Finding a supplier for printing equipment and supplies is not too difficult. Partnering with the provider who can offer the most value to your business is a different story.
Many print providers are focused on enterprise accounts that generate large revenue streams, with complex contracts and written agreements that eliminate the flexibility that small businesses (SMBs) need to control printing costs and remain competitive.
Working with a locally owned and operated company that takes the time to understand your business needs can be beneficial in many ways.
1. Provides Better Customer Service
Printing represents a considerable expense for small businesses. In fact, total printing costs may amount to as much as 3% of revenue for some SMBs. A locally owned provider is part of your community and business climate and will take a personal interest in supplying customers with superior products and services.
Your local print provider is there when you need them. If you run short of supplies due to unexpected print volumes, or need repair services quickly, you gain the benefit of a business partner who is close by and can respond to your calls with a sense of urgency.
Face-to-face contact builds trust in your supplier and a better understanding of your needs. Both add up to better customer service from your local print provider.
2. Caters to Your Needs
Working with a local business to manage your printing functions means much more than great service. Technology changes at a rapid pace, and your local print provider knows how new features may benefit your business with new workflow tools that foster business efficiency.
Workflow is an important factor in improving office productivity and saving printing expenses. Local print providers can guide you on how installing new printers and implementing managed print services can contribute to your bottom line.
On-site training is essential for maximizing the investment in printing technology. Scheduling training and conducting sessions is greatly simplified when the trainers are nearby. This also saves training costs due to no travel requirements.
3. Saves You Time and Money
Print providers who are locally owned and operated have the expertise and experience to survey your business operation in person and make cost-effective recommendations that suit your business:
- Eliminate outdated equipment that takes up space and wastes electricity
- Reduce the number of printers with a more efficient and feature-rich multifunction printer
- Implement managed print services to optimize productivity and reduce printed copies
- Create a cost-effective program of supply management and recycling of cartridges
- Improve document security with digital document storage and integrated printer security
Local providers also save SMBs time and money by dealing with a single supplier for equipment, software, supplies, and service. This simplifies operations by providing a single point of contact for all print-related needs.
4. Provides Flexibility in Managing Contracts and Service Agreements
As business needs change, your local print provider will normally offer a much higher level of flexibility in updating or renegotiating contracts.
While contracts are an essential component of establishing business expectations and commitments, local providers can be much more lenient and respectful of your changing print requirements than national companies or large enterprises.
5. Supports Your Community
Locally owned print providers have an investment in the community and the customers they support. Building a relationship with a supplier you trust offers not only better service, but faster response and personalized attention.
As a small local business, your supplier has a vested interest in helping your SMB succeed. Larger companies may not offer local contacts or personal services that are available from smaller print providers in your own vicinity.
Local sourcing contributes to the success of SMBs and the communities they serve. Print services operating locally can typically respond to your needs more quickly, installing printers, consulting, and servicing more readily than companies located in other cities, states, or countries.
Doing business with local suppliers has multiple benefits to the community including adding jobs and increasing tax revenue. This also contributes to your brand image for residents, who are aware of your commitment to their city or locality.
Cartridge World Quad Cities – Your Local Source for Print Services
Partnering with Cartridge World Quad Cities offers our customers many benefits:
- Modern multifunction printers from industry leaders such as HP, Canon, Lexmark, and others
- Best value in printer supplies: toner, cartridges, maintenance kits, etc.
- Superior service from trained technicians that can get to you faster
- Reduced environmental impact from lower power requirements and reduced paper use
- Operator training for all equipment
- Implementation of managed print services and workflow
- Variety of financial arrangements, including leasing and our no-cost printer option
Contact the professionals at Cartridge World for a comprehensive evaluation of your printing needs and to learn how our locally owned and operated business can benefit your operation.