What to look for when buying a used printer?
Mar 28, 2017 07:44:29 #
rando
Loc: Rochester NY
Tomorrow I am going to look at a "barely used" Epson 3880 I found on craigslist. How can I be sure of getting a printer that is in good condition and will last? What should I look for?
Mar 28, 2017 07:49:06 #
rando wrote:
Tomorrow I am going to look at a "barely used" Epson 3880 I found on craigslist. How can I be sure of getting a printer that is in good condition and will last? What should I look for?
"barely used" means absolutely nothing, especially if there is no counter. I would never get a used printer, especially not on craigslist. On ebay you have some backup. Here's what they've sold for recently.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&LH_ItemCondition=3000&_nkw=epson%203880&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684
Mar 28, 2017 07:52:59 #
Mar 28, 2017 08:10:38 #
Mar 28, 2017 08:11:43 #
With the price of new printers being so low and so many incentives, why would you even consider buying used?
Mar 28, 2017 08:12:30 #
Epson refurbished is the way I have gone for years....Excellent condition...Warranty...Epson Website.
Mar 28, 2017 08:46:04 #
PaulR wrote:
Epson refurbished is the way I have gone for years....Excellent condition...Warranty...Epson Website.
Mar 28, 2017 09:29:17 #
rando wrote:
Tomorrow I am going to look at a "barely used" Epson 3880 I found on craigslist. How can I be sure of getting a printer that is in good condition and will last? What should I look for?
Never buy a used printer the seller cannot demonstrate as fully functional before buying it.
As for previous use, Epson's maintenance program will print out a long list of history and usage data.
Mar 28, 2017 15:58:14 #
Around here Craig's List is the first place to look when gear gets stolen. Most of our local PDs will let you do your meet in their parking lot or even station lobby. If the seller won't meet you there, well maybe it is because the Cops know him on a first name basis.
Mar 29, 2017 06:38:12 #
Try before you buy! Printers have chronic issues with tubing/heads clogging. I have seen really big printers sell for under $500, but you better be confident that you can fix it! The less they are used, the more they clog. My Pro 4000 is clogged right now. The result of too much sitting idle. I have had many frustrations using this medium sized printer, though also have made some beautiful prints. I really think most hobbyists would do themselves a favor by letting their labs do the large prints. It may be cheaper in the long run? And more time spent shooting pics rather than running test patterns and doing cleanup cycles. And ink at $500+ a set, yikes!
Mar 29, 2017 08:34:10 #
rando wrote:
Tomorrow I am going to look at a "barely used" Epson 3880 I found on craigslist. How can I be sure of getting a printer that is in good condition and will last? What should I look for?
I have a 4880 and 7800 and an R1800 epson printer so have to print on these machine on a weekly basis or I have heads that clog. I will say if your handy they are easy to repair. I picked up the 7800 for nothingit had been setting for quite a few years. The print count was 11 and the packing foam was still on the stand. I put about 50 dollars in parts and unclogged the print head and it works great. I also went to 3 party ink from inkowl and I have a lot less clogs now. And to be honest I can't tell the difference in my prints. And ink owls service is the best. There is a lot of info on the web about these printers. The price seems a little high they are great printers. I see some on Amazon for 350 dollars. They are finicky but clogs a pretty ease to resolve. Good luck.
Mar 29, 2017 09:37:27 #
The ink will cost you more than the printer. Bite the bullet and get you a new one with ink.
Mar 29, 2017 09:46:46 #
I agree with Jerry. Printers are not expensive - the ink is. I would never purchase a used one.
Mark
Mark
rando wrote:
Tomorrow I am going to look at a "barely used" Epson 3880 I found on craigslist. How can I be sure of getting a printer that is in good condition and will last? What should I look for?
Mar 29, 2017 09:51:45 #
I agree with the rest of the members. You can get a Canon Pro 100 for less then $200 bucks and it is a great printer. You can buy third party ink that works great and can make image up to 13x19
i have seen people selling the pro 100 for a $100; however there is no printer head. What does one do with a headless printer.
i have seen people selling the pro 100 for a $100; however there is no printer head. What does one do with a headless printer.
Mar 29, 2017 10:00:01 #
Folks this is a 17x22 printer...not a 13 x 19. Big difference, but it all depends on how large the OP needs to print.
I'd ask to see it make a print, make sure there are no clogged heads, or weird noises...and if all looks good, then tell them all you brought was $350...and be prepared to walk away (with a new (used) printer. I wouldn't pay more than that...and I may even start at $300.
I'd ask to see it make a print, make sure there are no clogged heads, or weird noises...and if all looks good, then tell them all you brought was $350...and be prepared to walk away (with a new (used) printer. I wouldn't pay more than that...and I may even start at $300.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.