Article last updated March 8, 2023
We know - we have been there. You have an old printer that seems to be doing its job at the bare minimum - if not way below it. And we can all agree that the worst time for a printer to not work is well - any time that it stops working.
However, getting a new printer can be a bit pricey, especially if you are a business owner and need to replace more than one unit. Not to mention that you will not have printing capability while you are waiting for your new device to be delivered.
Still, you would want to know exactly what to look for in your current printer, to decide if you DO actually need a brand new device. And you are in the right place because in today’s blog post, we will go over the 5 glaring signs you need a new printer.
Wait.. How long do printers last anyway?
Well, there is a short and a long answer to this question. The short answer, according to most manufacturers, is printers last between 3 to 5 years. So that is a ballpark figure to keep in mind. The long answer is: your printer's longevity depends on the make and model, how frequently you use it, and a few other factors.
So you generally need to keep an eye on your printer and recognize the signs that it is all but screaming for a replacement. Because if you spot these signs before your old printer flatlines on you, you would have a better chance of buying a new one in time.
5 Signs you need a new printer ASAP
1. Your printer is not doing what you ask it to do
If your printer suddenly would not print, or the print quality is glitching - these are clear indicators that the wear and tear of print jobs have gotten the best of your device. If the printer now cannot hold the same capacity of paper (or the capacity you usually print), or it can no longer print as many pages as you need, then it is time to shop around for a replacement printer.
We are not saying that your old printer will all of a sudden hold less paper as it ages. It is your printing needs that change. And as your printing demands change, your printer may need to do so too.
So, if you find yourself printing more than you used to, or needing to use more paper at a time, and your printer can only hold a certain amount of paper, you may need to consider a replacement. And it is the same with ink consumption. If you now have print jobs that need a printer that can run through more full page color prints at a time, you may be needing an upgrade to your current machine.
2. You are yelling at your printer
Yep. And sometimes even a full-on argument. Think about it. Why are you upset and yelling at a printer? Most likely because it is not working as well as it used to. Which is a sign that you need to replace it.
Over time, even the most advanced machines get inefficient. And printers are not an exception. A common sign of your printer’s reduced capability is it does not print as fast as it did when you first got it. And a slow printer makes even the most patient person annoyed at some point.
So why has your printer suddenly become inefficient and slow? The reason could be the printer is already too old to keep up with the software updates in other devices that it is connected to and interacts with. Another reason could be failure of one or more of its internal components.
You can also check if you have constantly been seeing streaks or blemishes on your printouts, even if you have replaced the toner or ink cartridge. If you are still seeing bars, random marks, and lines after cleaning the printer and refilling ink cartridges, this is a sign that you need to get a new printer.
3. Your printer is old enough to buy a drink in a bar
Okay we are obviously exaggerating here but if your printer is more than 5 years old, there is a chance that it can no longer keep up with the new technology that it has to interact with every time you do a print job.
If you bought your printer before smartphones can be integrated with printing systems, there is a good chance that your device is no longer suited for your current printing demands. Come on, if you cannot print from your phone these days, what are you going to do?
But there are bigger problems with using older printers. First, the older your printer gets, the less likely it is that you can find spare parts. When a component breaks down, you may not have a choice but to replace the entire device. Even if you do find the parts you need, odds are the parts are expensive and may even require a technician to install them.
Second, it becomes harder and harder to find ink cartridges and toners for old model printers. Obviously, if you cannot find ink you can’t print anything, can you?
4. You can literally hear your printer in pain
A big sign that you need a new printer is when you can hear your old unit making sounds of protest when you do a print job.
If you hear some clicking or grinding (or both), it might mean there is a broken part inside the printer, or that something has come loose. Or maybe it does not make sounds but lets you know that something is wrong through visual indication.
If your printer is always jammed, or malfunctioning every day, this is a sign that a component or two needs repair or has to be replaced. And as we mentioned earlier, the stress and cost of finding parts for your old printer is probably not worth it. You would be better off buying a replacement printer.
5. Your printer repair costs are piling up
We are all supportive of good printer repair work. After all, if you can still get your device fixed, then go for it. However, if you find that you are continually needing to have your printer serviced, and the repair costs are almost the cost of a new printer, then it is better to buy a replacement.
And there you have it. The five signs that you need to replace your trusty old printer. So, if you are experiencing one or more of the signs we listed above, then it is time to get a new device. But what if you want to stay within a certain budget?
Looking for a great printing solution that won't break the bank?
Get a refurbished printer
A refurbished printer is a great way to get a high-quality printer for a fraction of the price of a new one. Refurbished printers are thoroughly tested and inspected by the manufacturer before being listed for sale, so you can rest assured that you are getting a reliable product.
Whether you are looking for an all-in-one printer for your home office or a high-powered machine for your small business, refurbished printers from InkJets.com offer an incredible value. These printers are in like-new condition and come with genuine OEM ink cartridges, making them a great value for your money. Plus, each printer is backed by a 90-day warranty.
What is the difference between a refurbished printer and a brand new printer?
Practically nothing! Apart from coming in a plain box as opposed to retail packaging, the printer you receive will look and perform just like a brand new one. The main difference is the price tag; because these printers were originally either unsold new stock or previously used, all are brought up to like-new condition and sold with original accessories and components.
Your printer is telling you something
Printers do not just die on you all of a sudden. Well, not usually anyway. But your printer will send out warning signs that it is time to get a replacement. Knowing these common indicators means you would not be stuck with a device that is barely functioning to fit your needs.
And you do not have to spend a fortune on brand new printers, even. At Inkjets, we have a range of refurbished printers that work as reliably - or maybe even better - than a new device. Our Customer Experience Team is available and ready to provide support for any questions you may have regarding our products.
We want our customers to shop on our website with confidence, and the assurance that we will be there to address any questions you may have about a refurbished printer, or any item we are offering for sale. So contact us today and let us know how we can help!
