What's the most efficient copier out there?

Hi,

I'm looking to launch a home-based business specializing in printing business cards, restaurant menus, and similar items.

I'm trying to figure out which copier/printer setup would be the best investment for high-volume production.🙂 I want to know exactly what features to prioritize; I don't want to end up buying a machine where the ink costs eat my entire profit margin.🙂

Thanks in advance,

Lp

Drew Ward2 said:Hey guys,

I’m looking to kick off a little home business doing business cards, restaurant menus, and stuff like that.

So I'm wondering which copier (and printer) would be the best move if I want to handle high-volume orders.🙂 I really need to know what to look out for—I don't want to buy something where the ink costs end up eating all my profit.🙂

Thanks in advance,

Lp

Mission impossible

Why?

Because if you want to make business cards, you need a printer that can actually handle heavy 200-250 gsm cardstock without jamming.

If you try to do everything on one machine, you'll eventually wreck the paper feeder, and then it won't even pull standard 80 gsm office paper properly.

Basically, you should probably get two separate machines. You definitely shouldn't be trying to run your high-volume business card jobs through a standard office copier.
OK?

rustysurfer79 said:That’s an impossible mission.

Why?

Because if you want to print business cards, you need a printer that can handle 80–100 lb cardstock without jamming.

If you force heavy stock through a cheap machine, you'll eventually wreck the paper feeder, and then it won't even pull standard 20 lb office paper correctly.

Essentially, you should get two separate devices. Use one specifically for copying heavy cardstock, and don't try to run your business cards through the same unit you use for everyday printing.
OK?

Fair enough. I don't actually need it for thin paper. Can you recommend something specifically geared toward business cards and similar projects that isn't a total ink hog? What specs should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance.

Drew Ward2 said:Alright, perfect—I don't actually need it for thinner paper then! Can you recommend something that would work specifically for business cards and stuff like that? I want to keep ink costs low. What should I be looking out for?

Thanks in advance!

Look, if we're talking strictly from experience...

Is the HP Business Inkjet 1100 + CISS actually any good? Looking for something in that class. $500
I don't know what you're getting at here. You just dropped "or" and nothing else? Give me something to work with!
The Canon IP 1800 + CISS is in a league of its own. $200

or

The EPSON SC 660 + CISS is in a league of its own. $333

It really just boils down to print quality and how long the ink actually lasts.

The print head lasts about 50,000 to 80,000 copies. If it finally gives up on you, you just swap it out when needed. $83 No clue what you're getting at. You've gotta give me something to work with here.
It lasts for about 10,000 prints, assuming you swap out the heads whenever they start acting up. So yeah, basically 100%. $50 It’s all in your head.
You’re looking at a lifespan of about 5,000 to 8,000 prints. As for the print quality? It's top-tier.

The main difference compared to the current Epson models is that this one actually comes with a paper feeder set at a 45-degree angle.
2. under $60

So, here's the deal: Option 1 uses a cloth sheet, but it grabs the paper across its entire width. Option 2 just has one tiny roller on the right side, while Option 3 features two small rollers—one on each side.

Most of the models out there right now only take paper pairs under 80 sheets and they’re stuck with just one roller. I've seen some HP setups where you get a single side feeder, and honestly? It’s pretty mid if you're trying to run heavy stock. Not exactly ideal.

And if you’re looking for a solution where you don't have to compromise on anything, then you've gotta go with...

Got a Rex Rotary GX 3350 + with that extra rear manual tray, plus some permanent cartridges and the gel ink to go with them.
== $267 + $333 + $500 It’s basically like having 40 cartridges. You just run them until they're empty and toss them in the trash.

When you lay it all out on the table, a single Canon IP 1800 + CISS is actually a pretty sweet deal if you're looking for a little love.

Thanks, I sent you a friend request on Facebook. If I run into anything else, I'll reach out.