As more and more printer resellers are turning to virtual demos or simply sending samples rather than taking the time and effort to undertake a traditional demo, we take a look at the pros and cons of the new way and the old way. It’s time to ask – and answer – the question: are traditional demos dead?

The dilemma
Buying a printer represents a substantial outlay for most businesses, so it’s critical to make the right decision. But how do you choose between so many different printing technologies and a multitude of manufacturers? You’ve got to make the right choice for your budget and for the type of printing you’re going to need your device to do. How can you be sure you’re getting enough information on which to base your decision – do you want a traditional demo or are virtual demos or samples enough?

The traditional demo
This is probably how you bought your last printer. Your supplier will invite you to see the printer in action, during which they’ll print out a file that you’ve supplied, enabling you to compare the quality of the demo to your current printer. Seeing the machine in action will allow you a first-hand view of how it works, how to load the media and how to clean it. You can see exactly what speed it prints at and how the RIP works with the printer. The downside is that you have to go to the printer – it can’t come to you. But when you’re spending a substantial sum of money for a printer that will last a number of years, it’s probably worth the effort.

The virtual demo
Your supplier will come to your place of work armed with a laptop or a tablet and show you a video of the printer in action, as well as bringing some samples of its work. If you’re short of time or don’t want to travel, this may be the option you go for – but despite seeing the same thing, you’re not really seeing the printer up close. How important this is to you may depend on what you’re looking at. If you’re buying from a brand that you trust, or from a line of printers you’ve had before, this may be enough – but if you’re looking at something that’s new to you, possibly not. You’ll be shown a perfect demo of the printer in action – but is it too perfect?

Samples only
By taking a decision on the basis of samples only, you’ll be missing out on the chance to see the printer in action and to have your supplier talk you through all the benefits of one model over another. Of course, the quality of the print is the most important thing, but other factors come into the decision including the printer’s size, speed of output, how easy it is to use and maintain, and so on. Samples alone can’t give you insight into these issues, so buying a printer on the basis of just seeing samples is very high risk.

So, are traditional demos dead?
For us, the answer to that question has to be ‘no’. We believe that the traditional printer demo is here to stay. Not only do you get to see the printer in action, but it helps to build a relationship between the buyer and the supplier. When we talk to you and show you a printer, we can get a better idea of how you’re going to use it and that helps us to give you the best advice for what you need. If you rely on your printer to make money, taking the time for a proper demo is still the best way to ensure that you make the right choice for your business. Virtual demos and samples can be a useful part of the process, but they are certainly not enough to base a major business decision on.

If you’d like to arrange a demo of a printer, email us at sales@sedoltd.co.uk or call 01268 724570.