While the idea of purchasing a large format printer at a very affordable price is enticing, there are several compelling factors that you’ll wish you knew before you hit the “Buy” button! Herein, we’ll delve into the potential drawbacks and limitations of opting for a budget-friendly large format printer and offer some helpful tips to stretch your budget to maximize the value of your purchase.
Do You Feel Lucky?
Although sometimes we get lucky and get good value out of something that we didn’t pay much for. Perhaps it was a device that you got a good deal on a long time ago and it performed well for quite some time! However, with technology purchases today, this unfortunately proves rarely to be the case. It’s no secret that machinery fabricated today utilize cheaper parts that are often made of plastic that simply just break. I just had to replace a toaster oven that we had purchased just a few years back; though my first toaster must have lasted a decade or two! Unfortunately, it seems that the days of long lasting product durability may be gone! So why not buy the least expensive wide format printer, if it’s not going to last either?
Pay Now or Pay Later
The old adage, “time is money” has significant relevance to answering the previous question. Purchasing cheaper contains characteristics that are commonly less desirable. These can be factors like: speed, print quality, durability, features, support, etc. Some of us have at one time or another, purchased an inexpensive computer. That cheap computer seemed to do everything in slow mode. So although we spent less money on that computer; (hopefully) we learned that what we saved in money on the purchase, cost us in time (many times over for me)! The feedback that we obtain from our loyal customers that have purchased the lesser expensive wide format printer, is that with time and aggravation, they “paid the price in the long run”!
What Are the Drawbacks & Limitations
Herein we are discussing large format printer plotters that have a retail price of less than $2000; this includes those that sell for less than $1000. Wide format plotters in this category are considered desktop printers, whereby a printer stand is optional, these printers are compact in design, and usually have an “exchange” warranty.
Volume & Capacity
Inexpensive wide format printers are designed to print a sheet or two per day. Very, very low volume is all that a plotter in this category is designed to handle.
Durability & Lifespan
Inexpensive large format printers are typically built with lower-grade materials and components. This can result in a shorter lifespan and increased susceptibility to wear and tear. Investing in a higher-quality printer may initially seem pricier, but it often pays off in the long run due to increased durability and reliability.
Support & Warranty
Budget friendly printers often come with an “exchange” warranty, this means that if there is a warranty issue with your plotter, just send it back to the manufacturer, they will send you another used working printer (they usually do not send a new replacement) in its place. This does not reset the warranty period, and there is no telling how many prints will have been run through the replacement printer. By offering this type of warranty, the manufacturer limits their potential liability (in essence, it is not worthwhile for the manufacturer to incur the cost to send out a technician on such an inexpensive unit. By offering limited or less comprehensive customer support and warranty options, the manufacturer limits their risk. This means that if issues arise, you may face challenges in obtaining timely assistance or repairs. Higher-end models often come with better customer support and longer warranty periods, providing added peace of mind.
Print Quality
Wide format printers in the sub-$2000 range often compromise on print quality. These are typically simple four color machines; they may struggle with color accuracy, fine detail reproduction, and overall image vibrancy. For professionals seeking quality prints or precise technical drawings, investing in a moderate or higher-end model is significantly more beneficial.
Media Compatibility
Budget-friendly large format printers may have restrictions when it comes to compatible media types and sizes. This limitation can hinder your creative endeavors, particularly if you require specific materials for your projects. Higher-end models offer a wider range of media compatibility, providing more flexibility in your printing options.
Connectivity and Features
Lower-priced large format printers may lack advanced features and connectivity options that are standard in higher-end models. This could include wireless printing capabilities, touchscreen interfaces, and cloud integration. These features can greatly enhance convenience and workflow efficiency, making them worth the investment.
Long-Term Costs
While the initial purchase price of a budget-friendly large format printer may be attractive, it’s essential to consider the long-term costs. Cheaper printers often use smaller ink cartridges that have, on a cost per mL, are significantly more expensive to replace. Additionally, they may have higher ink consumption rates, leading to greater overall expenses over time. These low priced printers also seem to be more problematic and therefore the waste factor is likely to be considerably higher. Also, since these printers are typically slower, plan for the user to spend more time, we would consider this as a soft cost, similar to the previous slow computer example.
Tips to Stretch the Budget 
- Buy it only if you can afford it! If the right wide format printer costs more than you can reasonably afford, look to outsource to a blueprint shop like ours. We can monitor your activity, and inform you when it might make sense for you to make that purchase.
- Finance or Lease a plotter! We can customize a lease to fit your budget. And you may also get some tax benefits too!
- Make your plotter an additional source of revenue! Finding alternate uses for the equipment that could provide another profit center could help to fund the purchase, and eventually put more money in your pocket!
- Buy the right plotter for your particular needs! Often times some will try to buy a 36 inch wide printer to print a maximum size of 24″x36″; so by buying a 24 inch wide printer, they print most everything sideways and save some money! Others buy a photo printer to print technical drawings; this too can be more costly than necessary.
- Buy a plotter from a reputable knowledgeable authorized dealer! We could share a lot of stories that have been shared with us about shady dishonest unethical salespeople; it’s simply safer to deal with a reputable well established company that’s been authorized for many years! And it could save you a lot of money too!
In Summary
While a sub-$2000 large format printer may seem like a cost-effective solution, it’s crucial to weigh the potential drawbacks against the benefits. Investing in a higher-quality printer may initially require a larger sum, but it often pays off in terms of print quality, durability, and long-term cost-effectiveness. Before making a purchase, carefully evaluate your specific needs and consider the long-term value that a moderately higher-end model can offer. And look to implement some of our money savings tips to stretch your plotter buying potential!
If you want more help to determine if the plotter that you’re looking at is right for you, or want our expert opinion of which specific plotter might be right for your particular needs, call us at (602) 224-9971 or contact us now, we’re happy to help!