I got a new printer. I could buy 3 pre-owned printers.
It is always nice to have a brand new printer in your home or office. The printer is still shiny and even smells "new". Great purchase for your home use!!! Hmm now you need another printer (or two) for your office and you just spent $100-$500 for a new desktop laser printer for your home. You are now searching for a fast reliable workgroup laser printer that can handle at least 20000 pages per month. That's when you realize you cannot afford to pay $1000-$2000 for a printer you need. Wait! Don't give up yet. You can still buy a pre-owned printer in same excellent working condition but with few signs of use.
Let's make an informed decision. Is it really worth paying $1000 more for a new printer?
New VS Used/Refurbished
- Working and cosmetic condition. New - great working condition and no cosmetic imperfections. Used - great working condition, few signs of use
- Toner. Used - many come with preinstalled toner cartridges (up to $600 (color) value by itself). New - many come with sample toner cartridges (almost empty)
- Price. New desktop printers sell for up to $3000. Pre-owned desktop laser printers are usually priced between $60 for a small personal printer, and $100 -$300 for a multifunction (all-in-one) printer or a color laser printer or any other workgroup printer
- Reliability. In my experience well-maintained used printers are just as reliable as new printers. In my opinion, sometimes it is safer to buy a used printer as you can be sure that there is no manufacturer's defect. I have seen brand new printers with non-functional ADF (dock feeder).
- Warranty. You get more warranty coverage when you buy new. If you buy on eBay you can return new or used items within the seller's stated return time frames.
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