The efficiency of your business is dependent upon many factors, most of which start with a decision from you. Now it’s time to buy an ID card printer and here you are again, making another decision. So… how are you going to pick which one is best? Let’s break it down by the simple elements of what you need and what they can do.

What You’re Up Against:

Buying an ID card printer isn’t just about picking one off the shelf. There are a few obstacles you might encounter along the way.

  1. Cost: The upfront cost of an ID card printer can make you second-guess the investment. Quality printers aren’t cheap, and you may be wondering if the expense is worth it. After all, couldn’t you just outsource your card printing instead?
  2. Maintenance: Like any piece of equipment, card printers need regular care. You might be worried about what happens when it breaks down—do you have the time or resources to handle that?
  3. Volume and Speed: Not all printers are equal. You may need one that’s great for high volume, or perhaps you prefer something that’s best with small-batch situations. What kind of volume and speed are you hoping to get from your printer?
  4. Ease of Use: Not everyone’s a tech expert, and the last thing you’re going to want is another complicated piece of equipment in the office.

How To Get Over It:

Now that we’ve outlined some of the challenges, let’s look at how to address them.

  1. Cost: Sure, outsourcing seems like the easiest option, but is it really? Those costs can add up. When you print in-house, not only do you save on those recurring expenses, but you have the flexibility to print as many or as few cards as you need at any given point in time. 
  2. Maintenance: Most high-quality card printers come with solid warranties and customer support. And as long as you perform routine maintenance—like cleaning the printer and using it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines—you’ll minimise the risk of major breakdowns. A bit of preventative care can keep your printer running smoothly for years.
  3. Volume and Speed: How many cards do you typically need to print in a month? If your business is growing or you’re often doing a lot of onboarding, then you’ll want a printer that can handle higher volumes. Look for one with a fast print speed that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
  4. Ease of Use: Most models today come with intuitive interfaces. This means they’re usually pretty simple to set up, even if you don’t have a technical background. After a few hours of familiarisation, you’ll be printing like a pro.

Making the Right Choice

So what are you going to do? Ultimately, your best bet is to choose the printer that fits your business’s needs now—and in the future. By investing in the right ID card printer, you’re not just making your business more efficient; you’re giving yourself the flexibility and control to print what you need, when you need it.

In the end, the question of which ID card printer to buy comes down to balancing upfront cost with long-term benefits. With the right choice, you’ll improve operations and save money over time.