Six Things to Consider when Buying a Badge Printer
For many large corporations and businesses, employee photo ID cards or badges is a high priority. Having the ability to create these badges in-house with a badge printer can be more convenient and cost effective than using an outsourced printer. When you have your own equipment, you have the flexibility to print badges on demand whenever you need them.
With ID Shop, we have all the tools, supplies, and ID badge printers you need to bring your badge printing operation in-house. But, before you purchase a badge printer, here are six things you should consider:
#1: Volume
The first question you should ask yourself before buying a badge printer is how many IDs or cards you will need to print each year. Your expected printing volume will determine if it is more cost effective for you to have your own printer or if you are better off using an outsourcing printing service. Secondly, many printers offer specific settings and an output capacity on how many badges can be printed on a monthly basis. You will need to choose a model of printer that can handle your monthly workload. The right printer depends on how many Ids or badges you will need to print in a given year, so consider how often the business hires, your projected turnover rate, and whether or not you will need to print badges for visitors before choosing the printer that is right for you.
#2: Reliability
As with any piece of equipment, reliability and durability are critically important. A badge printer is a long-term investment, so you will want to make sure it can handle your workload. The number of badges you print each year will dictate what kind of printer you need. You should be prepared to handle high volume if there is even a small chance that you will be printing lots of badges. You don’t want to start small and then try to handle large volume printing with a printer that simply does not have the capacity. Pushing a printer beyond its limits is more likely to cause it break down. Not only do you want a reliable machine that will last for the long term, but you also want one that is reliable and can produce high printing quality at all times. Do some research on the printer models out there before purchasing to find the right badge printer to fit your needs.
#3: Cost
The cost of a badge printer is obviously important and can vary based on the printer’s capabilities. Your total cost is highly dependent on other related consumables such as printer ribbons, cards, and cleaning kits. Regularly cleaning your printer will keep it in good service, so always weigh the cost of maintenance with the cost of the printer itself. Look at your budget and decide how much you will spend on consumables with a cheaper printer or how much more effective a larger, more expensive printer can be when it requires fewer consumables. Also, consider how much energy a printer needs before making a purchase. An energy guzzler can be another added expense.
#4: Size
Size does matter! How much room do you have to work with in your workspace? Some printers are big and bulky and can take up a lot of space. Always consider the size of the printer before making a purchase.
#5: Security Features
Modern ID cards can include added security features that provide access to buildings and entrances and confirm the badge holder has clearance to be there. But what goes into creating these badges? You can still use an in-house printer to create these badges, but cards with added security features like a magnetic strip or smart chip will cost more, so consider this before purchasing a printer. If you have a business that requires a higher level of security, you may want to consider a printer that can accommodate these types of cards.
#6: Speed
Often times, we associate speed with efficiency, the quickness at which something can be produced. The speed of your printer certainly comes into play as you prepare to make a purchase. A simple, inexpensive card printer will not be able to match the speed of a high-tech model, but it all depends on how much you are going to be printing and how quickly you need to get the job done. If it is high volume and high speed you are looking for, you should opt for a better model that may cost a little more. But remember, speed is not just based on volume, it is also based on quality. A more detailed card designs will also affect the speed at which printed cards can be produced.
So, now that you know what to look for in a badge printer, you can choose the right make and model that fits your business needs today, as well as in the future.
ID Shop can help you find the right badge printer, as well as other supplies and consumables you will need to produce high quality badges and Ids in-house. We have all of the ID cards, badge holders, card printers and accessories you need and the expertise to help you make the right decision for your business. Give us a call today!
