In almost every office or home business office you are sure to see one or more small inkjet printers serving the printing, copying and scanning needs of the small business. The reason why these inkjet printers are so prevalent in small business offices is that they are very inexpensive to purchase. Most inkjet printers can be purchased at Big Box retail outlets for $100.00 or less making it a very popular way to accommodate printing needs without breaking the bank. Whereas it is true that the purchase price is very low there are bigger expenses looming in the future for the business that relies on inkjet printers.
The Continuing High Price of Replacement 
Ink Cartridges
Don’t be fooled by the suggested number of prints that the replacement ink cartridges claim to yield. A color inkjet printer will have at least 4 ink cartridges; cyan, magenta, black and yellow. In most cases the suggested yield of each of the four cartridges will be around 1,200 pages and the cost is approximately $40.00 for each of the 4 cartridges. By doing the math this leads ink jet users to deduce that the average printed page will cost a little over 3 cents each. An important consideration is that the projected yields provided by the inkjet manufacturers are made with the assumption that each printed page will average 5% page coverage and that 95% of your page is blank. In truth, the average black and white print produced in most offices is closer to 12% page coverage and the average color page coverage is closer to 30%. What that means is that even if you make all black prints at the average yield of 12% the yield would be only 500 prints per cartridge resulting in a cost of 8 cents for each black and white print. In the event you were doing all color pages at the average yield of 30% your average yield would be only 200 printed pages per cartridge resulting in a cost of 20 cents for each printed page.
The Low Price of Color Prints on a Konica Minolta Color Laser Copier/Printer/Scanner
Whereas a Konica Minolta small business copier/printer/scanner does have a considerably higher purchase price compared to a small inkjet printer the overall costs for the Konica Minolta laser system are quite likely less expensive. The reason for the overall costs savings is because each printed page made on the Konica Minolta laser copier-printer-scanner is considerably less expensive than the average cost for each printed page produced on an inkjet printer.
Consider that a Konica Minolta color copier/printer/scanner offers all-inclusive service and supply agreements for approximately 1 penny for each black print, and 7 cents for each color print and you will quickly see the potential savings. Based on the examples provided in this blog each black and white print made on a Konica Minolta color copier/printer/scanner will cost 800% less than the same page on an inkjet printer and each color page will be approximately 300% less. When you take into account that you might save a hundred dollars a month or more by eliminating the costs of inkjet cartridges you may actually be able to lease a Konica Minolta small business copier/printer/scanner and still come out with a lower total cost of operation.
When you take into account the savings you will recognize by not purchasing lease cartridges and you add to this savings, the greater speed, image quality and features you may find that a Konica Minolta color laser copier/printer/scanner is the best option for your business. If you want to reap these benefits contact us for free consultation.
FAQ Section: Navigating Printer Costs
Why are inkjet printers popular in small businesses?
Inkjet printers are popular in small businesses due to their initial low purchase cost, making them accessible for budget-conscious buyers. However, it’s essential to consider the long-term expenses associated with inkjet printing.
What are the ongoing expenses for inkjet printers?
Despite their low initial cost, inkjet printers incur significant expenses in replacement ink cartridges. These cartridges, often priced around $40 each, yield a suggested number of prints that may not accurately reflect real-world usage, resulting in higher-than-expected costs per page.
Why are ink cartridge yields misleading?
Ink cartridge manufacturers base their yield estimates on the assumption of 5% page coverage, significantly lower than the actual page coverage in most office prints. With higher coverage rates, the actual number of prints per cartridge decreases, leading to higher costs per page.
How do laser copier-printer-scanners compare in cost?
Laser copier-printer-scanners, like those offered by Konica Minolta, have a higher upfront cost but offer lower overall printing expenses. With inclusive service and supply agreements, the cost per printed page on a laser system is considerably less than that of an inkjet printer.
What are the potential savings with a Konica Minolta laser system?
Konica Minolta color copier/printer/scanners offer black prints for approximately 1 cent per page and color prints for around 7 cents per page. Compared to inkjet printers, this represents a significant cost savings of up to 800% for black prints and 300% for color prints.
How can switching to a laser system impact overall printing costs?
By switching to a Konica Minolta laser system, businesses can potentially save hundreds of dollars monthly by eliminating the need for costly inkjet cartridges. Additionally, the higher speed, superior image quality, and advanced features of laser systems contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective printing solution.
What factors should businesses consider when evaluating printer options?
When evaluating printer options, businesses should weigh the upfront cost, ongoing expenses, and long-term savings potential. Considering factors like print quality, speed, and additional features can help businesses make informed decisions that align with their budget and printing needs.
Why is it important to calculate the total cost of ownership for printers?
Calculating the total cost of ownership for printers involves considering not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing expenses like ink or toner, maintenance, and repairs. Understanding these costs ensures that businesses make financially sound decisions when investing in printing equipment.
How can businesses determine the most cost-effective printing solution for their needs?
To determine the most cost-effective printing solution, businesses should conduct a thorough analysis of their printing requirements, including volume, quality, and budget constraints. Consulting with printing experts and exploring options like laser systems can help businesses identify the best solution for their specific needs.
Where can businesses get expert advice on printer selection and optimization?
Businesses seeking expert advice on printer selection and optimization can consult with industry professionals like us. With years of experience and expertise in printing solutions, we offer free consultations to help businesses identify the most cost-effective and efficient printing solutions for their operations.
