This blog post, focusing on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for printers, is highly relevant for Des Moines businesses. I have updated the non-local references and organized the content into a clear, scannable format with tables and actionable conclusions.

đź’° The True Cost of Printing: Inkjet vs. Laser Printers

At Copier Repair Des Moines, we often hear this question: did you ever wonder how much your printer costs you over its lifetime? What is the most economical printer for the use your Des Moines business gets?

If we know what type of documents you print (black and white text, color text, quality photographs, etc.) and whether you use it in a home or business environment, we can help you avoid a major shock to your budget. The main cost factor is consumables: ink or toner.

The High Price of Ink

Inkjet printers have always seemed attractive due to their low initial purchase price, but this cost quickly increases once you have to buy new cartridges.1

According to various studies, printer ink is consistently cited as one of the most expensive liquids around the world.2 For example, some black ink cartridges have an estimated cost per gallon that far surpasses liquids like human blood.

Conclusion: Buying an inexpensive inkjet printer can be a bad investment unless your usage is very low and sporadic.

Analyzing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

If you print regularly, especially text-heavy documents, data clearly shows that the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over a 3 to 5-year period often favors a laser printer.3

Scenario 1: High Volume Black and White (Business Use)

Imagine a Des Moines company of 10 to 15 members making about 2,500 black and white copies a week.

Printer TechnologyInitial Cost5-Year Maintenance CostRecommended for
LaserHigherMinimal toner costHigh volume, low cost-per-page
InkjetLowerExtremely High Ink CostLow volume, specialized photo needs

In this high-volume business scenario, laser technology establishes itself as the best option due to the significantly lower cost and higher yield of toner cartridges.4

Scenario 2: Moderate Black and White Usage (Example Data)

If you print about 50 black and white pages a week, you might consider some high-efficiency inkjet models (like the now-legacy HP OfficeJet Pro series), which cost less initially. However, the four remaining most cost-effective printers in historical studies are always laser printers—they cost more upfront but require minimal investment in toner over the next five years.

Conversely, some very inexpensive inkjet models cost a small amount to purchase (e.g., ~$70), but the cartridges over five years can cost exponentially more.

Scenario 3: Moderate Color Usage

If your weekly use is moderate, for example, 15 black and white and 15 color pages, the advantage begins to narrow, but the cost of color ink cartridges remains the largest handicap for standard inkjets.

  • Laser copiers are often considered unsuitable for high-quality color photos but are an excellent choice if you print a high volume of color documents (charts, graphics) but not glossy photos.

Our Clear Conclusions for Your Des Moines Business

Based on TCO analysis, here is our advice for selecting the right equipment:

  1. If you print mostly in black and white: Buy a laser printer. If you need occasional color, you can supplement with an affordable inkjet model only for those specific tasks.
  2. If you are printing high-quality photos regularly: You cannot escape the cost of specialized inkjet printers. You should seriously consider outsourcing photo printing to a professional service or using a color laser for non-photo color documents (accepting lower photo quality).
  3. If you print a lot (high volume) in both black and white and color, but no photos: You must invest in a color laser printer. Its initial cost will be higher, but its maintenance costs will be minimal in the long run, saving your Des Moines business substantial money.
  4. Do not buy standard inkjet printers unless your use of both color and black and white is very, very small (e.g., strictly for home use).

Request Onsite Repair or a Free Quote:

For immediate onsite repair or to get a free repair quote, please contact our dedicated service line:

We offer fast response times, expert technicians trained on all major brands, and a full warranty on all repair work.

While our primary focus is repair, if you are looking to replace your current machine or explore leasing/buying options, please visit our parent company’s site.

Read The Clear Choice Technical Services Reviews.

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