The Hidden Costs of Buying Printers Online And How UBS Helps You Avoid Them

Jul 11, 2025

In the age of overnight shipping and one-click purchases, it’s tempting to buy office printers online from big-box retailers or eCommerce giants. The prices often look appealing, the specs seem to match your needs, and the convenience is undeniable. But for many businesses, what starts as a cost-saving decision can quickly turn into a costly mistake.

At Universal Business Solutions (UBS), we’ve seen it all—companies stuck with incompatible hardware, overpaying for ink, or scrambling to troubleshoot without support. While online deals may look great on paper, the real cost often lies beneath the surface.

Here’s what every business should consider before hitting “add to cart”—and how UBS offers a smarter, safer alternative.

The True Cost of Buying Printers Online

Buying a printer online is not inherently wrong. But without expert guidance, businesses frequently overlook several hidden pitfalls:

Mismatch Between Printer and Usage Needs

Online specs rarely tell the whole story. A printer that’s perfect for occasional home use may choke under the demands of a busy office. Conversely, you might overspend on features your team doesn’t need. At UBS, we help you match the right model to your real-world workflow.

Skyrocketing Ink and Toner Costs

Many low-priced printers use expensive ink as their profit model. The device is cheap—but you’ll be locked into costly cartridge replacements that add up fast. UBS evaluates total cost of ownership and recommends solutions like Epson EcoTank or high-yield Brother printers to keep long-term costs in check.

No Setup or Network Integration

When your printer arrives in a box, the setup is on you. That includes connecting to your network, configuring drivers, and enabling mobile printing. UBS provides on-site setup, remote support, and fleet integration for seamless performance from day one.

Lack of Warranty Support or Repairs

Online sellers often redirect warranty claims to manufacturers, leaving you without immediate help if something goes wrong. UBS offers local support, extended coverage, and priority service to keep your office running smoothly.

No Training or Ongoing Maintenance

New features mean new learning curves. Without proper onboarding, your team may underutilize key functions or waste time troubleshooting. UBS not only trains your staff—we provide scheduled maintenance and supply monitoring to optimize uptime.

The UBS Alternative: Expert Guidance, Real Support

At UBS, we believe printer purchases should be strategic—not stressful. Here’s how we help you avoid the traps of buying online:

  • We consult with your team to assess print volume, output types, and connectivity needs.
  • We recommend the best-fit models based on cost-efficiency, reliability, and future scalability.
  • We deliver and install your equipment, integrating it into your network and training your staff.
  • We monitor your ink, toner, and paper, offering automatic resupply and smart usage tracking.
  • We support your team locally, offering service-level agreements and rapid repairs.

When You Partner with UBS, You Get More Than a Printer

You get peace of mind, long-term cost savings, and a team that’s genuinely invested in your success. Whether you need one inkjet printer or a fleet of color copiers, we help you make the right decision the first time—no guesswork, no surprises.

Don’t Let a Printer Become a Problem. Choose UBS Instead.

Before you buy online, talk to the experts at Universal Business Solutions. We’ll help you compare models, understand costs, and choose a solution that works today—and for years to come.

Your print environment should be a tool, not a burden. Let UBS make it work smarter for your business.

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