Broken Point of Sale Receipt Printers - Repair or Replace?

Prices of computer hardware continues to drop in price and increase in features and functions. This is to the advantage of the consumer. However, many consumers do not take full advantage of this situation.

Point of sale equipment that is computer based follows this pattern of drops in price and increase in features. An entire industry flourishes behind a cloak of mystery regarding point of sale hardware, software and systems. In large part, business owners continue to pour money into the pockets of dealers who continue to overcharge for repair and replacement parts, including printers.

POS Printer Repair - What you get

Let's take a look at what most people do with a broken printer. They will attempt to repair the printer through their local dealer.

A call is placed to the dealer who will ask questions of the business owner to determine if the printer is truly broken or if the problem could be a software, cable or power issue. Yes, there are truly repair calls that are solved by properly plugging the printer power supply into the electrical outlet.

If the printer is determined to be broken a technician will come to pick it up. If there is a prior agreement with the dealer a temporary loaner printer may be substituted while the repairs are done.

Many dealers have now gone to a flat-fee for printer repairs. They will charge this fee plus parts to repair the printer. Parts are charged at full list price and will range as high as $125 - $150. Charges higher than that are generally not charged as they exceed the cost of a new printer.

In total, the charge to repair a POS printer should never exceed $300 as you could get a new printer for that amount. However, a repaired printer will not carry forward the full warranty like a new printer will. You will probably only have a 30 - 90 day warranty on the repairs. That means if this same printer goes down again in 91 days you are going to have to do this all over again.

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