How to Choose the Best Laser Printer for Your Business

Laser printers are in many ways superior to inkjet printers. They are easier to maintain, faster and last longer. While laser printers are traditionally more expensive than inkjets, most people recognize the extra expense as a worthwhile investment. Consider the following steps before choosing the best laser printer for your business.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. Assess your business printing needs. Resolution (dpi), print speed (ppm) and paper media compatibilities are three main categories by which laser printers are judged. However, specific circumstances, such as networking and printer sharing, can warrant specific demands-upgraded memory, rendering chips and printer server capabilities.

2. Set a budget. Determine how much your business is willing to spend to get the printer that meets the most of your needs.

3. Research laser printers online that are in your price range. Find Web sites that compare different brands and models of laser printers in all price ranges.

4. Research each printer's rating. Most Web sites that compare different brands and models of laser printers use a rating system to keep their comparisons and evaluations consistent. Each laser printer will be rated in various categories.

5. Compare the functions and features (that you determined in Step 1) of the laser printers. Important comparisons to make include image quality, printer speed and network capability. These categories will give you an idea of the printer's quality and the impact it will have on your business.

6. Read customer reviews on each laser printer. Find out what people who have used the printers have to say about them. Research online customer reviews by typing in the brand name and model of the laser printer into a search engine.

7. Call different electronics and department stores and find the best price on the printer you want. Depending on the size of your business and how many printers you need, dealing directly with the manufacturer is often the best way to find package deals on more than one laser printer.

8. Compare these results with prices you find online. Sometimes you can find great deals online.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to factor in the shipping costs if you buy online. If it exceeds the price you would pay at a store, then buy from the store.
• Don't allow yourself to be sold on a printer that a salesman wants you buy.
• Double-check your research. Don't rely solely on one set of consumer ratings and reviews. Find out what a wide array of consumers thought of the printer.
• Don't fall for the lowest priced or "bargain" printers. Make sure the manufacturer you purchase from has established credibility, good customer service and tech support. Pick a company that will come to your aid if the printer breaks down, which is likely to happen.
• Check the cost of replacement cartridges for a printer. The printer may be cheap, but the replacement cartridges may be very expensive.