Should we buy a stock printer or not? + Advantages and disadvantages of buying a working printer

Stock and used printersare a suitable option for people who are looking for a device with high quality and reasonable price; without reducing its performance or durability. In the Iranian market, where the cost of new printers is often very high, these products offer an economical solution and are ideal for small offices, freelancers and home use. In the rest of this guide, we will thoroughly review the pros, cons, types of devices, and key points so you can make a confident choice.

First, we have put a summary of what you should read in the table below:

Advantages of buying a stock printer compared to a new one

Stock printers have the same or even more advanced features than new models at a much lower cost. Their main advantages are:

• Significant financial savings: Their price is usually 40 to 70% lower than new samples; For example, a professional HP model, which costs about 25 million tomans new, is sold as stock for 10 to 12 million tomans.
• Access to advanced models: It is possible to buy color or multifunction printers with high features on a limited budget, which is difficult in new models.
• Superior build quality: Most of these devices are imported from Europe and come with original parts and more durability than the new models made in China.
• Low printing cost: Their toner and cartridge charges are cheaper and they have good performance for printing 2000 to 5000 pages per month.
• Compatibility with the environment: As recycled products, they consume less resources and help reduce e-waste.
• Warranty and test deadline: Reputable sellers often offer 3-6 months warranty and 7-10 days testing period, which reduces the risk of purchase.

Disadvantages and common risks of used printers

Despite the advantages, there are some risks that you should be aware of. The main disadvantages are:

• Shorter lifespan: These machines are already used and may need to replace key parts such as the drum or fusing after 1-2 years.
• Possible repair costs: Buying from the wrong places can lead to high costs; For example, replacing a drum costs about 1 to 2 million Tomans.
• Limited Warranty: Unlike new models, the warranty period is shorter and the after-sales service is weaker.
• Unstable print quality: Problems such as streaks, stains or unusual sound may be observed; Especially if the operation of the device (the number of printed pages) is more than 20 thousand pages.
• Limited access to parts: Older models may have rare cartridges or spare parts, making repairs difficult.
• Hidden Risk of Defects: Without thorough testing, electrical or mechanical problems go undetected and can create unexpected costs.

Types of stock printers – which one is better?

Printers are divided into three main categories based on technology, and the choice of each one depends on your needs:

Laser printers

They are suitable for printing black and white or color documents at high speed (20 to 50 pages per minute). They have a low cost per page and are durable, but not ideal for photos. In the stock market, they are considered the best option for offices.

Inkjet printers

They offer excellent quality in printing photos and color graphics, but the ink head can dry out and ink costs are higher. They are more suitable for home use or occasional printing, and in stock, their compact models are popular.

Dot printers

The oldest types are designed for printing invoices and multi-copy documents with plain paper. They have low speed and high noise, but they are very durable and cheap to maintain. They are mainly used for industrial or accounting environments.

Overall, for most Iranian users, a stock laser printer provides the best balance between price, quality, and durability, especially if the print volume is moderate.

The cost of buying and using a stock printer

Buying a stock printer goes beyond the initial price and you have to consider the side costs. The basic price of simple models starts from the economic level and the advanced models reach a higher range. Toner refills for laser printers and cartridges for inkjets are reasonably priced and provide decent print capacity. In the long run, the cost per page to print on stock laser models is much lower and more economical than new. Annual repairs, such as replacement of key parts, also require a predictable budget. For a small office with moderate print volume, the total annual cost will be reasonable and will offset the initial savings, provided you don’t forget the maintenance budget.

Important points before buying a used printer

Before buying, take these points seriously:

• Specify your needs: Monthly print volume, output type (black and white or color), and usage (single or multi-purpose).
• Check the operation of the device: Less than 5,000 pages is ideal; Above 20,000 is risky.
• Buy from reputable sellers: Look for a written guarantee and test period and buy from reliable sellers such as Karamiprint (karamiprint.ir).
• Compare the price: If it was too cheap, it is doubtful.
• Check system compatibility: Test Windows 11 driver and USB/WiFi connections.

How to make sure the printer is healthy? (test checklist)

Follow this step-by-step checklist to ensure your health:

1. Print and check the performance report (Page Count).

2. Print black and white, color and photo test pages; without stains or lines.

3. Check the toner/cartridge: recently charged and no leaks.

4. Check the body, rollers and paper tray for scratches.

5. Turn on the machine: the sound of the motor is soft and without screaming.

6. Test USB connections, WiFi and drivers.

7. Do continuous printing of 50 pages to check heat and stable performance.

If the seller does not allow testing, do not buy.

The differences between an office printer and a home printer have worked

Stock office printers are designed for high volume (5000+ pages per month); They have higher speed (30-50 ppm), large paper tray and high durability, but they take more volume and power consumption. Suitable for offices and businesses.

But home printers are smaller, quiet and multifunctional (print/scan/copy); Medium speed (10-25 ppm) and ideal for occasional printing (500-2000 pages), but not suitable for high volume.

The best brands to buy stock printers

The top brands in the stock market are:

HP: Durable, lots of parts (LaserJet Pro models).

Canon: Excellent print quality, suitable for color (i-SENSYS).

Brother: economical and low failure (HL-L series).

Samsung: Good speed, good price.

These brands are easier to maintain due to access to parts in Iran.

Summary

With advantages such as financial savings, high quality and access to advanced models, stock printers are a great option for the Iranian market, especially if you assess your needs correctly. By following the buying tips, careful testing and choosing reputable brands such as HP and Canon, you can avoid common risks and have a durable device. Finally, if you have medium print volume and a limited budget, a stock printer is more appropriate; Just take your time and take the test seriously so that it works for years without problems.