4 Reasons Why Prices Change on Printers

Submitted by Karla Metzler on Fri, 10 Oct 2025 - 08:14

Price fluctuation happens in almost every industry, and printers are no different.

Whether you buy directly from a printer manufacturer or through a vendor, the price of machines can change at any given time.

This is especially true under today’s current circumstances, where supply chains remain disrupted and inflation continues to rise across most sectors of society.

As a local print vendor (and Xerox partner), we see these fluctuations up close. Customers often ask, “Why did this printer cost X last month and Y today?” That’s exactly what we’re here to answer.

To help you understand why printer prices fluctuate, we’ve identified four main reasons for these changes and how frequently they happen. We’ll also explain how buying from a retailer, a manufacturer, or a vendor makes a difference and provides practical steps to make smarter buying decisions.

Table of Contents

4 Reasons Why Printer Prices Fluctuate
- Supply and Demand
- Promotions and Discounts
- Model Updates
- Time of Year
Tariffs, Trade Policies, and Currency Costs
How Often Do Printer Prices Change?
What This Means for Buyers
How to Buy Smart

4 Reasons Why Printer Prices Fluctuate

Here are the four main explanations for price fluctuations in the printer industry:

1. Supply and Demand

Let’s start with the biggest factor: supply and demand. If you’ve ever taken Economics101, you know the rule - when supply goes down and demand stays the same (or rises), prices increase.

This is exactly what happened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ripple effects are still being felt. Printer manufacturers faced slowed production, shipping delays, and even semiconductor shortages that limited the availability of certain printer models.

To compensate for those printer manufacturing gaps, companies need to charge higher prices to maintain their profit margins because their supply stock is limited.

And while supply chains have improved, they’re not fully “back to normal.” Add in rising energy costs, international trade policies, and inflation that’s still higher than pre-pandemic averages, and you have a recipe for ongoing price movement.

It’s not just machines, either; supplies like toner and ink have also seen increases. They’re usually smaller swings than printer hardware, but for schools or businesses ordering in bulk, it adds up quickly.

If you want to learn more on how the supply chain crisis has affected the printer industry, read these blogs:

2. Promotions and Discounts

Price changes aren’t always bad news. Promotions can actually bring costs down, at least temporarily.

Manufacturers and retailers may run sales to clear out inventory or entice buyers with “limited time” discounts.

The tricky part is timing. Unlike consumer electronics such as TVs or laptops, printer promotions don’t happen as frequently. Vendors and brands sometimes hold off on discounts if supply is already tight. Still, if you’re flexible with timing, keeping an eye out for seasonal promotions can help you save a few hundred dollars.

3. Model Updates

A less obvious reason for a rise in the price of a particular printer model is an update to the original version.

A model update usually doesn’t mean the original model has been completely overhauled, but rather improved with new features or accessories. These might include new security features or updates that enhance the overall user experience.

For example, Xerox recently released the AltaLink C8200 Series, an update to the C8100 Series.

Model updates are common across the printer industry and can increase the price from what was originally stated, although it’s usually not by much.

4. Time of Year

The time of year can also play a role in the price of a printer. Like many industries, the printer market sees price adjustments based on sales cycles.

For instance, manufacturers often run end-of-year promotions to clear out inventory. And around the holidays, retailers may bundle printers with extra supplies at a discount.

Tariffs, Trade Policies, and Currency Costs

Beyond supply and promotions, broader global forces also affect printer prices.

Tariffs and trade policies: Import tariffs on components (like semiconductors) or finished printers can raise costs for manufacturers, which often trickle down to the end customer. The impact varies depending on trade relationships and regions, but it’s something that can nudge prices up or down unexpectedly.
Currency exchange rates: Printers are often manufactured overseas. When the U.S. dollar weakens against other currencies, importing costs rise, and so do printer prices.
Energy costs: Manufacturing and shipping printers rely on energy. When oil or electricity costs spike globally, production and transportation costs also increase, which is often reflected in the final price tag.

While these aren’t factors you can directly control as a buyer, being aware of them helps explain why your quote today may look different a month from now.

How Often Do Printer Prices Change?

Printer prices don’t change every day, but they do shift more often than many buyers expect.

Promotions usually happen seasonally (end of year, back to school).
Model updates arrive every year or two, which can reset pricing.
Economic shifts like inflation, tariffs, or energy spikes can cause price increases multiple times a year.

Right now, with inflation and supply chain ripple effects still in play, it’s not unusual to see noticeable changes every few months.

What This Means for Buyers

So what do all these factors mean if you’re budgeting for a new printer or copier?

Businesses, organizations, and general buyers should consider how prices impact their ROI and total cost of ownership, especially when managing large fleets.

For schools operating under tighter budgets, even small price increases can influence their purchasing decisions, such as how many devices they can afford or whether leasing is a better option.

In the following section, we give you some tips that can help mitigate the effects of price fluctuations.

How to Buy Smart

Printer prices will always shift, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Here are a few ways to buy smart despite fluctuations:

Do your research. Compare models and check if a slightly older version fits your needs.
Watch the timing. End-of-year promotions can help you save.
Consider leasing or financing. This spreads costs out and cushions against price spikes. (Related reading: 4 Ways You Can Pay for Your Next Printer)
Talk with a trusted vendor. Vendors like STPT help businesses compare short-term vs. long-term costs and find the right fit.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Printer?

It’s a trying time to be in the market for a printer. Advanced printer models can cost thousands of dollars, and if demand is high when supply is low, the higher expense is passed onto you as the consumer.

At the end of the day, printer prices change for reasons that aren’t always obvious, but knowing why can make you a more confident buyer. Whether it’s supply and demand, new features, or seasonal promotions, being aware of the “why” behind the number helps you plan smarter.

But it doesn’t mean you have to wait for the residual effects of supply chain disruptions and inflation to subside before vetting out and finding a print solution.

If you want a deeper dive into purchasing options, download our Complete Guide to Purchasing or Leasing a Printer. It covers where to buy, pros and cons of leasing vs. buying, hidden costs, and more. Our goal is to help you make the most informed decision for your business.