new machine that spends most of its life waiting to be needed may be difficult to justify. A reliable refurbished printer can provide a much more economical backup option.
Adding extra capacity
Perhaps your existing printers cope perfectly well for most of the year but struggle during busy periods.
A refurbished machine can provide additional printing capacity without necessarily requiring the investment associated with another new printer.
Keeping an existing printer fleet consistent
Sometimes familiarity and compatibility are more useful than having the latest equipment.
If your employees already use a particular printer model, your software is configured for it and you hold compatible labels, ribbons and spare parts, adding a refurbished version of the same machine can make operational sense.
It can also reduce the need for additional training or changes to established processes.
This is where the decision becomes more important.
A low purchase price isn't particularly attractive if the printer subsequently requires expensive repairs or can't communicate with your existing systems.
Before purchasing, consider the following.
Has the printer actually been refurbished?
Ask what work has been carried out.
Has it been professionally inspected and serviced, or has somebody simply confirmed that it switches on and prints?
There is a considerable difference.
Does it come with a warranty or guarantee?
Find out what protection the supplier provides and exactly what it covers.
A warranty from a reputable supplier provides considerably greater reassurance than purchasing an unknown machine privately with no comeback if it develops a fault.
How old is the printer?
Age alone doesn't determine whether a commercial printer is useful.
Some industrial label printers are extremely robust and can remain operational for many years.
However, age should prompt another question: is the machine still supported?
Are spare parts still available?
Printheads, platen rollers and other components wear through normal use.
Before buying an older machine, establish whether replacement components are still readily available.
A cheap printer can become an expensive paperweight if an essential replacement part can no longer be sourced.
Is the software still supported?
Older hardware may work perfectly well mechanically but create problems when connected to modern systems.
Check whether suitable drivers and firmware remain available and whether the printer is compatible with the operating systems and software your business currently uses.
This becomes particularly important if the manufacturer has officially discontinued support for the model.
Will it work with your existing labels and ribbons?
If the refurbished machine is joining an existing printer fleet, compatibility can make a significant difference.
Being able to use the same consumables across several printers simplifies stockholding and can make the backup machine much easier to introduce when required.
The initial purchase price usually will be, but that's not the only cost worth considering.
A refurbished printer requiring frequent replacement parts or causing unexpected downtime could ultimately cost more than buying new.
Equally, spending considerably more on a new printer that includes features your business will never use isn't necessarily good value either.
The better question is:
Which option provides the most appropriate and reliable solution for the job?
For a business-critical printer operating continuously, buying new with manufacturer support may provide valuable reassurance.
For a backup machine or additional capacity, professionally refurbished equipment could represent much better value.
There's no universal winner.
A new label printer may be the better choice if:
A refurbished printer may be worth considering if:
Whichever route you choose, look beyond the purchase price.
A good commercial label printer is an investment in keeping production, stock control or dispatch running reliably. The right machine isn't necessarily the newest or the cheapest – it's the one you can depend on to do the job.
Labelline supplies both new and professionally refurbished commercial label printers. Refurbished equipment is inspected and prepared for further use, while the team can also advise whether buying new or refurbished is the more appropriate option for your particular requirements.
If you're considering a refurbished printer, speak to Labelline about the machine's condition, support, compatibility and intended use before making your decision.
Unit 10 Webber Estates
Webber Road
Liverpool
L33 7SQ
