South Africa\u2019s printer market is experiencing a shift, driven by a combination of economic pressure and renewed business investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Statista, the local printer and copier market reached $61.1 million in revenue in 2024, with a projected 2% growth in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Businesses are once again exploring new print technology, but buyers should focus on total cost of ownership (TCO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Industry experts, including a Kyocera spokesperson, note that total cost of ownership (TCO) remains the most crucial factor in purchasing decisions, often misunderstood or overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gareth Fletcher<\/strong>, Corporate Sales Manager at Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa says \u201cTo support informed buying decisions, businesses should consider key factors such as TCO savings, energy efficiency, and sustainable design. Kyocera\u2019s ECOSYS models, for instance, reduce long-term operational costs and address load-shedding concerns with their low energy consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He suggests that companies compile a TCO comparison chart when considering a printer purchase, so that they can see the cost savings over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt makes a compelling case for strategic investment and looking ahead, the prediction is that businesses prioritising TCO and efficiency will gain a competitive edge,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKyocera offers tailored assessments to help organisations optimise print strategies, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals,\u201d says Fletcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This market shift signals an opportunity for businesses to invest in smarter, cost-efficient print solutions that align with their long-term operational objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TCO measures a printer’s full lifetime cost, including consumables, energy, and maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kyocera, long known for its durable and eco-friendly devices, helps businesses lower costs through long-life components and energy-saving technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many leaders recognise that Total cost of ownership (TCO) remains a crucial factor in purchasing decisions, a comprehensive understanding of all contributing factors\u2014such as consumables, energy costs, and maintenance is often overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IDC research highlights that organisations prioritising TCO rather than focusing solely on purchase price can achieve significant long-term savings, with some businesses reporting up to 30% cost reductions over five years by implementing strategic infrastructure solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fletcher says \u201cI always remind my clients ~ Pay less now or save more forever\u2014TCO makes the call.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample of a TCO comparison chart for printers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n Factor<\/span><\/th>\n Printer Model A<\/span><\/th>\n Printer Model B<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n \n Purchase price<\/strong><\/td>\n R0,000<\/td>\n R0,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Toner cost per page<\/strong><\/td>\n R0.00<\/td>\n R0.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Drum replacement cost<\/strong><\/td>\n Included (Long-life)<\/td>\n R0,000 (Every 50k pages)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Energy cost (annually)<\/strong><\/td>\n R0.00<\/td>\n R0.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Maintenance (5 years)<\/strong><\/td>\n R0.00<\/td>\n R0.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Total cost (5 years)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n R0.00<\/td>\n R0.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Understanding TCO and why it matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A practical guide for choosing the right printer in 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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