Original consumables are always best
Savings are gleaned from best practice rather than inferior product, suggests Graham Lowes
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. An overused phrase, perhaps, but in the case of cheap printer consumables it remains relevant.
Cheaper alternatives may seem a smart way to cut costs. But in failing to meet the high technical demands of OEM hardware, poor-quality compatible substitutes will almost certainly reduce performance and output quality.
Worse, they may also affect the life expectancy of what is a costly and often business-critical piece of office equipment, increasing wear and tear. Using non-original consumables may even invalidate the OEM warranty.
Resellers are best placed to make the key point that the ultimate victim of the decision to buy compatible rather than OEM toner will be the end user, who in my opinion will not be getting the bargain they imagine.
Original is best when looking for optimum performance and print quality. Quality is critical if customer documents are to accurately reflect to customers and partners alike the quality of their overall business.
There are many other ways they can save money on their business printing.
How about replacing expensive outsourced printing with printing in house? Savings can also be generated by more efficient management of existing in-house printing tasks.
A large percentage of printing that was previously the domain of outsourced print shops can now be carried out quickly and cost effectively by staff using their own printers.
Quality in-house offerings can reduce both cost and waste. Bringing more print jobs in-house can eliminate overruns and by raise the level of 'right first time' print-outs.
Teach users how to reduce paper waste. Save resources by thinking before you print. Never print emails simply to read them, for example. Always use print preview, and use a web print utility to ensure each web page fits on one sheet of paper.
Set printers up to minimise time and paper waste. Use mono rather than colour, except when absolutely necessary, duplex, and the A5 'booklet' function with multiple images on each sheet.
These measures could save an average business thousands every year in ink, toner, paper and time, while enabling them to deliver a better service.
Graham Lowes is marketing director at OKI Printing Solutions