Should You Rent or Buy a Large Format Plotter?

Generally, renting a plotter offers lower initial costs and more flexibility. This makes it more suitable for short-term printing runs or ever-changing requirements. Conversely, buying a plotter may be worth it if you want to maximise revenue in the long term and maintain total control over printing processes. This option is ideal for companies needing a solution for high-volume runs and extensive operations.

In this article, you'll learn more about whether to get a large format printer for rent or buy in Malaysia based on a number of deciding factors, including cost, usage patterns, and maintenance. Whether you need a printer for architectural drawings, construction blueprints, professional designs, or other customer prints as a business owner, you'll be able to better determine whether to rent or buy a plotter for your operations in this complete guide.

When figuring out whether to get a large format printer for rent or buy in Malaysia, consider the benefits of each:

The following are some of the main items to keep in mind when you rent plotters:

• A cost-effective solution when it comes to upfront costs
• Ideal for short-term print needs
• Works for operations with constantly changing print needs

Meanwhile, here are some of the primary elements that factor into buying a plotter:

• The elimination of monthly rental costs
• More customisability
• Full ownership and the ability to upgrade printers over time

In figuring out whether to go with a large format printer for rent or buy in Malaysia, consider the following key factors:

One major factor to think about before you buy or rent a plotter is the overall size of your business and printing requirements.

If your business is large and prints a large quantity of prints, you'll likely be better off purchasing a large format plotter for your business. The initial costs can be higher with a new printer. But having a printer that can meet long-term print requirements can help you save more money in the long run.

Meanwhile, if your business is smaller or your printing needs are less consistent, it might be worth it to rent a plotter instead. Over time, as your operations expand and printing becomes a more essential part of your business, you may consider buying a dedicated printer.

Also, think about your allotted budget and the costs of printing over time. If you have a lower budget and want to avoid the upfront costs of a new printer, renting a plotter may be more cost-effective. This is because you only need to cover monthly or other fixed rental fees.

However, if your budget allows for it, buying the right plotter can provide you with a long-lasting solution that requires minimal maintenance, repairs, or replacements for more affordable processes. To determine future printing needs, consider conducting a thorough analysis of your current and projected business activities. Evaluate the volume and type of projects you expect to handle. Also, consult departments that frequently require printing services to understand their growth forecasts. Reviewing past printing trends and seeking input from industry experts can help you make informed decisions about your future requirements.

In many cases, when you rent a printer, you get comprehensive maintenance and support services from your rental company, meaning you never need to worry about maintaining or repairing your rented plotter. While renting may seem cost-effective initially, there can be hidden costs associated with this option. These might include charges for exceeding a certain number of prints, fees for early termination of the rental agreement, or additional costs for premium support services. Moreover, if the rented plotter frequently breaks down, the downtime could lead to productivity losses that indirectly increase expenses.

While many companies may leave maintenance up to you when buying, companies like HP offer plenty of support to help you get the most from your plotter after buying. HP's support enhances the ownership experience by providing access to expert guidance and troubleshooting services, ensuring that any issues with the plotter are quickly resolved. This reduces downtime and helps maintain productivity, allowing you to focus on your business operations without worrying about technical problems. Additionally, HP offers software updates and resource materials, which keep your device running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

The benefits of renting a printer include:

• Reduced upfront expenses to help you preserve capital
• Ease of upgrading to new models as needed along with new technologies
• Minimal maintenance responsibility
• Scalability as your business needs change

While renting a printer comes with various pros, there are some cons to consider:

• Higher costs as rental fees exceed the upfront and maintenance costs of buying
• Limited control over your printer and an inability to modify or upgrade the printer model
• Long-term leases often come into play with penalties for early termination

Meanwhile, buying a plotter can come with specific advantages and disadvantages of its own:

Here's why you might want to buy a large format plotter:

• Full control over your equipment, including the ability to customise settings and add compatible supplies
• More cost-effective ownership without the need for monthly fees
• No contractual obligations keeping you tied to a rental company

• Higher upfront costs to purchase
• The risk of obsolescence over time if you don’t upgrade
• Maintenance typically falls under the responsibility of the owner.

As you determine whether to get a large format printer for rent or buy in Malaysia, take the following steps:

Think about whether you need a printer in the short or long term. Are you facing high-volume projects for years to come? Buying might be ideal and more cost-effective as you create processes to keep up with increasing demands.

On the other hand, renting might be more beneficial if you need a printer for only a few projects or don't have the space for a permanent installation.

Also, consider what kinds of printer rentals are available near you and the services they provide. Check reviews of local companies and gauge the convenience of renting a plotter. If you can't find a good rental company near you, you may want to buy from a company like HP to meet your needs.

Here are a couple of key reasons to turn to HP for large format plotters:

You have the option to both rent and buy large format plotters from HP, with plenty of options to choose from based on your requirements.

Find what you need whether you rent or buy a plotter in Malaysia, with some of the most reliable printing equipment available in the country. Find everything from a range of printer models to inks and a wide variety of accessories.

If you're deciding whether to get a large format printer for rent or buy in Malaysia, consider your unique requirements. For long-term solutions that can meet consistent printing demands while saving you money, you might want to buy. Conversely, renting might be your best bet if you only need a printer for a one-off project or don't have the budget for a dedicated printer.

To find the right printer model for your printing operations, take a look at our DesignJet promotions and find what you need at a price you can afford.