You'll find plenty of information online about the questions you should answer before you choose the right ID card printer for your organization's needs and budget. For example, do you want to print on a single side or both sides of your ID cards, how many cards a year will you print, do you want extra security features, etc.? But what no one shares are the questions you should ask the vendor before you buy an ID card printing solution.
Here are six questions that could mean the difference between a good business decision and one that leaves you wanting more.
Can I see different printers operating before I buy?
You test drive cars before you buy them. Why shouldn't you test drive your ID card printer? To ensure your investment, find a vendor with a showroom to let you "test drive" various printer models to see what makes the most sense for your company's needs and budget.
What some vendors suggest is best for your company might not actually function the way you need it to. A vendor with a show room lets you see the printers, how big/compact they are, and even how loud they are to operate. Your ID card printer will be in your facilities, so you need to see it for several reasons. You need to make sure it will fit where you want it located, and you need to make sure the printer isn't disruptive for employees working in the area.
How long have you been in business?
Every business has a starting point. Find one who's been around the block a time or two. When you partner with an ID card solution vendor, you need to know it's no fly-by-night operation. And you also need to know you have someone who stands behind their products, services them, and is there when you need help.
For example, Idesco has been in the ID card printing solution business for over 75 years. The reason we've been in business so long is we believe in the products we sell; we service everything we sell, and we believe you shouldn't pay an arm and a leg to have the best ID card printing solution available.
Look for an ID card solution vendor who's been in business a while, guarantees their products and prices, and has happy customers who keep coming back.
Do you service the equipment you sell?
What happens if you buy an ID card printing solution from a vendor who doesn't service the equipment they sell? It's not the end of the world, actually. But you need to work with the manufacturer which can get a little tricky.
Look for a vendor who services what they sell. But not just anyone; you need a partner with highly trained service technicians who understand every manufacturer, every model, and every system. Some vendors only service certain makes and models. Make sure whoever you buy an ID card printing system from is an expert in servicing your brand and model.
What is your service response time?
This is an often-overlooked question of customer service. Beware the vendors who assure you they service everything they sell and ask to see the fine print. What is their service response time? Can they guarantee that you'll get service within 48 hours or less? If not, you must decide if you can afford for your ID card program to be down for an extended period.
Many organizations today need a highly functional ID card printing solution. Being down for over 48 hours can bring some operations to a grinding halt that costs money and resources. If you need your employee or student ID card program up and running quickly, make sure you choose a vendor with an acceptable service response time.
Do you offer loaner printers or an extended warranty program?
One way to mitigate downtime for your ID card program is through an extended warranty program that offers you a loaner printer to use while yours is being serviced. This means you're never without an operating system.
Extended warranties also help you control costs over the long-term. Look for a vendor who offers an extended warranty that covers your printing solution beyond what the manufacturer provides. And make sure the extended warranty includes a loaner printer in case yours breaks down.
What do you guarantee?
Few ID card printer vendors offer any guarantee beyond what the manufacturer provides on its equipment. A reputable, confident vendor will not only guarantee their service, but will offer guaranteed lowest prices.
Make sure you read the fine print. Some vendors who offer guaranteed lowest prices have too many restrictions and exclusions to make it workable. Find a vendor who offers the guaranteed lowest prices among any of their peers. Period. No exclusions or restrictions. You find a competitor with a lower price, and you're guaranteed the vendor will meet or beat that price. No questions asked.
Final thoughts
There's a reason no other ID card printing solution vendor published these questions online. At Idesco, we can help you find the right ID card printing solution to meet your business, security, and budget needs. We'll do it for the guaranteed lowest price, and you can come to our showroom and test drive any system first. Take the uncertainty out of buying online by partnering with Idesco for all your ID card printing needs. Call an ID Expert now at (212) 889-2530