Do you own a small printing business and are looking for used printing equipment? It is important that you invest in the right printing machines whether you are looking to diversify your operations or start from scratch. You can communicate with the resellers who sell used printing machinery with good condition at very affordable prices. However, new industrial printing equipment does not come cheap and may be out of the reach of some small businesses. Thankfully, there is a cheaper option for them: used industrial printers.
This article aims to explore how purchasing second hand industrial presses can help your small company prosper through some real-life examples. The following are 10 benefits of buying used industrial printing press machines; they will make it possible for you to understand better the advantages one gets from shop housing such items.
1. Cost Savings on Buying Used Industrial Printing Machinery
When making a huge business investment, price is always an issue every entrepreneur has to contend with. With pre-owned industrial printing machines, you could save more than 40% to 70% of the new machine prices. If your company is small enough, this kind of saving could enable you to spend less on other crucial areas like hiring employees, marketing efforts or expanding product lines.
For instance, lets image that you could buy the same high-end printing press for $100,000 new today and get it at about $40,000-$50,000 used. Such a huge price difference will help you prosper without winding up broke.
An example is seen in Printing News magazine (2021) where they report that a new Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 press costs over three million dollars while one of its predecessors from 2015 goes for only around $1.2M; hence about sixty percent (60%) off without any downgrade in quality whatsoever.
2. Faster Return on Investment (ROI) for Small Printing Machinery Business
Lower upfront costs also mean faster return on your investment. The quicker you start recovering what you’ve spent, the sooner you can reinvest in other parts of your business.
In a 2019 study conducted by the International Sign Association (ISA), it was found that companies that had refurbished or second-hand equipment were able to achieve ROI 25-30% faster than those who bought new machinery. This allows small companies to grow sustainably and reinvest their profits into scaling production, hiring or product diversification.
Let me elaborate it with an easy example. For instance, suppose you buy a used printer for $50,000. Based on decreased costs, you may receive full ROI in a year or so depending on how much goods you produce per time period. Such fast returns offer greater financial stability and flexibility to your business’s operations.
3. Minimal Depreciation
You should be aware of the fact that brand-new machinery loses 20-30% of its worth within the first two years. It is similar to what happens when you purchase a new car – it reduces its value as soon as you get out of the dealer’s compound. However, used industrial equipment has already passed through this steep depreciation curve. So, buying old machines implies buying them at almost their long-term worth.
On the contrary; used equipment has already passed through this sharp depreciation curve. In other words, it is a way of acquiring equipment that’s much more akin to its eventual price point. For instance, if ever you choose to sell it again at some point down the line, you are less likely to suffer huge losses. To illustrate the point; Xerox sells refurbished Versant 180 digital presses which were originally priced at $120,000 for just $65,000 three years afterward. Therefore retaining value can be extremely important especially when contemplating upgrades or reselling in future.
4. Availability of Reliable, High-Quality Equipment
In regards to the industrial printing machines, “used” does not imply a lower quality. Companies such as Komori, Heidelberg and Roland have built strong reputations for making long-lasting equipment that can serve for over fifteen or twenty years if maintained well.
Additionally, many of the second-hand machines have been preserved in exceptionally good condition or even completely reconditioned so that they work like new ones after purchase. Although some signs of usage may be evident on these types of devices, they could still perform perfectly for many years.
For instance on Komori Lithrone S40 which was first introduced in 2004, lots of those are still functioning perfectly and can be bought from the second-hand market at a token price. There is also a possibility that vendors could overhaul various salient features of some components in order to bring them back into their original condition making it perfect for small businesses that are looking at scaling.
5. Faster Acquisition
Not wasting time is not just a saying, it is the way things are done when one is involved in production or growth process because there should be no long interruptions. That’s why it is known that time is money. Buying second hand machines means that one does not have to wait for a new device to be made, tested and transported which may consume 6-8 months sometimes.
For instance, Goss International, which is among the leading printing machine manufacturers notes that new custom made machines may take a year to produce while those that have been refurbished are shipped within one month. By so doing, you get to your customers’ needs faster as you do not have any delays after the purchase of old machines.
If time is not on your side or if you need replacements for worn out equipment soonest possible; then going for second hand machines is an effective way of ensuring that production continues without stopping. This is particularly advantageous to small-scale businesses with limited time frames and seasonal demand patterns.
6. Flexibility and Scalability of Industrial Printing Machinery Businesses
Small businesses often need to adapt quickly to changing market demands. Used industrial printing machinery provides the flexibility to scale without the enormous financial burden that comes with purchasing new.
