Technology is advancing quickly. Often, it can feel difficult to keep up with at times. Even technology that is built to last has an expiration date, and your label printer is no exception to this. There are some signs that it’s time to replace your label printer that you should look out for.
You Own An Entry-Level Printer
Maybe the first label printer that you purchased was an introductory printer (with an attractive price tag) when your business was small, and now you need a printer that is faster and has more capabilities to keep up with increased workload. One of the main advantages of upgrading to a commercial-grade label printer is return on investment (ROI). The ink cost for a more expensive label printer is always going to be less than an entry-level printer, therefore the operating cost will decrease, which usually justifies upgrading to a new printer as it will pay for itself over time.
Your Printer Requires Constant Maintenance
If your printer starts to need much more than the occasional checkup and regularly scheduled maintenance, your printer may be nearing the end of its life. Printers that are healthy and working properly should not need constant maintenance. While repairing the printer can help keep it operating longer, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new label printer that doesn’t require costly maintenance to function properly.
Your Labels Look Blurry Or Grainy
To sell your product, your labels must be vibrant and eye-catching. As technology advances, one of the important improvements is increased resolution such as the DPI (dots per inch). A higher DPI will make the appearance of your labels look crisp and clear. Furthermore, when industrial label printers slow in productivity and function less effectively, it can be a sign that it’s time to invest in a new one. Updating a label printer can also be an opportunity to upgrade to one that will last and consistently print your labels vibrantly. Labels are an important part of a product and many consumers rely on labels when deciding whether or not to purchase something. When your labels aren’t holding up to your usual standard, it may be time to consider a replacement printer.
New Add-Ons and Accessories
Newer accessories such as finishers and slitters may not have been available when you purchased your current label printer. With many businesses, it might make sense to upgrade to a printer that can be integrated with accessories such as these — allowing more versatility such as lamination to provide better water-resistance and UV-protection, inline finishing which would save time and money in producing labels much faster, and using continuous paper label material (with lamination) to reduce costs of synthetic label material. Other integrations include I/O ports so that the printer can work in conjunction with an inline automatic applicator to reduce labor costs and speed up production.
Your Competitors Are Shifting To Newer Technology
Trying to keep up on the latest technology is a losing battle. There are new and revolutionary updates and inventions in technology every day. Inevitably, there comes a time in an industry when the entire group begins to shift. Those who act as late adopters are often left in the dust. When the people in your industry start to make changes to their standard technology, it’s important to know when the right time for your business to shift is.
Label printers can last a long time if properly cared for and used within their limitations, but most begin to decline in productivity eventually. Pay attention to your label printers for signs that it’s time to invest in a new one. Texas Label Printers can help you to find the perfect label printer for your needs.
