3 Mistakes when Choosing a Coder
I always get a bit nervous when the time comes to buy a new phone or laptop. Purchasing new equipment at any time can be daunting. I often fear making the wrong decision and regretting my choice later. A lot of our customers find the same for buying a coder. There are a lot of options, and your job role might mean you have no experience dealing with the actual equipment you have been tasked to buy. The product information online is often hard to make sense of.
PrintData is here to help. We have come up with 3 common mistakes businesses make when purchasing a coder so you can be confident in your decision.
1. Not considering flexibility
A business can easily focus on the immediate use of the printer without considering the opportunity for future growth and expansion in the future. Flexible functionality is important so whatever machine you choose can handle the ability to adapt to your future needs. The printer may not be able to handle a higher workload or faster line speed. Define your project and what it may look like in the next few years and look for a solution to match. Having to reinvest in a new piece of equipment in the future can be costly.
2. Not considering ongoing costs
Many businesses go into the purchase process just considering the capital equipment cost of the actual printer without fully appreciating the operating or consumable costs. A printer might have a smaller price tag but could use more ink over time than a more expensive printer, thereby outweighing the cost savings of the original machine. Other operating costs, such as servicing and repairs, can also make a big difference to the overall cost of the printer over time. Research these costs and compare them to ensure ongoing costs are minimised.
3. Not valuing value
Even when weighing up original price vs ongoing costs, many businesses simply choose the cheapest printer available. The proverb “you get what you pay for” certainly applies here. Purchase decisions should focus on high value. A cheaper printer could have a poor-looking print or could have poor usability. You could face more repairs, downtime, added expenses and customer complaints. Rather than just considering the price, also look at the performance track record, ease of use, functionality and quality. The overall cost, in the long run, will save valuable minutes of an operator’s time, as well as provide the reliability that is invaluable in the production industry. This does not mean always purchase the most expensive printer, just don’t think cheaply.
The team at PrintData is trained in the knowledge of most brands of coders and can guide you in making the best decision for your company. Get in touch with us today for the advice you need!