Hewlett Packard Announces a Price Increase on Original HP LaserJet Printer Cartridges effective January 1st, 2012.

HP will increase the Cartridge prices of its popular Line of Business Laser Printers and Multifunction Printers (MFPs), the HP LaserJet by approximately 2%. But more importantly HP will increase list prices on twenty-seven (27) select HP legacy toner cartridges from 12-17%. Legacy Toner Cartridges are supplies used in “Legacy” Printer Models such as the ageing HP LaserJet 4000, 4100, Color LaserJet 4600, etc.

While the announced increase does not include ink, HP is increasing the price on select parts, drums, and maintenance kits. According to HP, these price increases are in response to global economic conditions, including currency volatility.

Xerox, Canon, LexMark & Ricoh also are implementing pricing increases on their Printer & Copier Supply items early in 2012.

In 2012 print will continue to be replaced with gadgets & applications, emailed .pdf documents, etc. Despite this, it doesn’t make any sense to have no control or even to be able to budget for printing and imaging processes related to printers, MFPs, copiers, fax, etc.

Managed Print Services (MPS) Programs offered by your local “Printer Guy” can insulate the business from both price increases and declining volume needs so that you can concentrate on your core business and mission.
My advice would be not to commit to any volume on your printers and copiers going forward, your printing needs will decline. I know your “Copier Guy” wants to get that Copier and Printer Volume Contract signed ASAP, don’t do it!

Do you think there is Value in having Fixed Costs going forward for 36–60 months that are based on the volume that your enterprise creates? And not on the volumes you did yesteryear when print was the primary process tool.