The economy in Boise, Idaho and around the country has forced businesses to take a closer look at all their operational costs. Most companies are shocked when their actual color copying and printing costs are identified. Typically, color printing is what is driving the costs through the roof.

 

Adding Color Copiers
Most companies have users requesting color copiers. However, because of the increased cost of color printing, companies should have a strategy in place to control color printing costs before color is introduced to their environment. The cost of color copies are 10 to 30 times higher than black and white copies, and most users have no idea copying in color is so costly to an organization. Fisher's Document Systems worked recently worked with a Boise customer on an analysis of placing color copiers in their environment versus black and white copiers. It was determined that if 15% of their print volume converted to color, their service costs more than doubled. Without proper controls their service costs could get out of control. They chose to implement black and white copiers rather than color copiers because they did not feel they could control the color output.

 

Color Printing… The Costs Adds Up
The cost of desktop color printers is even greater than that of color copiers. Printing to color printers is 10 to 25 times higher than printing to color copiers. Most organizations have color printers scattered throughout the office, costing more money than they ever thought. A common question is, "The printer only cost $699, so how could it be costing so much?" The answer is that color toner is typically about $180, and there are three color cartridges and one black cartridge. Additionally, there are fuser units, drum units, maintenance kits and transfer units. When companies look at the total amount they spend on color printing, it starts to add up quickly.

 

Get Control of Color Printing Cost
Companies should put a strategy in place to control color printing cost before investing in a color device. Here are a few ways to control the color output:
 

-- Set all default print settings to black and white. The users will print less color because they have to make a conscious effort to print in color.
 

-- Limit the number of color printers and push color volume to copiers. The color copies will be much less expensive.
 

-- Educate the users on color printing cost and track color usage per user. The data will identify areas where color usage is out of bounds.
 

-- Some MFPs allow color restrictions. If this is available in the office, evaluate using this functionality. This will help control the color usage.
 

With a few controls in place and the right equipment, color printing can be very affordable.

 

 

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Fisher’s Document Systems is Idaho’s largest independent provider of office technology.   In addition to selling copiers, printers, and other office equipment, Fisher's helps companies identify paper output and provides recommendations to help businesses control the cost of color printing. The Fisher’s Technology Center is located in Boise, Idaho.