Cost-Effective Printing | 5 Tips to Print for Cheap

While most organizations fail to realize it, printing costs can quickly add up to huge sums that later become a huge expense. If your business hasn’t considered cost-effective printing techniques already, chances are you might be losing a lot on printing too. 

Well, you can’t eliminate printing costs from your budget altogether. But the good news is that you can take plenty of measures to cut down on them. Let’s explore some simple tips to help you save money on printing so it doesn’t break the bank!

5 Smart Tips for Cost-effective Printing 

Did you know that printing costs can make up to 3% of the company’s overall expenses? Yes, you read that right! However, taking small steps towards cost-effective printing can make a huge difference in the long run. Here’s a checklist of five smart tips you can implement to save up on printing: 

Avoid Using Personal Printers 

Typically, offices demand high-volume printers to serve their printing needs. They utilize professional-grade printers with advanced technologies to manage large print jobs effectively. 

Unlike personal printers, professional printers offer several advantages for office settings. Designed to handle large files and frequent use, they have a higher ink cartridge lifespan, fewer paper jams, and offer multiple customization options. 

In contrast, personal printers, though cheaper initially, end up costing more in the long run due to high maintenance costs. 

Recycle Ink Cartridges 

One of the cheapest ways to print is to recycle your old ink cartridges. This won’t just help the environment, but it’s a great practice to earn some cash back. 

The best part? Many companies even buy used ink cartridges for recycling purposes. Selling yours may earn you a decent amount. Or, if you choose to not sell them, take them to a local recycling center so that they’re disposed of responsibly. While this won’t directly help reduce your printing costs, you may enjoy some incentives through recycling programs. 

Buy Accessories in Bulk 

To save on printing costs, it’s best to buy ink and paper in bulk rather than individually at stores, where the prices are higher. Multi-packs of ink cartridges often cost less per cartridge and include all the desired colors, saving you up to $10 or more. 

Similarly, buying cases of inkjet paper online may also offer huge discounts compared to single purchase rounds. You might also join hands with an ink replacement service for regular, cheaper ink deliveries. 

Avoid Color When Possible 

When it comes to cost-effective printing, nothing works better than avoiding color and going black and white! In fact, colored copies can cost businesses 2-3 times more per page due to higher ink usage. Although this may seem negligible, it can drastically impact the budget when printing in bulk. 

The good news is that most prints can be done in black and white unless color is essential for clarity or impact. So, it’s best to opt for black and white printing whenever possible. 

Choose the Right Paper 

While most businesses ignore it, choosing the right paper is equally important for saving printing costs. For instance, if you’re using paper that’s too light for your inkjet printer, be ready for office paper jams, smudges, and other costly issues. 

Similarly, opting for a thicker paper has no additional benefit yet costs way more than a standard paper. Going for a thinner paper can be incredibly cost-effective, particularly for bulk printing. 

Final Words 

Overspending on your print needs really takes a toll on your annual budget, which is the last thing you want! By implementing cost-effective printing techniques, businesses can potentially save up to hundreds of dollars each year. Improving your printing practices won’t just help your business, but the environment too. 

Wish to take control of your printing costs and switch to more cost-effective printing methods? PaperPapers is here to help. Let’s begin printing for cheap today!