A bullish printer and supplies market

The printer market, especially in comparison to other key ICT market segments, continues to demonstrate a consistent level of growth. In addition to the fact that the consumer is a lot more market-savvy, operators are quick to take advantage of fresh development in technologies to meet the needs of environmentally- and price-conscious end-users.

Locally, end-users are far more environmentally aware and it has become imperative for vendors and resellers to ensure this customer choice forms part of the printer/supplies offering.

The provision of collection programs for the return of empty cartridges discarded by consumers is one way in which vendors contribute towards the process. Consumers are encouraged to return empty cartridges separately from other used equipment and this benefits the environment and the efficiency of recycling processes.

This differentiates the vendor among competitors and also serves to benefit community and welfare initiatives.

The debate over total cost of ownership and return on investment, as it affects the cost of consumables, continues to influence business. It is a relevant point because the cost incurred per month, that which is seen and felt on a regular basis, continues to be experienced long after the purchase price of the printer is forgotten.

There are two clear aspects to consider here. The fact value of a consumable's price is most often misunderstood and argued completely out of context. In addition, often it is the person making the after mark supplies purchase who is totally unaware of the printer choice made - particularly in relation to total cost of ownership and return on investment. They simply want to 'fill up the tank'.

Realistically toner consumption is the same as any other form of consumption. If you drive a car, you consume petrol. If you print, you consume toner or ink. A change in the way you drive can save money in petrol - the same applies to printing.

It is the best interests of an organisation to enforce control measures over printing, including educating end-users of printing methods and usage.

There are many ways in which to manage the costs of printing more cost-effectively. What you need to remember at all times in the printing debate is that you have a choice, in how you print, what you print, and what you use to print.

As a first port of call, a company should consider its options by way of normal yield and high yield printing. While a high yield cartridge as an example may cost 30% more than a normal yield cartridge, one can solicit in excess of 110% more prints from it.

It is here that the reseller of supplies can educate advice and assist the end-user in making the right choice - dependant on their specific printing pattern. - rather than just making the sale. If the vendor does not offer this choice, is this vendor the right choice to make?

The positive upward trend in printing and consumables is fuelled by improvement in the speed, output, duty cycles and multifunction capabilities of technologies. The supplies for these printers are continuously being improved in the areas of ink quality, reliability, archiving facility and yield.

The trends in printing market have seen significant focus on colour printers and multifunctional printers (MFPs). Market research (IDC) expects a growth of 12% year-on-year in colour printers and the projection is a 42% year-on-year growth for MFPs (36% growth on mono MFPs and 145% growth year-on-year for colour MFPs).

It is likely that we will see the same trends followed in the supplies market, with significant growth in supplies units for both colour and mono MFPs (laser and inkjet). Photo printing will also play an important role in the growth of inkjet cartridges and inkjet media. The supplies resellers need to be aware of these trends and plan accordingly to ensure good supply to the end-user.