It’s a common question for many businesses: when the printer runs low on toner, is it smarter to replace the cartridges or buy a brand-new printer? The answer depends on your print volume, the age of your machine, and the type of printer you use.
At Laserfast, we help businesses across Australia get the best performance and value from their printers. Let’s take a closer look at what really makes sense for your bottom line.
The Real Cost of Replacing Toner
Toner cartridges for laser printers can look expensive at first glance — sometimes hundreds of dollars per unit. But when you calculate the cost per page, they often come out ahead.
A high-yield genuine toner can print thousands of pages with consistent quality. That means less downtime, fewer replacements, and predictable print results.
For businesses on tighter budgets, compatible toners can be a smart option, as long as they come from trusted suppliers. Poor-quality cartridges might save you upfront but can cause print defects or even hardware damage — costing more in the long run.
The Hidden Costs of Buying a New Printer
It’s tempting to see a new printer on sale for under $200 and think it’s the cheaper choice. But many entry-level printers include starter toners that only print a fraction of the standard page yield.
That means within weeks, you’ll be buying new cartridges anyway — and possibly at the same cost as your “cheap” printer.
If you print regularly or run an office, investing in a professional-grade laser printer with low running costs and durable components is far more efficient over time.
Key Things to Consider
Before making a decision, think about:
How much you print each month: Heavy print users benefit from high-yield toners.
The age of your printer: If it’s outdated or hard to find parts for, replacement may make sense.
Maintenance history: Frequent paper jams, error codes, or slow performance signal it’s time for an upgrade.
Sustainability: Replacing toners instead of entire printers is far more environmentally friendly.
Laserfast's Expert Tip
For most businesses, replacing the toner is still the smarter and more economical choice, especially if you’re using a reliable laser printer. But when your printer is older, inefficient, or frequently breaking down, upgrading can save time, reduce energy use, and cut printing costs.