The printing industry is to receive standards regarding printer cartridge yield, which will allow for more accurate cost per copy calculations.
Although the new standards have yet to be implemented, Kyocera Mita SA marketing manager Martin Peen says it is only a matter of time. "It has been agreed upon, we are just waiting for implementation from the International Standardisation Organisation."
Peen says the standards will likely be introduced as manufacturers start rolling out their new printer models.
Standardisation will lead to greater accuracy and transparency in terms of long-term costs, says Peen. "The purchasing of a printer is only about 25% of the total cost.
"Until now, cost has been determined by the individual vendors. In fact, we believe many manufacturers deliberately play up the discrepancies to deter customers from making comparisons, which might show their products in a poor light," says Peen.
He adds that consumables costs can vary by up to 250% for similar printers from different manufacturers.
"So, for the buyer, trying to compare prices was like comparing apples with oranges." But with standardised printing costs, the basic consumable cost per page can be made by dividing the price of the toner cartridge by its yield in pages, says Peen.
"The consumer will be better able to compare prices, and make a more informed decision. They can compare apples with apples."
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