Print as a path to profitability: Printer vs a Lab

I have owned the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 for a while now and can honestly say I get excited every time a print comes out. As we also have a graphic design and web division in the business, we use the printer to output presentation designs and other design elements from time to time and the colour representation is out of this world.

My previous printer brand turned my goatee grey with all the issues with papers, ink, paper profiles, etc and I can honestly say that using the tools that Canon has created to use the a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, even I can bang out an excellent print without getting hot under the collar. (Pity it won’t put colour back into my goatee…)

What the video covers

I created this video to highlight the profitability of printing your images on your own printer vs using a lab. I have provided costs when using a lab and costs when using a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 to show the differences and hopefully encourage you to use print as a path to profitability.

Now before you get worked up, there is most definitely a case for using a lab and printing your own images – this video covers the costs and you can make up your own mind.

In the video I talk about Increasing sales and profitability, if you already use a lab, the options: using a lab or your own printer, the hardware required, the printing workflow, pricing your prints, cost comparisons between a lab and your own printer using an A2 photo luster paper, Graham Carruthers’ expense calculator, and the printing costs.

Why the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000?

I want to print LARGE! If i could own an A0 printer I would, but it just is not practical. I find the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 has everything I need printing A2 as well as an option to use panoramic paper sizes. As I mentioned earlier, the accounting manager is an excellent cost management tool. All I need to do is add the paper and ink costs into the accounting manager and based on the paper and amount of ink used for the print, it provides me accurate costs per print.

I hope the breakdown will get you thinking about using print as a path to profitability wether using a lab or a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 or a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000.

If you have questions or feedback, please add it to the comments on YouTune channel, the facebook group or in the comments below.

I look forward to hearing your stories about using print as a path to profitability.