When contemplating buying a printer for your business, consider used and refurbished computer printers. Usually available at half the price of brand new printers, used business printers provide the same quality and functionality when chosen carefully.

By understanding the differences between used and refurbished printers key terms, it will be easier to decide the on the printer which is right for your business. In your quest to understand the terminology associated with used and refurbished printers you will:

1. Learn about the various types of used and refurbished printers that are available.

2. Understand what the term "used" actually means when describing a printer.

3. Know the advantages of buying a refurbished printer.

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

Learn about the various types of used and refurbished printers available

All printers perform the basic functions of printing documents and images, but some are better than others for certain functions. Used laser printers can efficiently print large batches of documents but are not very good for images. Used inkjet printers print great quality images and are good for documents as well, but the ink cartridges may prove expensive. It is vital that you and your team familiarize yourselves with all the functions and features of all printers before making your choice.

I recommend: Clever Ace describes in detail all the different types of printers available such as laser, dot-matrix, dye sublimation and more. Computer Hope provides a handy set of definitions of different printer types.

Understand the parameters of used printers

Used computer printers are usually sold in their current state. The seller might clean it up and run a few test pages, but that's about it. Every part of the printer is not tested to ensure it works properly. In order to make sure your business isn't acquiring a lemon, buy used printers from reputable companies, rather than individual sellers.

I recommend: Learn the definition of used as applied to large format printers from Buyerzone.com. Printer Connection defines the characteristics of its selection of used IBM laser printers.

Consider refurbished printers for optimal performance

Refurbished printers are thoroughly tested, usually by the original manufacturer. They will replace parts and thoroughly clean and test every aspect of the printer. Even if the printer was used for a considerable amount of time, a refurbishing ensures it is reinstated to like-new condition.

I recommend: Printertechs.com clearly explains what to expect from a refurbished printer. Read about Dell's take on refurbished components at Dell Financial Services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying used printers from individuals or auction sites, ask the seller if they still have the original warranty. If the used printer is still under warranty, the purchase is much less risky.

A set of used or refurbished computer printers can cost your small business much less than a set of brand new printers. Used computer printers will often perform and appear in the same condition as new printers.

When you buy used printers, you’ll have to take some precautions. You want to still rely on an established brand as well as make sure you’re protected under a strong warranty in the case of breakage.

1. Compare used and refurbished printers. A refurbished printer starts out as a used printer prior to going through a company’s refurbishment process.

2. Find used and refurbished printers for sale. After you decide the type that you wish to buy, go online to order your refurbished and used business printers.

3. Save a significant amount of money when you purchase refurbished and used computer printers. You’ll want to look at the prices of new models to make sure you’re saving money prior to making your final purchase.

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

Check out used laser printers

Many used business printers come from corporate leasing and other types of programs. Most of the laser printers sold as used will work perfectly without the need to replace any parts.

I recommend: Look through the catalog of printers found on the UsedPrinters.com website. The website also runs specials on used printers and parts that can save you a lot of money. If you want more of a product guarantee, you may want to buy one of the used and certified printers offered by the XEROX Corporation. Since you’re purchasing directly from the manufacturer, you’re ensuring that the used computer printers have gone through reconditioning to check for any problems.

Look at refurbished printers for sale

If you're unsure about the reliability of used printers, then consider refurbished business printers instead. You can find all major brands of computer printers, including Hewlett Packard, Canon, Brother, and Epson, refurbished and priced for resale.

I recommend: To find a wide selection of refurbished computer printers, browse the inventory on Super Warehouse. You’ll find top brands at a discounted price after going through the refurbishment process. If you don’t find a brand or model you like on that site, go to the PrinterWarehouse.com for more selection.

Buy printers used and refurbished through business to business trading sites

Through a business to business trading site, you can find refurbished and used printers on a nominal fee. Businesses post listings advertising their used printers and allow buyers to contact them directly in order to get great deals.

I recommend: On the RecycleNet Corporation site, you get to search for businesses with refurbished and used printers available for retail. Look at the ads found here can help you buy direct. Find similar listings on TradeKey.com after completing a free registration form.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A technician will perform several different tasks at used printers in order to put them through the refurbishment process. A company will have refurbished commercial printers cleaned, lubed and fixed if any parts do not function correctly prior to resale.

If you're considering a used printer, one of the first resources to look at is used and refurbished printers advice and ratings. These can help to determine whether buying used or refurbished is the best option for you. Not only should you learn more about buying new or refurbished, but get an overall comparison of different printer types and models.

Some of the advice and guidelines that you need to follow when purchasing a used or refurbished printer are the same as those you'd follow when buying new. In addition, there are some details about refurbishing that are important to know. When looking for refurbished computer printers:

1. Get advice and facts about the differences between refurbished and used business printers.

2. Determine your printing needs to make the best choice in type, manufacturer and model of printer.

3. Read industry and user reviews to compare printers.

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

Find out what you need to know to buy refurbished commercial printers

Buying used or refurbished can offer substantial savings on your printer purchases, but there are some guidelines to follow to make sure the printer you purchase is reliable and offers value. Some things to look for include the warranty and return policies, so you don't get stuck with a printer that doesn't work as it should. It's also important to understand the differences between used and refurbished. Used printers are often sold as is, after the original customer is done with them. Refurbished printers usually go through an extensive refurbishing process, either by the original equipment manufacturer or a qualified provider. Find out more about the differences between used and refurbished and the benefits of choosing such a printer before making a commitment.

I recommend: Hewlett Packard offers details about its refurbishing program, and gives tips for buying refurbished. Dell describes the refurbishing process and advantages of buying refurbished printers and equipment. Canvas Systems offers general information on the differences between refurbished and used equipment.

Get advice about choosing refurbished printers for sale

Buying a printer -- whether new, used or refurbished -- takes some research and investigation to make sure you get what you need. There's a wide range of printers available, including laser, inkjet, network, standalone and multifunction. Get qualified advice to help determine your needs before making a decision.

I recommend: PC World offers an article on how to buy a printer, suitable for new or refurbished printer buyers. PC provides an overview of printer types and what to look for in a printer. PC Magazine offers an old, but comprehensive, article on determining your requirements when selecting a printer.

Check out reviews before you buy used or reburbished commercial printers

Another step to take is to check reviews of the reburbished business printers you are planning to buy. Whether new or used, the printer's reliability and usability remains the same. Printers that are rated as more reliable often make the best choice for a used or refurbished purchase.

I recommend: eCoustics provides a long list of reviews of current and older printers. CNET gives reviews for HP, Lexmark, Epson and other printer manufacturers. SuperWarehouse offers a wide variety of refurbished printers and almost all selections include user reviews.