For example, Franklin Printing in Maine, USA, opted to purchase several used presses instead of one new one, allowing them to increase their production capacity without overextending their budget. By 2019, they reported a 40% increase in production output due to their investment in second-hand equipment.
If you’re testing out a new printing service or expanding your product line, used machinery offers a low-risk way to experiment. If things don’t work out, you won’t feel as financially strapped.
7. Easy Access to Spare Parts and Support
There are several available spare parts for older machines and most repair technicians know the older models thus reducing time and cost of repair. This prevents excessive downtimes that can disrupt production plans and inconvenience customers.
In contrast to newer machines, it is easier to get what you want from used equipment preventing long periods of inactivity in the course of which a company cannot operate as we have seen in our discussions above.
In a 2022 industry report by PrintWeek, technicians reported that spare parts for machines like the Heidelberg GTO 52, which has been in production since 1980, are far easier to come by than parts for newer machines that might have proprietary or specialized components. It’s no surprise that many print shops rely on older machines that are easy and cost-effective to maintain.
8. Lower Learning Curve in this Field
When an older or used model is purchased, one is often rewarded with a less complicated, more well-known interface therefore reducing on the time spent for training. In case your workers have had past exposure in industrial printing, they might already know how to operate similar older models hence a shorter learning curve.
For someone who is completely new to industrial printing, it is obvious that older models are easier interface-wise therefore simpler to learn. This will help speed up the whole process since there are no steep training expenses like those associated with newer and more complex machines.
For better understanding let us take an example; in 2020 during an interview with Forbes, Tom Quinlan CEO of RR Donnelley said that the Manroland 700 series, one of the oldest printing machines still in use today requires very little training for seasoned machine operators to operate them enabling companies to meet production targets much sooner.
So this way it not only saves on time but also minimizes a lot of production errors which come about as a result of unfamiliar and newer technologies.
9. Environmentally Friendly Choice
In this era where every sector is focused on sustainability, purchasing pre-owned industrial printing equipment degenerates into inputting into a circular economy. By reusing older machines, there is less need for new production resulting in reduced total industrial waste and consumption of resources.
As reported in 2021 by The European Federation of Print and Allied Industries, manufacturing new printing machines’ carbon footprint can be reduced by 50-60% through the reuse of already existing ones. Furthermore, environmentally friendly second hand printers make it possible to present your company as an environmentally friendly organization targeting eco-conscious clients.
So, dear reader! Instead of a machine ending up in a landfill, you’re giving it a second life. Not only is this good for the planet, but it’s also something you can market to your customers—positioning your small business as eco-conscious and socially responsible.
10. Access to Niche Equipment
Age-old equipment has certain functionalities that may not be offered by their latest versions, particularly in terms of specialized printing services. The market for used machines is rich with all kinds of niche tools that are no longer manufactured but are still very much needed in some places.
Business owners who require printing or finishing services that are not popular nowadays may find themselves getting used machines that suit them. As such you will be able to use devices that might not be available from the market right now but fit your business perfectly.
Yet, if you are not clear, then here is a true example for you. Certain older models of the Ryobi 3302 offer unique features for high-quality color offset printing that newer models may not. Print shops focusing on specialized, low-run production often seek out these types of machines in the used market to cater to niche markets without having to invest in costly, custom-built new machinery.
Challenges to Consider Before Buying Used Industrial Printing Machinery
It’s not all sunshine and roses when it comes to buying pre-owned industrial printing machinery. Even though it has a lot of merits. Among the foremost factors that require consideration is the physical state of the equipment. Before purchasing any second-hand machine make sure that you have examined it closely. Alternatively consider purchasing one from a well-known seller who offers warranty or guarantee services.
Certified reuse businesses such as Global Graphics Machinery warranty on their used machines; thus they are assured of quality as well as peace of mind.
Moreover, it is essential that you are sourcing from an honest dealer so that you do not end up with unexpected surprises. Carry out your due diligence and buy from sellers with good reputation, auction houses or licensed dealers in pre-owned machines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we now summarize by stating that the competitive printing industry, smart financial decisions are key to staying ahead. For small businesses, purchasing second-hand industrial printing equipment can yield similar output at a minimal cost. The used machinery market offers a lot of advantages for firms that want to expand without straining their finances. These include: saving as much as 60% and getting quicker returns on investment, gaining access to niche equipment as well as environmental benefits.
By considering the above stated 10 important factors, you will be able to make an informed choice about used Industrial printing machinery. If you are looking for new printing machinery, ensure that you don’t write off used machinery. It’s because it might turn out to be the best investment you could have made this year.
