Skip to main content
Inflation affects everything, from groceries to gas to office technology. If you're a business, school, hospital, or any organization trying to upgrade or replace your printers, you already know this. Prices are higher. Delivery timelines are longer. And budgets are tighter than ever.
But inflation doesn't mean you're stuck overpaying or settling for a less-than-ideal machine. As print vendors who help organizations like yours find the right printers every day, we know how to help you navigate rising prices while still getting what you need.
Below are three proven tips to help you make a smart printer investment (even during inflation) and position your print environment for long-term savings.
Want to take advantage of year-end tax savings? Download our free 2025 Section 179 Printer Tax Savings Guide to learn how a new printer could qualify for a major deduction.
How Has Inflation Affected the Printer Industry?
Inflation is defined simply as the economic effect of more available dollars chasing fewer available goods.
You’ve probably seen the price hikes, and maybe even experienced the delays. But what’s really happening?
Inflation impacts the entire supply chain. That means that every input in a given product is affected as well as the product itself.
We can observe this with printers. From semiconductors to plastics to packaging, nearly every component of a printer has become more expensive. Add on shipping disruptions and global material shortages, and manufacturers are still catching up.
To simplify how inflation affects a complex product, think about a pencil. It takes dozens of steps and materials just to make a pencil, including wood, graphite, rubber, metal, labor, and shipping. Now multiply that complexity for a modern multifunction printer. Every component in the process has seen a cost increase or supply challenge.
If you're curious why printer prices change often, read our blog on 4 Reasons Why Prices Change on Printers. It explains the economic and industry factors involved.
So, what can you do?
3 Tips to Negate Inflation Effects on Your Next Printer Purchase
It’s easy to become dampened by the reality of inflation. It's true, you can’t bypass the cost of a product affected by inflation, which is usually the biggest issue when inflation affects a product.
However, there are a few tips you can follow to help reduce the effects of inflation, which include longer delivery times and the lack of a short-term printing solution.
Here are three tips for combating the effects of inflation:
1. Order Early
If you’ve been putting off your purchase, now’s the time to act. Lead times are still extended for many models, especially advanced or high-demand units. Some machines take 6–10 weeks or longer to ship, so planning ahead can save you the pain of waiting or paying a rush premium.
This is especially critical if you want the device installed before December 31st to qualify for Section 179 tax savings.
2. Be Aware of Your Options
If your current machine is on its last leg or you need a quick fix before your new one arrives, there are two cost-effective options to keep you printing:
- Renting a printer - Provides you with a short-term machine to pick up the slack while you wait for the arrival of your new one.
- Buying a used printer - Available faster and often at lower costs than new devices. Plus, you don’t have to enter into a rental agreement.
There are pros and cons to both options, and not every vendor will offer rentals, and used printers will not always suffice in every situation.
Talk to your print provider (like us) to see what’s in stock and what fits your workflow while you wait.
3. Don’t Just Buy a Printer, Partner With a Print Expert
Most businesses don’t just need a printer. They need a print solution. One advantage of working with a vendor is that they understand the bigger picture and can help you make decisions that save money now and in the future.
Look for a provider that offers:
- Maintenance plans that reduce downtime and surprise repair costs
- Managed Print Services like our e-Valet, with automatic toner shipments
- Smart print management software like Y Soft SAFEQ or PaperCut
- Workflow solutions like Xerox’s DocuShare or Capture & Content
A great print partner will work to help you optimize your entire print environment for long-term savings.
Want to Save Money on a Printer Before the Year Ends?
For many, inflation is still squeezing budgets. But there are options, and with the right timing you can save even bigger.
Here’s what to do now:
- Download our free Section 179 Printer Tax Savings Guide – Learn how to deduct the full cost of new equipment if installed before December 31st.
- Request a personalized quote – We’ll help you compare models, explore leasing vs. buying, and find the right solution that fits your workflow, not just your budget.
Outsmart Inflation with a Smarter Print Strategy
At the end of the day, we've all felt the pressure of trying to buy critical equipment in a time of rising costs. Businesses and organizations that rely on printers to keep their operations running especially feel this.
You came here looking for a way to outsmart inflation, and now you have some tips to help you. Whether it’s ordering early, finding a temporary fix, or partnering with a provider that truly has your back, there are ways to overcome the challenges.
The key is to assess your current print environment and situation to help you better plan for the long term.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Request a quote or reach out to talk through your needs. Whether you need a printer rental, short-term replacement, or help finding the right printer, we’ll guide you toward a solution that works now and into the future.
