The Hidden Costs of Cheap Printers (and What to Do Instead)
We get it—when you’re setting up an office or replacing a printer, it’s tempting to grab whatever’s cheapest and call it a day. After all, a printer’s a printer… right?
Not quite.
While a budget-friendly device might seem like the smart move at checkout, the truth is that cheap printers often come with a steep price tag in the long run. At Coastal Copy, we’ve seen it time and time again with businesses across Santa Barbara and Ventura: what looked like a great deal turns into a drain on time, resources, and team morale.
Here’s what you need to know about the real cost of “cheap” printing—and how to make smarter choices that actually pay off.
1. Upfront Savings vs. Total Cost of Ownership
Let’s start with the basics: the sticker price is just the beginning.
A low-cost printer might cost $150 upfront, while a higher-quality business machine could be $1,000 or more. But if that cheaper printer needs to be replaced every year, or runs through expensive ink cartridges every few weeks, your long-term costs are significantly higher.
Things to consider when calculating total cost of ownership:
Cost per page (ink or toner use)
Frequency of breakdowns or paper jams
Repair costs
Replacement cycles
Downtime and lost productivity
With a professional-grade copier or multifunction printer from us, you’re investing in equipment that lasts longer, runs more efficiently, and comes with ongoing support.
2. Cheap Printers = Expensive Ink Habits
Many budget printers are sold at or below cost—but the real profits come from ink and toner. These machines are designed to use smaller cartridges that don’t last long, forcing you to constantly replace them.
In fact, some studies show that over the life of a cheap printer, you may spend 5–10 times its value on ink alone. That’s not a sustainable model for any business.
Our print solutions offer cost-per-page transparency, so you know exactly what you’re spending—and how to keep it in check.
3. The Frustration Tax: Downtime and Repairs
Ever had a printer jam right before a deadline? Or refuse to connect to Wi-Fi during a big meeting?
Cheap printers tend to be less durable and more error-prone. That means more time spent troubleshooting, more IT tickets, and more employee frustration. If you’re spending hours each month dealing with printing issues, that’s valuable time lost—not to mention the effect it has on team morale.
Our machines are built for reliability and supported by factory-trained technicians who live and work right here in Santa Barbara and Ventura. If something breaks, you’re not waiting days—you’re getting help fast.
4. You Get What You Pay For (In Features, Too)
Low-end printers are typically missing key features that modern businesses need—like secure printing, mobile access, cloud integration, and high-volume output.
Our business-class equipment offers:
Advanced security and user controls
Scan-to-email and cloud functionality (like Microsoft 365 and OneDrive)
Duplex (double-sided) printing
Higher print speeds and monthly duty cycles
These features may not sound flashy, but they make a huge difference in how your office runs day to day.
5. Smarter Alternatives That Actually Save You Money
So, what should you do instead?
You don’t need to spend a fortune—just work with someone who understands your needs and can offer the right solution. At Coastal Copy, we:
Help assess your actual print volume and needs
Recommend reliable, affordable office copiers and printers that fit your workflow
Offer flexible lease or purchase options
Back everything up with local support and proactive maintenance
We’re not here to sell you the most expensive option—we’re here to help you avoid throwing money at the wrong one.
Coastal Copy: Reliable Equipment. Real Support.
We’ve spent over 50 years helping local businesses in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo cut through the noise when it comes to office equipment. Our team takes a consultative approach: no pressure, just solid advice and dependable service.
Whether you’re a growing startup or an established business looking to reduce waste, we’ll help you choose equipment that works hard for your team—and your budget.
Let’s Talk
If you're ready to break free from the cycle of cheap, unreliable printers, we’re here to help. Reach out to schedule a free consultation and explore smarter printing solutions that support your business for the long haul.