There's one type of laser printer that allows you to lower the costs of buying laser printers: refurbished laser printers. Refurbished laserjet printers are printers that were previously used and often sent back for repair. Once the repair is made, the printers go through a refurbishing process and are offered for sale.

There are significant savings when buying a used multifunction black and white or color laser printer. Refurbished printers often sell for less than the price of toner for a new printer. However there are some risks to buying a used laserjet printer so follow some steps to make a careful choice

1. Look for refurbished printers for sale at trusted vendors, including the original manufacturer.

2. Investigate the reseller's refurbishing process and warranty options.

3. Find parts and kits that allow you to do repairs and maintenance on printers that are out of warranty.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out original manufacturers that sell used laser printers

Check out manufacturers' websites to get an idea of what printers are available and compare prices. Since they receive returned printers from customers, original manufacturers usually have a wide variety to choose from.

I recommend: The Dell Outlet offers refurbished color, multi-function, and workgroup laser printers. Hewlett-Packard sells refurbished laser printers in it's store and also offers leasing options.

Compare prices from refurbished laser printer resellers

Refurbished printer resellers offer great deals. Check out the refurbishing process, return policies, support features and warranty options that each reseller offers.

I recommend: Super Warehouse offers refurbished laser printers from HP, Xerox, Lexmark, Minolta and others. They come with manufacturer warranties that do not include replacement of toner or other consumables and also offer extended warranty plans. CheapHPprinters sells refurbished HP laser printers at low prices. Laser Support Services sells refurbished HP, Minolta, Canon and other branded laser printers on its PrinterStop website. They have a detailed refurbishing process and test all printers before shipping. Their primary customers are businesses.

Find parts and supplies for your refurbished color laser printer or multifunction printer

Find a trusted vendor that offers guaranteed parts and supplies for do-it-yourself repairs. While it's easier and safer to have a professional service and repair your printer, most repairs and maintenance can be done in-house.

I recommend: Parts Now! is an HP Authorized Parts Reseller and Lexmark Master Parts Distributor that offers maintenance kits and fusers as well as other parts for HP, Lexmark, and Canon printers. They also offer hard-to-find Bubble Jet parts. Imaging Supply Depot provides laser toner cartridges, MICR toners, fusers, maintenance kits and other parts for Lexmark, Canon, Xerox, Sharp, HP, Epson, Brother, Dell and other brands. They also offer toner and supplies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A used color laser printer or multifunction printer will save a lot of money on the initial purchase. However, remember to check the prices of supplies and maintenance kits for the brand of printer you want to buy. These can be expensive, and may put the overall cost of the printer out of your budgetary goals.