When investing in a printer for your business, choosing the right warranty is just as important as the printer itself. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that even with the highest quality printers and the most reliable manufacturers, breakdowns and errors can occur. These issues can be disruptive, slowing down or halting production and potentially costing your business money.
Printer warranties, much like printers themselves, come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more comprehensive than others, offering different levels of coverage. Before purchasing your printer, it’s essential to understand the key features of the warranty to ensure you’re getting the coverage you need.
When you first take delivery of your printer it’s hard to imagine how it will ever have problems but over time it likely something will occur so knowing how long your warranty lasts for is vital. A warranty is a promise to repair or replace your product or remedy any defects that occur during a specified period.
The length of warranty will vary between manufacturers, but the standard length is usually between 1 to 2 years. Some may go as high as five years, although this is more likely to be under an extended warranty which you have to pay for.
It’s worth remembering that while a warranty will cover defects in materials or workmanship, it generally does not cover damage resulting from wear and tear or misuse.
When purchasing your printer remember to ask the dealer about any promotional offers they have available. For example, they might include an extended warranty as part of your initial purchase which can provide additional peace of mind without the extra cost.
Additionally, check if the warranty includes on-site service, meaning an engineer will come to your premises to perform repairs. This is particularly important if it’s a large format printer which is not easily movable.
In the event of an issue with your printer, the process for claiming warranty support should be relatively straightforward. For example, Signmaster will activate your warranty at point of installation for you and then, if you are experiencing any challenges with your machine, always contact us in your first instance and we will try and diagnose the issues. We may be able to assist remotely ourselves, but should we suspect its anything mechanical/electrical that requires a visit under warranty, we will raise a ticket with the manufacturer on your behalf.
If you need to make a claim, you might be asked for proof of purchase and to complete a claims form listing the detail of the breakdown or fault. Our team at Signmaster Systems can help with any warranty queries and assist you if you experience a malfunction.
Most standard warranties last for 1 to 2 years but there are options available for an extended warranty. Extended warranty packages with Signmaster Systems are available in 12-month increments, with options to prepay for 24 or 36 months. These extended warranties are specifically offered for Roland and Mimaki machines. We even have option to extend your warranty via direct debit, which helps keep your outlays down, while still giving you peace of mind that you are still covered. Even if your warranty has expired, it’s often possible to renew it for eligible Roland and Mimaki equipment.. Depending on how long it has been out of warranty you may be asked to provide a nozzle test print picture or require a pre-warranty inspection from the manufacturer.
Choosing the right warranty is a critical step in protecting your printer investment and ensuring uninterrupted business operations. Whether you're looking for basic coverage or extended protection, understanding your warranty options can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
Get in touch with the team at Signmaster Systems today to discuss your options. Our experts can help you choose the most suitable warranty package for your needs and provide ongoing support to keep your printers and your business running smoothly.
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