Printers might not be the flashiest part of your office tech setup, but if you’re running a small business, they can make or break your workflow. From day-to-day documents and invoices to occasional marketing materials, the right printer helps you move faster, waste less, and stay focused on what matters.
But how do you choose one that actually fits your business—not just in terms of budget, but in performance, features, and future needs?
Let’s break it down.
Start with a Simple Question: What Do You Actually Print?
Before you start comparing features and models, step back and consider what your team prints regularly. This one step will help you avoid overbuying—or worse, ending up with a printer that can’t keep up.
Here are a few quick examples:
- Invoices, contracts, and basic paperwork? A black-and-white laser printer may be all you need.
- Flyers or brochures? You’ll need a machine that delivers high-quality color output.
- Scanning and copying, too? Look at multifunction printers (MFPs) that combine printing, scanning, and copying in one device.
The more clearly you understand your workflow, the easier it is to match it with the right machine.
5 Key Features to Look For in Small Business Printing
There are hundreds of printer models out there. Most small business owners don’t need all the bells and whistles—but a few features really do matter.
Here’s what to prioritize:
1. Print Speed: Measured in pages per minute (PPM), speed matters if you’re printing high volumes. Look for:
- 20–30 PPM for light to moderate daily use
- 30+ PPM if your team prints frequently or in batches
2. Monthly Duty Cycle: This tells you how much printing the machine is built to handle in a month. A mismatch here is a recipe for breakdowns and frustration.
3. Connectivity Options: Make sure the printer supports the way your team works:
- Wireless printing
- Mobile device support (AirPrint, Mopria, or app-based)
- Scan-to-email or scan-to-cloud capabilities
4. Cost of Consumables: The upfront cost of the printer is just part of the picture. Ongoing costs—like toner or ink—can add up quickly. A few tips:
- Laser printers tend to be more cost-effective per page than inkjet
- Some models offer high-yield toner cartridges that reduce the cost over time
5. Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface may not seem important—until someone’s standing at the machine five minutes before a meeting, trying to scan a document. Look for:
- Large touchscreens
- Simple navigation
- Reliable paper handling (to avoid jams and misfeeds)
Inkjet vs. Laser: Which is Better for Small Business?
This is the classic debate, and the answer depends on what you’re printing.
| Printer Type | Pros | Cons |
| Inkjet Printers | -Better for high-resolution color output (think photos, brochures) -Lower upfront cost | -Slower print speeds -Ink can be more expensive per page -Not ideal for high-volume needs |
| Laser Printers | -Faster and more efficient for high-volume jobs -Lower cost per page over time Great for text-heavy documents | -Higher upfront cost -Color laser printers are pricier than black-and-white models |
Tip: If color quality matters but your volume is low, an inkjet may be enough. For most small offices, though, a color laser multifunction printer offers the best balance of speed, cost, and versatility.
What About Multifunction Printers?
If your team also needs to scan, copy, or fax documents, an MFP (multifunction printer) is worth considering.
Here’s why they’re popular in small offices:
- They consolidate multiple devices into one (freeing up space)
- Scanning to email or the cloud simplifies digital workflows
- They’re often more cost-effective than managing multiple machines
At Abadan, our customers often opt for Konica Minolta’s bizhub series because it combines fast print speeds, reliable color output, and intuitive touchscreens—all in one compact unit that’s easy for the whole team to use.
4 Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make When Choosing a Printer
Even experienced business owners can get tripped up when buying a new printer. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Buying Based on Price Alone
Cheaper printers often come with expensive consumables or slow performance. It’s smarter to think long-term. - Ignoring the Print Volume
If your printer isn’t built for how much you print, it’ll break down early or slow down your team. - Overlooking User Experience
A complicated printer wastes time. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and that support is local if things go wrong. - Forgetting About Scalability
Choose a model that can grow with your business. A slightly larger capacity now may save you from replacing it a year later.
3 Steps to Choosing the Right Printer for Your Office
Let’s simplify the buying process. Here’s a basic roadmap:
Step 1: Define Your Print Needs
- How much do you print per day or per month?
- Do you need color, black-and-white, or both?
- Will multiple users need access at the same time?
Step 2: Narrow Down Printer Types
- Choose between inkjet, laser, or multifunction based on your needs
- Consider long-term costs—not just the sticker price
Step 3: Get Expert Input
- Speak with a print solutions consultant (like someone at Abadan)
- Ask for side-by-side model comparisons
- Demo the user interface if possible
Why Abadan Customers Choose Konica Minolta
We’ve worked with small businesses across the Tri-Cities for decades. And while every office is different, our customers tell us they choose Konica Minolta for one simple reason: reliability.
Here’s what sets these printers apart:
- Unmatched reliability—built for real-world workloads
- Consistent color quality—perfect for proposals, flyers, and branding
- Easy to use—touchscreens, mobile printing, and scan-to-cloud built in
- Flexible leasing—including rent-to-own options, $1 buyouts, or FMVs
In fact, the Konica-Minolta bizhub series boasts a 9.6 of 10 rating on TrustRadius. When paired with Abadan’s fanatical service and fast local support, it’s an office solution you don’t have to think twice about.
Let’s Find the Printer That Fits Your Business
Choosing a printer doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. Whether you print a lot or a little, we’re here to help small businesses in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, Selah, Walla Walla, and beyond get the right tools for the job.
📍 Visit our office printer page to learn more about our Konica Minolta line
📞 Talk to a Consultant to find a solution tailored to your needs.
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