Debunking Common Myths About Buying Used Printing Equipment

As you’re growing or upgrading your printing business, the idea of purchasing used equipment may raise a few initial concerns. Misconceptions about used equipment being unreliable or costing more in the long run often hold businesses back from exploring the potential benefits. Buying pre-owned printing machinery can actually be one of the most strategic moves for printing professionals and manufacturing business owners.

By debunking common myths about buying used printing equipment, you’ll gain the insight needed to make informed decisions that support your business goals. Let’s dive into the most persistent myths and uncover the facts.

Myth #1: Used Equipment Is Defective

One of the most common and misleading assumptions about purchasing used printing equipment is that it won’t work. Many people believe used items will arrive broken or barely functioning. However, the reality is often quite different.

Businesses sell their printing equipment for numerous reasons that have nothing to do with defects in the machinery. Here are a few examples:

• Upgrading to a newer model: An industrial printing company might upgrade to a new machine due to changing production needs. Their old equipment could be in great working condition, but they’ve decided to trade it in for something with a different capacity or set of features.
• Reducing scale: Print shops that are downsizing or refocusing their services could be doing so for personal reasons or in response to market shifts. When this happens, they often sell equipment that's still in excellent shape.
• Business closure: Unfortunately, when businesses close, their high-quality assets, such as offset presses or paper inserters, enter the secondary market.
• End of equipment lease term: Some businesses test out a new market or product offering by renting equipment instead of buying it. When a business’s equipment lease term ends, they may choose to return it, and it will go up for sale.

These are just a few examples of why used printing equipment could be on the market— and none of them are related to defects. Don't overlook the potential value and savings you can find in pre-owned machines.

Plus, a reputable dealer would never list defective equipment. High-quality used machines are inspected and restored by sellers before they go on the market.

Myth #2: Used Equipment Is Expensive in the Long Run

At first glance, investing in new machinery might seem like a safer financial option. However, this view often underestimates the true cost-effectiveness of buying used machinery.

Upfront Cost

Used printing equipment often comes with significant cost savings compared to brand-new options. Plus, depreciation rates for machinery and equipment are high, so when you buy brand-new, you’re paying a premium price for something that will quickly lose its value. Buying pre-owned equipment allows you to allocate funds elsewhere in your business, whether it goes towards marketing, training, or additional staffing.

Long-Term Costs

When considering the long-term repair costs, keep in mind that all equipment—new and old—requires maintenance. A well-maintained printing press can operate for decades without any major issues when you follow proper servicing schedules.

Many reputable sellers provide warranties on used equipment, ensuring their customers’ peace of mind. Also, spare parts for older models are often easier to source than newly launched models. Plus, aftermarket options for spare parts can reduce repair costs.

Myth #3: Used Equipment Is Unreliable

Reliability is always a concern when making a significant investment, and printing machinery is no exception. But labeling all used equipment as unreliable is far from accurate.

Used printing equipment, especially from trusted dealers, is thoroughly tested and repaired before it’s listed for resale. Reputable sellers take the extra step of cleaning and inspecting every machine they handle—ensuring it’s running at its best when it reaches you. If you want to be extra diligent, here are a few tips to ensure the reliability of your used equipment:

• Check maintenance records: Request service records to understand how the equipment has been cared for by previous owners.
• Buy from certified suppliers: Certified equipment dealers often deliver more reliable machines compared to private sellers.
• Schedule professional inspections: An independent inspection can give you confidence in the machine’s overall condition.

By taking these steps, you’ll give yourself every reason to trust that your used equipment can provide dependable service.

Myth #4: Used Equipment Lacks Technological Advancements

If you think buying used means falling behind on the latest technology, think again. Many pre-owned printing machines offer advanced features that will meet or even exceed your operational needs.

For example, wide-format printers or digital presses from the past few years all come jam-packed with features to support versatile printing services. Many models have proven capable of handling sophisticated jobs well into their lifecycle.

Additionally, businesses sell equipment for reasons unrelated to age, so you might find relatively new models hitting the resale market. This gives you access to cutting-edge features without the hefty price tag.

If you’re worried about outdated technology, look for machines that support technological upgrades or add-ons such as software updates. This flexibility ensures that your equipment evolves with your needs and industry standards.

Myth #5: You Can’t Get Support for Used Equipment

There’s a common notion that if you buy equipment from any source other than the manufacturer, you won’t receive any customer support. However, this is far from true when you source from a reliable seller.

Reputable sellers of pre-owned printing equipment frequently provide warranties, which can range from a few months to up to a year, depending on the dealer. Many vendors also offer post-purchase support services with trained professionals to troubleshoot or repair your equipment. They can also provide hassle-free setup services to ensure your machine arrives at your location in perfect condition.

When you buy from a reliable source, you’ll gain access to a network of service providers who can keep your equipment running smoothly.

Expand Your Business With Used Printing Equipment

By debunking these common myths about buying used printing equipment, it’s clear that pre-owned machines hold immense potential for business owners. They come with cost-saving benefits, cutting-edge capabilities, and dependable functionality—all while offering excellent support.

If you’re evaluating options for your next equipment upgrade or replacement, consider looking into used machinery as a smart, budget-friendly alternative. Whether you need used large-format printers or mailing solutions, a well-chosen piece of used equipment can help your business grow.

Asset Liquidity International is your ally for your printing operation’s needs. Explore our collection of expertly refurbished printing equipment today.